LowWatt
06-30-2008, 11:02 AM
I've been using my Tweed Deluxe without a hitch for the last two weeks and I figured it was time to write a review of the whole experience.
I had always wanted to build an amp, but had no electronics experience past building several BYOC pedals and rewiring a few guitars. I wasn't sure I could do it and the risk on an amp kit is definitely a bit higher financially and in terms of physical danger (electrocution?) compared with a pedal. I checked out every thread that showed builds in progress and made sure there were other people with my limited experience that were also successful.
Once I was confident I could do it, I ordered the kit from Stephen. When I received it I checked all the parts against the parts list and then put them aside until I had read his instruction manual cover to cover (very well written by the way). He even sent me another copy so that I could read it during down time at work. I went totally OCD and tried to make sure I understood everything I was doing and why.
In the end, it payed off. Other than one non-life threatening error, the amp was perfect. I missed one wire because of follwing another thread a little too close. Stephen (through the Trinity Amps forums) quickly helped me work down the troubleshooting list, checking voltages, tubes, continuity and I was able to quickly find the missing wire and go.
Using NOS tubes throughout and a well broken in Red Fang Alnico speaker that I got from rwe333, I was floored by the tone. Rich, 3D, warm. It has that swirly cleans quality you get from the best Fender amps. Crank it up and it gets a thick and nasty beautiful distortion.
The Trinity Tweed Deluxe almost instantly pushed my Dr. Z Maz Jr. to the side (and I loved that amp). Now the Z has been traded for a higher wattage head (needed it for the current band).
I can't say enough about how good the experience was and how happy I am with the results.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x319/lowwatt/guitar/DSC01862.jpg
The curve to the amp in the picture is from my camera lens.
I had always wanted to build an amp, but had no electronics experience past building several BYOC pedals and rewiring a few guitars. I wasn't sure I could do it and the risk on an amp kit is definitely a bit higher financially and in terms of physical danger (electrocution?) compared with a pedal. I checked out every thread that showed builds in progress and made sure there were other people with my limited experience that were also successful.
Once I was confident I could do it, I ordered the kit from Stephen. When I received it I checked all the parts against the parts list and then put them aside until I had read his instruction manual cover to cover (very well written by the way). He even sent me another copy so that I could read it during down time at work. I went totally OCD and tried to make sure I understood everything I was doing and why.
In the end, it payed off. Other than one non-life threatening error, the amp was perfect. I missed one wire because of follwing another thread a little too close. Stephen (through the Trinity Amps forums) quickly helped me work down the troubleshooting list, checking voltages, tubes, continuity and I was able to quickly find the missing wire and go.
Using NOS tubes throughout and a well broken in Red Fang Alnico speaker that I got from rwe333, I was floored by the tone. Rich, 3D, warm. It has that swirly cleans quality you get from the best Fender amps. Crank it up and it gets a thick and nasty beautiful distortion.
The Trinity Tweed Deluxe almost instantly pushed my Dr. Z Maz Jr. to the side (and I loved that amp). Now the Z has been traded for a higher wattage head (needed it for the current band).
I can't say enough about how good the experience was and how happy I am with the results.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x319/lowwatt/guitar/DSC01862.jpg
The curve to the amp in the picture is from my camera lens.