Ceriatone 100w HRM - Build thread :) Updated! Finally done!

[cyndicate]

I ordered a bare kit from Ceriatone recently and it just got here on monday, It's the 100w Overtone HRM Bluesmaster kit. It's the one that comes with everything except the Transformers/Choke, Chassis, Tubes. I figured I can save on shipping and source the parts here.

I ended up getting better transformers and bought some MM ones which in the end the cost came out really close if I had bought everything from Ceriatone. Shipping from Malaysia is a beating!

Has anyone attempted this build? Any tips are appreciated! I already fucked something up, I didn't know that you just leave the white label behind the back/face plates on, I tried to peel it and stupidly broke the back panel. Apparently you are supposed to just leave it on and just have the components hold up the plates. Not worth it to order a new backplate because shipping will suck.

Will document everything in this thread in case anyone wants to attempt it afterwards.

Pictures found here.

https://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v344/ ... M%20Build/

 

[stratotone]

If that's a dumble clone, good luck... not exactly a good starter for a beginner IMHO, even if it's a kit. I'd advise anyone wanting to learn to build a tube amp to do something a lot simpler like a Champ or such first - you'll get the basics down, and not get as frustrated. High gain amps have a lot of problems to suss out, namely lead dress, etc.

Having said that, I'm sure you have a lot of support here to help you. Just don't get too frustrated!

Pete

 

[cyndicate]

If that's a dumble clone, good luck... not exactly a good starter for a beginner IMHO, even if it's a kit. I'd advise anyone wanting to learn to build a tube amp to do something a lot simpler like a Champ or such first - you'll get the basics down, and not get as frustrated. High gain amps have a lot of problems to suss out, namely lead dress, etc.

Having said that, I'm sure you have a lot of support here to help you. Just don't get too frustrated!

Pete

Hey Pete,

Yeah its a Dumble Clone. It's actually a second build for me, I built a JTM45 last month just to learn the basics and I think I learned enough from doing my JTM45 build that I hope this build will not be too bad. I also modded my Superlead to a 2203 with extra gain stage, still waiting on a board and that mod should be done

 

[dstroud]

I got no tips, but you should build a Ceriatone Trainwreck next and invite me over

 

[cyndicate]

I got no tips, but you should build a Ceriatone Trainwreck next and invite me over

I was thinking of doing that after But I still have so much stuff backed up on my bench atm will probably take a few months to clear everything This build will probably take me a month or so to do.

 

[glpg80]

If that's a dumble clone, good luck... not exactly a good starter for a beginner IMHO, even if it's a kit. I'd advise anyone wanting to learn to build a tube amp to do something a lot simpler like a Champ or such first - you'll get the basics down, and not get as frustrated. High gain amps have a lot of problems to suss out, namely lead dress, etc.

Having said that, I'm sure you have a lot of support here to help you. Just don't get too frustrated!

Pete

+1 to all of this

i also want to add that you do 5 hour sittings, and dont rush! it will show in your work. take your time, double check connections, and ask away any questions you might have!

i want to grab a metro kit and do my version of a marshall on it someday, at least after i finish designing my full prototype model

 

[jcj]

I got no tips, but you should build a Ceriatone Trainwreck next and invite me over

I was thinking of doing that after But I still have so much stuff backed up on my bench atm will probably take a few months to clear everything This build will probably take me a month or so to do.

 

[cyndicate]

I got no tips, but you should build a Ceriatone Trainwreck next and invite me over

I was thinking of doing that after But I still have so much stuff backed up on my bench atm will probably take a few months to clear everything This build will probably take me a month or so to do.

Few more weeks and I'll make the trip up!

 

[bravedude2]

best of luck with your build. the jtm 45 looked great, so this one will be just as cool.

 

[cyndicate]

Had a chance to upload the pics as I progressed through the build. So for anyone beginning this build when you first attach the front/back panel do not peel the white label on the back, this is what happens if you attempt to

#1

First step for me was mounting all the hardware just to figure out the layout and make sure nothing is missing, helps show what thing to tackle first.

#2 Fitting the transformers/choke. Since I got my transformers from Mercury Magnetics the mounting holes don't perfectly align to the chassis for the choke and output transformer. The output transformer from MM is one that lies down instead of standing up marshall style. Had to bust out the drill press to add the additional holes. I kind of just marked it with black marker and just spot drilled from there. Also had to drill a new hole for the wires to go through.

#3 Here's a pic with all the hardware on, hope this helps anyone starting a build, I found a few pics online that definitely helped in placement of the different parts. You can see the additional hole for the output transformer wires drilled to the right.

#4 Heres the Rectifier/Relay Power supply board and the voltage regulator, for mounting the boards I used a long screw and used one nut before the board just to make a space between the chassis and the board itself. For the voltage regulator just bend the leads outside before mounting it.

#5 Here's the 22uF cap that is mounted to the chassis. Still needs to be soldered.

#6 Now the fun part.. doing the Heaters and the external bias

 

[jmgman69]

 

[jcj]

You're a madman

 

[stratotone]

One thing that always helped me on wiring pots is to temporarily mount them to the OUTSIDE of the chassis, then solder the connections between them and then take the 'assembly' and mount it to the inside.

Pete

 

[MARK1970]

Lookin' good Wil. Did you finish the JTM45 ? Do you still have to add a MV and a FX loop ?

 

[cyndicate]

Lookin' good Wil. Did you finish the JTM45 ? Do you still have to add a MV and a FX loop ?

Still have to add the MV and FX loop I need to get around to making measurements and drilling the chassis. I finally drilled the chassis for my 100w for the extra preamp tube like 2 days ago.

 

[Hacksaw]

Build is looking good!


BTW, send Nik a Email and tell him you broke that back panel, he will probably send you a new one for shipping costs only. I had a part sent for 3 bucks. it takes a while to get it.

Rock on!!

 

[cyndicate]

One thing that always helped me on wiring pots is to temporarily mount them to the OUTSIDE of the chassis, then solder the connections between them and then take the 'assembly' and mount it to the inside.

Pete

I usually don't have any trouble wiring the pots, its the input jacks that I usually have to mount to the outside. I'm not sure how big of a difference on spacing it makes since those 3 DPDT switches are on the front panel. I will try to tackle the tone stack sometime this weekend and see if its manageable inside the chassis, I'll most likely just some sort of tape to hold up the bus wire and solder from there.

 

[cyndicate]

Build is looking good!


BTW, send Nik a Email and tell him you broke that back panel, he will probably send you a new one for shipping costs only. I had a part sent for 3 bucks. it takes a while to get it.

Rock on!!

Thanks! I sent him a email telling him I fucked up but I didn't expect him to send me a new one, he just said don't worry about it and if it bothers me just change it out in the future. I'm not too anal about cosmetics and luckily its just in the back where I wont see it.

 

[cyndicate]

On another side note regarding heater wiring, I've seen people use the "drill method" As seen on here,

http://www.joepopp.net/jcm8002.htm

I tried it but there were some uneven twists so I didn't bother.. also doesn't that add a ton of extra unneeded wire in doing so? No doubt it looks pretty clean but is there any benefit in doing it this way?

 

[cyndicate]

You're a madman