Transformers for 2203 build

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Hey folks, thanks for all your input in my last post. I've decided to go the Ceriatone route with an assembled chassis only. So I'll need transformers. Is Merren the way to go? Any others worth considering?
 
I did the same thing with a Ceriatone plexi about 20 years ago. I went with Mercury Magnetics on Roy Blankenships recommendation. That’s worked out awesome for me.
 
I bought a Heyboer 50W PT less than a year ago and never used it. Never installed, PM if interested.
EDIT: it's the one from amppartsdirect.

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Heyboer/Hammond are kinda the gold standard. Not the pinnacle but still very good. Can’t go wrong with either.

Mercury if you want high plate voltages and dc taps. But they’re expensive

Merrins are the closest clone to the originals but if memory serves me correct your gonna wait a while.
 
Chubbs said:
Heyboer/Hammond are kinda the gold standard. Not the pinnacle but still very good. Can’t go wrong with either.

Mercury if you want high plate voltages and dc taps. But they’re expensive

Merrins are the closest clone to the originals but if memory serves me correct your gonna wait a while.
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I probably should have mentioned in the OP but if one is going after a particular tone would that change your advice? In other words, if they objective is closest to stock — then option A, and so on. I'm ultimately after a modded marshal tone anyways.
 
I am ordering a power transformer from Marstran for my 67 Supertremolo. 12 week leadtime. Merren will never get back to you, been at least two years since I tried contacting him. Probably more at the mercy for what you can actually get your hands on at this point.
 
For you many Heyboer folks —I see a number of Marshall 100w PT options, which one did you go with?
 
Greazygeo said:
I am ordering a power transformer from Marstran for my 67 Supertremolo. 12 week leadtime. Merren will never get back to you, been at least two years since I tried contacting him. Probably more at the mercy for what you can actually get your hands on at this point.
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Thanks for the heads up. I'll have some lead time for the chassis/circuit anyways. Not two years though!
 
Heybooer is definitely the way to go. Just a lot easier to source, sound good, and a fair price for these days. You may have to drill to get it to fit in the ceriatone chassis. You will likely need a lay down transformer. Are you installing yourself?
 
@ClintN667 Yeah, I think I can manage. Some instructions would help if you're aware of a guide, so long as I'll be drilling. Why the laydown version?
 
denialist said:
I probably should have mentioned in the OP but if one is going after a particular tone would that change your advice? In other words, if they objective is closest to stock — then option A, and so on. I'm ultimately after a modded marshal tone anyways.
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For a modded Marshall thing I’d go Hammond/heyboer. Personally I have some Hammonds in my clone and it’s spot on. And as you’ve seen by now nobody has a bad thing to say about heyboer either.
 
I went custom design Mercury magnetics for the PT. It’s 68 lay down spec with a specific high plate voltage loaded that I desired, it’s also multi tap, but it’s a vertical stand up style. That’s what is cool about them is that they’ll do pretty much whatever you want without a minimum count. Their customer service is also amazing and the shipping was super cheap and fast.

Absolutely everything I own and love is loaded with Mercury magnetics. They just sound more aggressive to my ears and are built well. This winter I plan to go under the knife and replace the iron in my 74 Marshall. The PT will be the custom spec power transformer and for the OT I plan to go Marstran which is just a custom spec heyboer.
 
@glpg80 thanks, that's super helpful. Do you know of any resources that go over all this stuff? I get the basics of what these components do, but have no clue how manufacturing or specs affects tone.
 
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