The Valve Jr transformation is complete....

[Tig***]

Yes, had to cut off the stock spade connectors on the transformer wiring and solder directly to the board. The layout diagram makes it pretty clear what you have to do, I thought. There are some grounding wires that have to be added, too, also shown on the layout.


Sounds very, very good. Definitely has that juicy, single-ended Class A character. Kind of a rustic & untamed edge to the tone. This version has better clarity and more treble end than my previous mod. Candidly, I think I went a little overboard in hot rodding that one!

Looks like something I can handle then. I'll pull the trigger tonight.

Not sure which components to choose...
Mallory 150 or Orange Drop cap's, as well as 1 watt carbon film or 1/2 watt carbon comp resisters. I'm not sure if they make much of a difference in tone or reliability.

[duhvoodooman***]

Not sure which components to choose...
Mallory 150 or Orange Drop cap's, as well as 1 watt carbon film or 1/2 watt carbon comp resisters. I'm not sure if they make much of a difference in tone or reliability.

The carbon films are the better technology on the resistors--less noisy. Carbon comp rezzies get talked up on the basis of "vintage mojo", whatever the hell that is. Snake oil, IMO. Less noise = mo' better, in my book.

For the caps, the usual rule of thumb is Mallories for British style amp tone (Vox, Marshall), and Orange Drops for the more glassy, Fenderish tone. I went with the Mallories on my Voxy board. I've never compared the two types side-by-side, but I'll bet the difference is pretty darned subtle....