Knowledge gathering - Real Man Way!

[Dr ZEE]

I've come across this page, while was gathering for some knowledge pinky-nerdy way and was quite ashamed
That's The Way You Do It

 

[arjoll]

Nice info. I'm sure replacing the output tx won't make any difference to the hum level, but definately the power transformer will generate a nice field at mains frequency and the pickup on your guitar or bass is just like another winding.

Hum can be an issue in valve/tube gear - the Ferrograph I'm still working on (stalled for a while but I have just received a replacement solenoid from the UK) has special mu-metal shields around the pressure pads and the power tx is mounted on a special rotating bracket so you can adjust it for minimum hum pickup within the units.

Some hum is inevitable and can add to the character of things - in a guitar amp I wouldn't think a little buzz was too much of a problem, but in a recorder its a problem.

 

[Dr ZEE]

- the Ferrograph I'm still working on (stalled for a while but I have just received a replacement solenoid from the UK) has special mu-metal shields around the pressure pads and the power tx is mounted on a special rotating bracket so you can adjust it for minimum hum pickup within the units..

huh! interesting.
also, glad to hear, that your Ferrograph project still breathing. I thought you maybe gave up on it. that would be

Some hum is inevitable and can add to the character of things - in a guitar amp I wouldn't think a little buzz was too much of a problem.....

grrrrrrrrr I'll tell you. my fender deville humming and buzzing around like crazy. I kinda' don't think it behaves normally... and it gets on my nerve already... I may have to take look inside its stomach soon... pain in tha A$$

btw, here's Bill's disclaimer..

Disclaimer
It's a shame to have to include this, but some people just like to make their problems somebody else's problem. Although all of these mods have worked well for me, you perform them entirely at your own risk. I do not warrant or guarantee that they will perform the same way for you or that you won't damage your amplifier, burn yourself, electrocute yourself, or stick an X-Acto knife through your palm. Tube amplifiers have components operating at high temperatures and lethal voltages. If you don't feel comfortable doing these mods, take the amp to someone who does.

These modifications will void your warranty. Peace and music, not lawsuits.

 

[arjoll]

also, glad to hear, that your Ferrograph project still breathing. I thought you maybe gave up on it. that would be

Nope, still on the back burner. Just been too busy at work (spilling over into non-work time...) and trying to tame the garden over summer. Now that its winter I don't want to venture out to the workshop to do stuff (its warm enough but having to walk 5 metres outside in the rain... ). Now that I have at least two other vintage projects lined up I'm going to just get stuck in and get things sorted though.

In a way its good - I was going to steal the solenoid from the parts machine I bought for the one I'm fixing up. Now that I've tracked down a solenoid on its own I could try getting the amp/electronics on the second one fixed. I'm learning a heap about valves/tubes and restoration in the process.

grrrrrrrrr I'll tell you. my fender deville humming and buzzing around like crazy. I kinda' don't think it behaves normally... and it gets on my nerve already... I may have to take look inside its stomach soon... pain in tha A$$

Note to self: don't say hum in a guitar amp is ok around a guitarist

 

[Dr ZEE]

Now that its winter I don't want to venture out to the workshop to do stuff (its warm enough but having to walk 5 metres outside in the rain...

Rainy winter in june? I feel really slow on that one , but I don't see nor know the world beyond my drive-way... so ....
...ok, being pretty slow, I can't remember if you ever mentioned this site, link: http://ferrotape.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ferrotape/contentpage.htm , so just in case, I'll let you know... this may look confusing, because it's url to a 'frame' ... I've got confused at the site....., but you can click on the menue-links from there ...it's ferrograph stuff.

 

[arjoll]

Rainy winter in june? I feel really slow on that one

Southern hemisphere, mate. Five degree frost this morning, down to -1 again tonight, expecting a blistering hot 5 or so tomorrow (deg C, so not quite as it sounds to a farenheight person like yourself!). http://weather.southlandnz.com/

National Warning Valid: Wed, 21 Jun - Sat, 24 Jun. On Wednesday, another cold southerly outbreak should spread over the country. Snow is likely to low levels, with a low risk that amounts will reach warning criteria in Otago, Canterbury and the Kaikouras.On Thursday, a complex low should deepen east and north of Gisborne with several low centres. Southeasterlies around the low may bring warning amounts of heavy rain to the east of the North Island over a period of two to three days, with further snow possible in the hill country and severe gales in exposed places.There is some uncertainty as to the location and track of the low centre and people in these areas are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts. Issued: 19 June 2006, 02:46 pm

I can't remember if you ever mentioned this site, link:

I think you've linked to a mirror/copy of George West's Ferrograph site. Its a great resource and I've got a lot of useful info from there.

Enjoy that summer weather 'over there'