25L15-inspired Amp

[Brian Ingram]

So a while back I talked about building an amp based on the 25L15. Well, although the amp has been done for a couple months, I'm just getting to a point where I'm not playing it long enough to take some pictures.

I started with the 25L15, then made some alterations. First up, the cabinet is Sapele (ribbon mahogany) with flame maple accents. Overall, the cabinet is larger mainly because I wanted a circular cutout for the D130. Right now there is typical guitar amp grill cloth, but eventually I will add radio grill cloth. However, that material is thin fabric and will need the stiffer plastic grill cloth underneath to support it. Lastly, I'll eventually add a handle, but I was not satisfied with ones available, and will probably wind up dealing with a custom leatherwork shop to have one made.

I decided to get rid of the hide-a-jack 2nd channel, and added Contour, Midrange and Top Cut controls (two of which are on the side of the chassis the hide-a-jack volume used to be.

The Contour as I implemented it sweeps the center-point of the midrange dip higher or lower than stock (stock setting is near halfway on this control) which changes the character of the amp. This really helps suit the amp to changing guitars, and actually helps accent the bass or treble depending on where the mid-scoop is.

I also added a Midrange control which changes how deep the mid-scoop is. All the way off is the stock setting, and all the way up gives a basically flat response. Funny enough, we're used to the sound of the mid-scoop, so flat-response sounds mid-boosted, kind of like early low-powered Fender tweed amps.

The Top Cut control shaves only the very highest treble to compensate for the D130's wide range when using trebly guitars.

I also changed some details about the power amp chassis, mainly to allow the use of filter caps which will never need replacing. Additionally, the control panel lighting is done with blue LEDs to give rich blue lettering instead of the familiar yellow glow. Forgive the lousy photo of the lit controls; the LED light seems to overload the camera phone I was using. For reference, the actual color is just a bit lighter than royal blue, and the backing color is champagne gold.

I'm sure having fun with this amp!

[Brian Ingram]

Couple more...

[Len R]

Beautiful work Brian, would love to hear how it sounds.

Len

[Brian Ingram]

Thanks Len!

I'll need to get a mic and some kind of interface first. I don't have any means of recording right now.

Worst case, I suppose I could use the video function of a digital camera, but you wouldn't hear the true sound that way.

[alexjones]

Brian!
Beautiful work! I remember when you were first asking questions about it. I am sure glad you didn't give up on the project. I also would love to hear how it sounds! Did you build the cabinet yourself? It's gorgeous. Excellent choice with the mahogany. My Standel is also a mahogany, but it's cherry stained. So are you going to build these amps for folks if they want them? Well enjoy that amp and post some videos! Take care.
Alex

[Brian Ingram]

Thanks Alex!

I did not build the cabinet... I have a friend who has learned some things about amp building from me who made the cabinet as a favor for the cost of the raw wood. I've really admired the amps he has made for himself using ribbon mahogany.

As for building them for others: a full-time job and a one-year old probably preclude that. I'm not looking to go into business with this. Besides, if I paid myself a fair wage for the labor hours (not having the production expedients/tooling I had when I did make amps for sale), the price would wind up near where Standel is selling them now.

If someone wants to build a 25L15 for themselves, I can probably point them in the right direction.

[Richard Hood]

Brian,
Beautiful job! I'm sure it sounds great as well. Takes a lot of expertise to
to that. Congratulations.
Richard