Re: [Harp-L] EL84s

["Ralf K. Buschner" <r_buschner@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Am Sonntag, 21. Januar 2007 21:52 schrieb Jim Alciere:

> Did any of the old 50s amps use EL 84s? Did any of the old amps run in
> triode mode? I still say my hybrid EL 84 amp is the best harp amp I've had
> a chance to play. I like the 2X12 cabinet as well. Just curious because
> I've never heard of any harp players using anything like this.

I'm using an old Dynacord 2x EL84 amp from 1961, about 17 watts and pretty 
gritty. It runs an 9" speaker, mine is still ok, and it sounds awesome. Would 
never sell it.

> As a side note, the mad scientist guitarist in the band is building what he
> describes as a Vox Marshall Champ frankenstein amp. Marshall preamp,
> something Champ, and EL 84 tubes with ancient 8 inch speakers taken from an
> old 5& 10 store. When Sonny talks about how much time is involved in
> designing an amp, never mind an amp that's economical to build--he's not
> kidding.

Have a look here:

http://www.harper.amplifier.ch and click on "The Alligator" on the left.

We're running 4x EL84 switchable from fixed to cathode bias (like Vox AC30),
together with an ol'time paraphase PI and the preamp is pretty standard from 
the 50's circuits designs. Plate voltage for the 1st tube is switchable for 
more or less headroom, giving more or less preamp distortion, together with 
the Master Volume and a fenderish tone stack there's a big bandwith of tonal 
choices. One interesting side effect is the amps feedback resistance - with 
volume levels dialed in for "f*cking loud" (our guitar player's comment) i'm 
able to put the mic about 2 ft in front of the speakers array. Because of 
that, volume related discussions with guitarreros are somewhat different than 
before: "Buddy, i can play a lot louder than you, but don't you think we all 
should play on a much lower volume, since it's blues what we have in mind..."
Having the bigger gun can be helpful sometimes, even when you don't have to 
use it on full blast... ;-)

Louisiana Red used the amp for a gig with his guitars and commented it "They 
call it the Alligator, i call it the deamon!" and was really happy with it. 
We had guitar players using it, also lap steel players and last week i had a 
piano player on it in a jam session, and all of them have been "Woaah, what 
the heck is that!". 

My conclusion:
EL84 are lil' power punks, if you treat 'em right! And to treat 'em right 
means: No mercy!

cu,
Ralf