I purchased an Epiphone Valve Jr., version I, for $119, and a mod kit for it
on Ebay from Alnicomagnet for $50. It sounded good out of the box, but with
a hum that Epiphone has fixed on version 2 and version 3. The Alnicomagnet
mod kit:
*1. **Drop HT Voltage to a safe level*
*2. **Fit HT Fuse and chassis mount fuseholder *
*3. **Reconfigure input to Fender Champ specification *
*4. **Re-bias pre-amp tube to "Blues Harp" specification*
*5. **Change interstage attenuation resistive network to clean up sound *
*6. **Fit Standby Switch*
*7. **Fit Output Impedance Selector Switch (choose 4 or 8 ohm cabinets)*
*8. Fit Line-Out Jack*
*9. Fit Pentode/Triode Mode Switch*
*10. Change heater (filament) supply to DC as later Version.2*
*11. Add extra HT filter stage as later Version.2 *
* *
*I did these modifications myself, it was easy, fun, and I know a whole lot
more about tube amps now. I have just a little experience soldering. The
kit was complete, the instructions **were very clear and** included great
color photographs . Alnicomagnet was quick to reply and helpful with the few
questions I did have. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this mod kit for your Valve Jr.
You will have a GREAT SOUNDING TUBE AMP! It is a 5 watt class A tube amp
that is plenty loud enough for the gigs I play in small venues, harp and
mandolin, and with the line-out mod that taps into the circuit after the
power stage, the amp plugs directly into a sound board. *
* With the pentode/triode mod it can also be run at about 2 amps so you can
crank it up at home for the saturated tube sound at a much lower volume,
(the family likes this). *
Rich
On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 9:15 AM, Rick Davis <bluesharpamps@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
The Epiphone Valve Jr Half Stack (5-watt tube head and cab with 12-inch
Eminence speaker) is a very good sounding harp amp for beginners or pros or
anyone in between. At only $250 it is a nice bargain. It has fat loud
tube
tone, and is totally giggable. Put a mic in front of it for really
loud/large venues. It is harp-ready, needs no tweaks to sound good, and is
very solidly built. I recommend it highly.
-- -Rick Davis The Blues Harp Amps Blog http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/
On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 6:32 AM, Richard Eisenberg <catketch2@xxxxxxxxx >wrote:
> Epiphone Valve Junior; an affordable tube amp, key word TUBE. You want
> these
> for sound quality
>
> On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 3:28 AM, Zack <zack.pomerleau@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> > Vox makes a battery amp. It's the best and it sounds just as good as > > a
> > Valvetronix of bigger size.
> >
>
-- -Rick Davis The Blues Harp Amps Blog http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/
--
Richard Eisenberg
Executive Director
Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies
40 Holland Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
814-456-4077
814-459-1678 fax
www.bayfrontcenter.org