{"id":388,"date":"2017-03-24T15:22:23","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T15:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rjguitars.net\/?page_id=388"},"modified":"2023-12-01T01:32:35","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T01:32:35","slug":"wreck-build-options-traditional-thru-modern","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rjguitars.net\/wreck-build-options-traditional-thru-modern\/","title":{"rendered":"Wreck build Options – Traditional thru Modern"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’ve been studying, and building Wreck amps plus providing parts packages for others to build them the past 8 years. The most popular request for Wreck style amps is a “Traditional” version that looks like and either uses the same or similar parts as an original Trainwreck. However, not everybody can afford or wants to build the Traditional Version. Based on the feedback from DIY builders I have settled on Three Major Design Styles<\/strong> that I use as a guide to supply Wreck amp packages. Additionally, the wattage rating for each style can be varied with the choice of the output tubes and transformer set.<\/p>\n

1) Tradition Style –<\/strong> Follows the original layout and uses NOS or equivalent modern high quality parts. This build can get quite expensive and requires a high level of craftsmanship to put together. Lead dress and attention to detail are critical in this build. What do they sound like?<\/p>\n

Traditional Express demo <\/strong><\/a>– An exceptionally good sounding amp built by “Big Jim” using NOS caps and Pacific transformers.<\/p>\n

 A Traditional 35 watt Express amp built by master builder “Colossal” of Salt Lake City.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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2) Standard Style<\/strong> – Follows the original layout but uses more modern and affordable parts – Although this build is less expensive than a traditional build, it still requires the same high level of craftsmanship to put together. Lead dress and attention to detail are critical in this build.<\/p>\n

A “Barebones” Standard Style amp package for building a 16 watt Liverpool amp.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What do they sound like?  — Here  is a sound clip of a 15 watt version of a Liverpool amp built by rj.<\/p>\n\nhttp:\/\/www.rjguitars.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/LP15_Demo.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

15 Watt rj LP sound clip<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) Hybrid Style<\/strong> – These amps vary widely in their deviation from the original Wreck builds although they typically are schematically identical to a Traditional build. I’ll show three examples of Hybrid builds but the re4ality is that the options are endless.<\/p>\n

a) The Econo Wreck<\/strong> – This has become a popular Hybrid Style Wreck with DIY amp builders because it is simpler to build and uses less expensive components throughout the amp. This style simplifies the Power Supply design using JJ Can Capacitors<\/strong> in place of the traditional “Stack O’ Caps”. The build protocol and lead dress remain critical in this build because it is fundamentally identical to the Traditional style in layout with the exception of the power supply. Any of the Wreck models can be built in this style as well as half power versions that further reduces the cost.<\/p>\n

A “Barebones” Econo Style amp package for building a 30 watt Rocket amp.<\/strong>\"\"What do they sound like?:<\/p>\n