Surfy Bear FET Reverb

[kikey]

Hi again I am back.

Finally the new PCBs are here:




More info on my website

[maximee]

Wow awesome. Congrats on the PCBs, they look beautiful.
I'll order one - but where in Europe did you find a MOD 4AB3C1C tank?
Also, I couldn't really find the difference between the 4AB3C1C and 4AB3C1B…
Some site mentioned it's only the mounting orientation. Can you confirm that? And which is which?

[PorkyPrimeCut]

Yep. I'm pretty sure the only difference between B & C is the way they're mounted (vertical or horizontal).

When I was building my 6G15 clone I was assured by several people that there was no audible difference between the 2 (if they're both mounted vertically).
Obviously, if mounted flat (horizontally) gravity may play a tiny part in effecting the sound due to the springs sagging in a slightly different way.

Easy answer - buy the MOD 4AB3C1B (re-labelled TAD) from TheTubeAmpDoctor

[maximee]

Hey thanks for the heads up.
I've seen the TAD at tubeampdoctor.
On this forum some guy compared the MOD to the TAD and states that they look really similar, but the springs are in fact different.
check here (german)
But then again maybe it doesn't really matter too much…
Maybe kikey can chime in? Where did you get yours?

[kikey]

Yes, you guys are absolutely right.

The difference between B & C is the way they're mounted.
I ordered my MOD pan from Amplified Parts in the US. The shipping to Europe was actually quite reasonable.
I am not sure about the TAD pan, I thought it was identical to the MOD.

I think most of the info is on the website but let me know if you have questions!

/Björn

[PorkyPrimeCut]

On this forum some guy compared the MOD to the TAD and states that they look really similar, but the springs are in fact different.
check here (german)
But then again maybe it doesn't really matter too much…

My wife's German so maybe she can read it to me, bedtime story-style!

I've only ever compared the TAD with the Accutronics equivalent. I'd bought the Korean-made Accutronics tank from the states, not realising the TAD one was pretty much identical to the MOD, and available in Europe. US Postage costs weren't an issue because a forumite helped me out with stockpiling all the parts & sending them over as one, big delivery.
I got to A-B both tanks before selling the worse of the two. In the end there was a little difference in sound - the TAD was darker, warmer & drippier to my ears. There was a huge amount of difference in the build quality though. The TAD was way better so I got rid of the Accutronics tank. Don't quote me on this but the TAD/MOD one may actually be cheaper too. No-brainer!!!

I'd be interested to hear which came out on top between the MOD & the TAD though.

[s_mcsleazy]

want

[maximee]

On this forum some guy compared the MOD to the TAD and states that they look really similar, but the springs are in fact different.
check here (german)
But then again maybe it doesn't really matter too much…

My wife's German so maybe she can read it to me, bedtime story-style!

I've only ever compared the TAD with the Accutronics equivalent. I'd bought the Korean-made Accutronics tank from the states, not realising the TAD one was pretty much identical to the MOD, and available in Europe. US Postage costs weren't an issue because a forumite helped me out with stockpiling all the parts & sending them over as one, big delivery.
I got to A-B both tanks before selling the worse of the two. In the end there was a little difference in sound - the TAD was darker, warmer & drippier to my ears. There was a huge amount of difference in the build quality though. The TAD was way better so I got rid of the Accutronics tank. Don't quote me on this but the TAD/MOD one may actually be cheaper too. No-brainer!!!

I'd be interested to hear which came out on top between the MOD & the TAD though.

That must be one loving wife!
But don't get your hopes too high, that post only talks about the TAD/MOD being different. The owner of the forum, who also runs tube-town.de, said he won't bother stocking the MOD as the Beltron ones he has are sufficient. But I've read over at surf101 that a lot of folks like the MOD best. So I think I'm gonna order one from the states. Too bad that shipping is as more than the tank itself… But well… It's not a million dollars.

[PorkyPrimeCut]

...I've read over at surf101 that a lot of folks like the MOD best. So I think I'm gonna order one from the states. Too bad that shipping is as more than the tank itself… But well… It's not a million dollars.

So, are you sure the MOD and TAD tanks are actually different to eachother. I had a little browse & all I seem to be reading is that they're the same, just re-branded.
I'm also seeing a load more people raving about the TAD ones. I've not tried a MOD one so I can't really comment on them but the TAD sounds fantastic!

[maximee]

No, I'm not at all sure! Just quoting what I've read on the net.
Then again, this post indicates they are the same: http://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/13977/?page=2
I'm not gonna sweat it and worry too much. TAD or MOD - it's gonna be a cool project.
Looking forward to some real spring reverb for my Hiwatt. No digital reverb has gotten me close enough for my tastes…

[PorkyPrimeCut]

No, I'm not at all sure! Just quoting what I've read on the net.
Then again, this post indicates they are the same: http://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/13977/?page=2
I'm not gonna sweat it and worry too much. TAD or MOD - it's gonna be a cool project.
Looking forward to some real spring reverb for my Hiwatt. No digital reverb has gotten me close enough for my tastes…

If I were you I'd just get a TAD tank (you're in Germany, right?) and put the saved postage money into something else.

[maximee]

That's exactly what I'll do

[kikey]

That's exactly what I'll do

That make sense !
I am tempted to order a TAD pan myself

[WonderCouncil]

I still really want to build one of these. Very nice you offer pre-assembled boards too. I'm going to have to see if I can hunt down a cabinet and chassis for it.

Curious if anyone can comment on how a 9AB3C1B pan would sound? Looks like the only difference would be an added pair of springs.

Six springs, counter wound, coupled and placed in parallel, combine to create Sound Enhancements’ fullest, richest reverb effect throughout the full range of musical sound. Ideally suited for keyboard, sound reinforcement and pedal steel applications. Outer channel dimensions are 16.75” Length x 4.375” Width x 1.313” Height.

Four counter wound and coupled springs deliver superior mechanical performance and the classic sound that helped make the Fender Twin Reverb Amps famous. Outer channel dimensions are 16.75” Length x 4.375” Width x 1.313” Height.

Would the amount of reverb the Type 9 produces just be too much/overkill/uncontrollable? I do like the whole infinite, droney 'verb sound I get from my fx boxes. Just thinking the Type 9 might be able to pull that off with real springs. Maybe not.

[kikey]

Would the amount of reverb the Type 9 produces just be too much/overkill/uncontrollable? I do like the whole infinite, droney 'verb sound I get from my fx boxes. Just thinking the Type 9 might be able to pull that off with real springs. Maybe not.

Have not had a chance to test a Type 9.
But I think the sound would be a more full and natural reverb with more reflexions, and possibly with a less 'springy character'.