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Amplifiers

When your amps get older, they need a bit of care and attention. Recapping, sorting out solder joints - you know the score. Mostly fixing problems but, occasionally I'll build something from scratch. Not all my amps are DIY. I possess an early ROOST Sessionmaster from the mid 70's. If you've never heard of them or perhaps need the schematics?

Bluestone

This is a kit built from the now closed Ampmaker in Cambidgeshire. Its like a Fender Champ with silicone rectification but I've modified it to use a 6L6 output tube. Only 4-5 watts but my neighbours say it sounds like more. Coupled with a Vintage 30 in a closed back cab, it roars. Wood from the cabinet came from a laboratory drawer salvaged when my company closed it's London office. My first turret board build so I put a plexiglass cover on the bottom to show off my efforts. That saved some wood which was in short supply. Finished with a brass handle for that laboratory look.

Roost Sessionmaster

One amp in my stereo rig, this early Roost was built in Southend on Sea in the 1970's.  50 watt reverb combo with 2x Celestion G12 50M's and very heavy. It's described as a cross between a Hi-Watt and Sound City and shares many components of those two. It's extremely loud with enormous bass which led to the head versions being used by many bass players. I have replaced the big power caps on this and will shortly have to replace some others as they are beginning to look a bit swollen. Still works perfectly. The speaker grill isn't original as that was rather tatty. I keep thinking of re-housing it in a solid wood cab but keep putting that project on the back burner. Link to the schematics and further info on Roost is above