This is a typical 5E5-A Pro build with the exception of a bias pot, external bias test points, and the impedance selector switch for use with 2/4/8 ohm Output transformer. Components are Sprague and Illinois Capacitors, Allen Bradley, Ohmite, and Vishay Dale resistors, Webervst Chassis, NOS E-Magnetics PT, Mercury Magnetics FTPRO-OM OT. It's set up running a Mullard GZ34, JJ 6L6GC's and 12AX7's with an NOS GE 5751 in the first preamp slot. All wires routed above the board to facilitate modification or repair. Following the pics are T-Bones own words after receiving his amp.







T-Bones Comments:

Craig,
I've spent two long nights on that Tweed Pro. The chassis installation into the cabinet was a breeze, fit perfectly. It looks a little 'new' to be in that original, old beat up cabinet, but it will age over time.

I made up a make shift 1/4" speaker lead from a guitar cable. And began putting it through it's paces. Played my #1 guitar (a parts Tele '69 Swamp Ash body with a '67 Rosewood neck) through it the first night and A/B-ed it between my '59 Gibson GA-20T and my '59 Bassman replica. I think the volume is exactly where I want it to be. It sits between the Gibson and Bassman, but is definitely closer to the Bassman in volume, but still noticeably quieter. I don't think I want it any quieter, but will wait until I gig with it before making any adjustments. It's very, very close volume wise.

Tonally, it's outstanding! Thank you. I'm actually running it through an early 60's CTS 15" alnico speaker that has the same sized magnet and voice coil as the Jensen P15N. The CTS features a ribbed speaker cone which gives a little tighter bass response that I like over the Jensen. The amp seems to be sweetest to my ears through the normal channel with volume between 6 and 9. The treble, bass and presence adjustments control the tone well, so the values must all be very good in the tone circuit. The tone just blows me away. By rolling off the guitar volume from 10 to about 8 it cleans up so perfectly without losing a lot of volume, perfect for rhythm playing. And then you can grab that killer natural compression and overdrive for your leads just by rolling the volume back up. This should make a killer gigging amp!

Last night I played my arsenal through it to see if it had any weaknesses that would be exposed by a particular guitar. In addition to my working man's Telecaster, I have a 1960 Strat with a slab Rosewood board, a 1957 Guild CE100DP (like a Gibson 175) with Guild dogear P90's, and an old Danelectro made Silvertone single lipstick pickup model that I use straight and for slide. Each guitar was just brilliant through the Pro, just brilliant! Every one of them loved that amp!

So, I will keep playing through it and will begin gigging with it. But, barring anything unusual, I would expect this amp to quickly move to my #1 bar gig amp. It's just the perfect size, volume and tone. It's exactly what I was looking for. I have a 1954 Tweed Champ that is 100% original and in perfect condition that I use as my practice amp around the house and quite a bit in the studio. I use that Gibson GA-20T for small jams with friends and also for home practice and studio work, but it's really too small to gig with a band. My bassman is great for big rooms and outdoor stuff, but can't really breathe in the clubs without killing people close to the stage. This Pro will be the perfect addition, a perfect club amp, band practice amp and may even be nice in the studio for live recording work which we do a lot of.

Thanks Craig. I feel as though I got just what I was looking for at a very reasonable price. I hope it was a nice experience for you as well.

Sincerely,

Terry "T-bone" Williams.

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