Dude your a Genius! That amp sounds incredible! The natural tone that it has even with those old worn out speakers is unbelievable!! I would give almost anything to have you talent with tube amps....
+Tim Stanley In the case of some of these Hammonds, it's just luck. They used good parts and built to last. The credit goes to the engineers at Hammond. I feel like I'm taking a chisel to the electronics equivalent of a Michelangelo sometimes. I'm defacing more than anything.
Fantastic tone! I am loving all of it! Plus, what an awesome look. You could actually keep this sweet mid century vibe amp sitting around the house as a piece of furniture till you plug in and rock!
I LOVE IT- just found your channel, and subscribed, there are a LOT of guys building and rebuilding old amps for guitar on YT, but you are the first one ive heard who can actually play well- i also love how you dont like to spend any more money than necessary ion order to get something usable- I have an abundance of old organ parts, seems that Florida is where all the old organs have ended up, and nobody wants them anymore, cos they are too heavy to move around...i fell in love with the Hammond sound about 6 years ago and began a search for the one with the sound and features i liked- which ironically is the solid state X-77 GT. so i ended up with about 25 different organs, in various states of disrepair some of which i fixed but they just wont sell. i have even tried to GIVE them away but people only want B-3's, because THEY have a high re-sale value so i have decided to just use all the parts i can salvage and build guitar amps- even my work bench is an old M-3 cabinet- but there are SO many re-usable parts in these things i just cant let them go to the landfill. your page is going to be an invaluable resource to me- i love learning this stuff- and you are my kinda technician/musician- thank you for posting and doing what you do-
Hi Ed. Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing. And thanks for the glowing review. Sounds like you have a lot of very nice equipment there. I would encourage you to keep at least one good Hammond intact. They really are marvels of electronics engineering. I doubt they will ever be made the same way again, and mark my words, no matter what the market thinks of them today, there WILL come a time when people will value these again. Nothing sounds like a real Hammond.
oh I couldnt agree more- I have the utmost respect for Lauren's Hammond, and the SOUND is just the coolest thing this side of ...well , you name it- i have about 7 M-3's still, and i am going to sell at least 5 of those when i'm done restoring them, all from the 50's and a couple other odd ones, 3 or 4 that actually work fine and are pristine examples, but I have run out of room!!! there is very little that cannot be re-used, speakers, keys, amplifiers and circuits, even the solid state models- the 'expression pedals make great volume pedals- i even use the wood from the cabinets to make attractive housings for the amps- I have 5 or 6 'Leslie' 'cheesewheels' that I am building into guitar cabinets, and the SOUND is just the best- I will post a video later in the week of the one ive completed, it is just addictive.. the ones ive scrapped are from the 60's, and they all have the 'gooey foam problem' which is where Hammond decided to use foam rubber to insulate the key wiring, instead of felt- and the foam melts onto the wires and is very acisic and eats them up, and the wire is SO thin, like a human hair, 3 per key, all bundled in groups, so they really cant be fixed- i have an M-101.with this problem, and it has an awesome vibrato like nothing else, but 5 or 6 notes dont come through...so i am going to try and switch out the key assemblies for an 'L' from the fifties, but I'm not sure if it will work . i have several modern synths that have an OK Drawbar organ patch, but if you hear them side by side it doesnt compare- no way.
Using the wood is a good idea. The cabinetry, baffles, speakers, amps, hardware, WIRE, you name it. Parts galore if you have to scrap one. I've made a couple standalone Leslie cabs out of ones from organs. the cool thing about reusing the cabinetry is you can get creative.
What a great comment, good luck with all your building and playing efforts. The Guitologist is right as well, one day those old Hammonds will be sought after gems people will pay stupid prices for. You just can't beat the sound of the real thing, and once you've heard it there's no going back.
I come from Uncle Doug Land--where the tutorial is rich with information. Subscribed to you because you're the first to unpack the use of the AO-29--at least in detail like this. I just went downstairs and counted FOUR of these chassis in my basement. There's a lot of potential there, and this tutorial is getting me started. The AO-29s are very plentiful and require a little more to make the conversion. Watching with enthusiasm! Thank you.
Thanks so much for subbing and joining us. I too am a huge admirer of Uncle Doug. He, Rusty, and Jack are like old friends in my house. I wish you luck on your 29 conversions. I'll help anyway I can.
Here's a dream I have: Uncle Doug performing the same conversion you've done here. I have a feeling we would both benefit. These amps are so easy to get I had to stop doing "organ removals" just because they were clogging up my basement! There's a lot of amp here, I suppose. Somehow using that row of 12AX7s would be nice.
I love wat you've done here I'm a 1482 fan also and I have this amp also a 1959 out of my m3 which I loved but had to leave it so I grabbed the amp I need a little more guidance if u ever had a lil time my electrical experience is wiring up guitars so pray for me and if u can please give up a lil more break down of wat u gave done you are a genius to me I also love your approach so logical I thor is sounded amazing when u tested it even with the shitty tens so I'm so excited to try my two twelves both out of Hammond s 👍 AWESOME
If you join my locals community, you'll get not only help from me, but probably from a half dozen other experienced techs who are over there: theguitologist.locals.com
Thanks man for taking time to show how this conversion goes and more.. I got an AO-29 off Craigslist for $50 without tubes. I'll use your video to guide me.Thanks again !
Builds an amp out of spare and found parts he has lying around. Plays a frigging cigar box. Makes it burn and rip and sing and wail and shout and cry. FML.
I made one from a 1965 Hammond/Everett model chassis AO-50. I still incorporate the use of the expression pedal though. Seems to act as a volume and low pass filter. Using it is somewhat unique also. I'd like to add bass, mid, treble but I'm still learning. I also used the original Heppner 12" speaker for the cabinet.
@@TheGuitologist holy shit that guitar! Awesome! Ps : and the trem on that turned out unreal. I can hear “born on the bayou” sounding real good on it. :)
Just trawling your back catalogue and found this! OK Brad, you've passed the audition.... You CAN be in the band (as long as you bring that amp with you!!!). It's clear you knew your way round a fingerboard three years ago as well as you do now!! These are great vids, Brad. I've been watching some of your older ones and you are as good now (even with your domestic duties!) as you were then. I really enjoy all the little details, tips etc that you sprinkle liberally throughout all your vids. It is these little side steps that usually have all the really good tips....who would've seen a spare transformer and thought "I can make a pickup out of that" !?!?!? Keep up the good work, Brad. Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! This isn't the first time I've heard from people in Brazil saying this. I think I might need to load up a truck with amps and drive down to Brazil! Might make a fortune.
Nice job.. I actually did an AO-29 conversion last year.. I cut mine down after v4 while getting rid of unneeded components and used some of the leftovers to make an additional amp. This one ended up a pp 6v6 with 12ax7 and 12au7 taking care of preamp and pi and it is using the stock field coil speaker in a combo amp format. The second is a single ended amp head based on a 5e3, but with a pair of 6au6 tubes as the first 2 gain stages. I really enjoy your videos and pick up a lot of good info watching you. Keep it up!
+Aaron Collins Thanks for your comment, Aaron! I had considered also omitting the 6AU6 and just going with the 12ax7 and 12au7 in pre. The AU only uses one of its triodes in my design, so you wouldn't be losing a gain stage doing that. In fact, if I wanted to hot rod this amp further, I could go in and use that triode. I kept all the parts I extracted from the amp. I know I'll be using all kinds of spare parts for a long time.
I am working on my Hammond organ, and I READ that on side of the expression pedal part of AO-29 AMP I found out that there is a rca jack on the side of it. Plugged my guitar into. Wow, ever hear a guitar through a Leslie 45. Very cool sound.
I have a working AO-29 I pulled from an organ. I assume your amp is still inside the organ? I'm just wondering if I power up the amp, with speaker, and plug a guitar into the rca jack that might work the same as your example. Did you use any preamp pedal or just plug a guitar straight in?
@@montag4516 yes you can plug a guitar into rca jack for low volume ... adding a pedal in front will bring up the volume quite a bit ..... there is also a higher level input available under the long side cover, i think its the 3rd or 4rth tab from right then just ground the other side of the input to chassis
Guess what I got today for free? A Hammond M3. The tube complement looks to be fine. Obviously perfect for a conversion. I think Ill use the case of the organ itself for the cabinet. Might also make a new chassis. Been keepin my eye out for anything I could get my hands on!
I got it running! The tone wheel was a little tight. It sounds great, the amp works! It has the upper foldback already. The drawbars need some cleaning, and the vibrato is out of commision. I need to find a leslie now! I think i might go ahead and pull the amp, and chop the organ down. I love the instrument, and want to preserve it, however in its current form it will end up in a landfill after I'm gone. A nice compact good looking chop, with a solid state pre amp should keep it viable for a few years!
Crap, I'd love to work on one too. The amp has a tremendous mod/redesign potential. Not to mention that it's very nicely built. I love the turret board, it's so clean.
Great video! A little disappointed that it jumps to the completed build. Would have loved to see maybe not the entire process but more of the planing and execution of the circuit build. I have one of these, but I got carried away and gutted the poor thing. It will become a princeton reverb one day. If you have another, i'd love to see that build as well, thx.
Love your videos (been going back through some of your old ones,) as well as your one man campaign to change the pronunciation of the word "tremolo," LOL!
A nice project and well done. I think you would like a Filmosound project amp. They make awesome lil amps and fit inside Victor speaker enclosures for a very retro look.
+arumrunner I have done a sound projector project before. Here it is if you didn't see it. It's a different model: ruclips.net/video/cqDm4iRooWU/видео.html
I think the only thing I'd have done different is to leave the expression circuit in and attach a wah-wah pedal to it. If you still have these, this might be something to try. It looked like a standard pot from what I saw. I mean that could be pretty interesting to see what that would do the tonal properties of a guitar. Just something to think about...
Thumbs up for this one Brad! Great way to hide a monster inside a piece of furniture! Well monster size not necessarily monster ugly! It it definitely a well made chassis. That power transformer is frighteningly big though! Phew! I love the vertical & wide tagboards system Hammond used - is there anywhere to buy this hardware? I reckon they're fantastic! You must have had a lot of fun building this unit up ay? Cool to have spare valve positions to use for whatever you want. Good to find the nice Alco tremolo circuit & be able to reuse existing Hammond circuitry. Nice gold front panel, but I'd like to see say, brushed aluminium cover panels over the unused chassis holes, as icing on the cake. Bold red knobs are cool, & it sounded awesome! How much better do think it might sound with more guitar amp-like speakers in it instead of hifi console speakers? 10/10
thank you thank you thank you!! I've been waiting for this for a long time!! well done!! I also have an A0-43 that I believe has a reverb circuit built in...just need a little time to get to it:))I bought 2 ancient 4x8 inch speaker PA columns and they make instant cabinets, with a little cutting-and-pasting...definitely enough for 4 amps, instant patina....
+joe bartolini the AO-43 is still on my list! Haven't done one of those yet. The beauty of this AO-29 is I can go back and use one of the unused tube sockets to create a reverb circuit if I want, maybe build in a nice-sounding Ampeg or Fender circuit. Got space for a transformer too.
i did an ao43 and i made it work with reverb on footswitch, and have a dirty channel that is just heaps of volume and gain. no test gear, no schematic... just experimenting.. thing SLAYS!!!
Didn't see this question sorry if it has been asked. I have a working m103 with the same amp. What I want to do is pull it as a hifi amp only. I would love to do the minimal modification to it. Can I unsolder all the front wires, plug a source into the rca on the pedal box and use the output speaker leads for a similar ohm value cabinet leaving all the un needed tubes and electronics in place?
It wonder if those speakers were meant to be 8ohm but wear and tear on the coils has brought them down to 5.6 ohm, like there is 2 or 3 ohms worth of short circuit happening?
Excellent video - thank you! I've been sitting on an amp and electrodynamic spkr from an M3 for about 2 years, and this has given me the confidence to go ahead and try a conversion. I cannot find a video of the conversion you mention you might attempt with the 2nd AO29 with the ED speaker. Is there a video, perchance? Thanks again. Oh yeah, and nice playing, btw.
Hey Brad lend me an ear! ..... I got my 59 ao29 up and running ... added switch between negative feedback and off ... nice boost .... I wired two inputs, the one into the first 12ax7 works fine but the one into the 6au6 gets no signal ....I've gone thru 4 tubes but none seem to work .... I'm inputting into pin 1 ..... is there an additional connection I need to make to couple the 6au6 with the 12ax7? any tips greatly appreciated!
I've started taking out everything that was attached the the 4 tube sockets that are not used. I printed out the schematic as well as the Marshall 18 watt tone stack & volume control schematic. There are still quite a lot of wires, resistors and caps left in that were not directly connected to the 4 tube sockets (V9, V7, V8, V1) After watching your video several times, your end result board is vastly simpler than what I have at this point. You wouldn't happen to have a "layout" schematic of your end result or a good photo or two of what you ended up with, would you? Those would help me quite a bit, if you do. I also subscribed to Uncle Doug's RUclips channel on your advice and he is certainly a wealth of knowledge and information (as you are), so thanks for that tip! Thanks for all the help!
I did not make a layout diagram. There are so many options of where to mount things. I suggest doing what i did...go through the final schematic component by component and earmark the stuff that can stay, then remove everything else with extreme prejudice. Takes a little while, that's kinda why i edited most of that out, it would have been a 2-hour video. When all the extraneous stuff is gone, go back and double check each component that's supposed to be there, checking off each one on the schematic, starting from input and moving trough output. Then start at power plug and check everything off in power supply through the capacitors. Then build out your tremolo circuit. You may also be able to pause the video and get an idea of the layout. You're like the second or third person to email me and ask, so I'll probably take some detailed photos of the end result and that'll help you. In fact, I'll go ahead and do that now and publish them on my Facebook page and link from here when I get them up.
I have several old organ amps including 2 from Hammond L-100's. Sure wish I was a tech to turn them into either a nice hifi for stereo or a guitar amp.
+Bbendfender There are some books out there you can buy if you'd like to start learning. I can vouch for the following: Design and Construction of Tube Guitar Amplifiers by Robert C. Megantz amzn.to/23pHlRn Designing Tube Preamps for Guitar and Bass, 2nd Edition by Merlin Blencowe amzn.to/1VjEbKF
+The Guitologist Thanks, I may check them out. I'm probably too old to start learning stuff like electronics although I have maintained my old Fender amps for years.
Hello fellow Brad, I really enjoy your videos! I've watched this one over and over and over :) Based on your conversion I bought a AO-29 to convert and have researched a plethora of info on them. Mine is similar to yours and I've been told that our larger PTs are the 380v-0-380v version as compared to the smaller ones with 320v-0-320v. Did you run into any high voltage problems when converting? I presently added an input, speaker out and fuse and can play it without the extra pre-amp tubes(excluding the 12a-x7-u7) is this safe or will it cause soaring voltages? As is, the volume is low without a pedal but with one it will get loud. Brad in Texas
This is the same exact amp that comes out of my Hammond organ that I got for free, I don’t know what model Hammond it is. So I was wondering what model Hammond organs would have this amplifier in it?
I just turned my old stereo into an amp head simply by splicing a 1/4th inch jack to a stereo wire. I have the "franken cord" going from the right stero channel out, into the right input on my marshall cabinet valvestate 2x12. I have a line 6 pocket pod plugged into one of the inputs on the the stereo. Is it possible this will damage one of my speakers? I'm treating it like it's a 112 rite now, and I am keeping it at moderate volume.
Thinking about buying a JR 20 tone cabinit for a conversion. It has 4 , 10inch speakers and I think its a 12 on top. 100watt functioning amp. I need to send it to you for making it a guitar amp. Not the whole cab. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Hey there. I just came into possession of one of these Hammond AO-29’s. I am a total beginner and would love to make this my first project. Do you have any beginner-educational recommendations as far as this stuff goes? I’d like to know what I’m doing a bit so I do a decent job and don’t end up electrocuting myself. Thanks! And great channel!
5 лет назад+1
I like the amp but that guitar has all the resonance of a paper box. What's the deal with that thing?
Been wanting to ask if you think this pentode is similar to an EF86 (old Vox) and your take on pentode front ends... ...and another great video thanx and... cheers
I just seen the guitar pick ups.. omg I have a old Shure Crystal microphone shell (cast steel i think) but its heavy duty. i heard how sensitive that was before you waxed it. Do you think I could take that same theory and put it into this shell and have a mic? Also is there a way to produce less noise? Damn i hope you hit me back up. Your crazy crafty cuz lol
It seems I have two ways I can approach this. I can either "mark" the components I am going to KEEP by walking through the schematic OR, I can remove everything and rebuild using the schematic. Any advice as to which option is better? Thanks in advance.
Start at the input of the circuit you WANT to build and begin adding components that aren't there yet. If a component is already there, decide if you want to change its value or keep it. Go through V1, V2, etc. just like that. The power supply is something else.
@@TheGuitologist Each 12ax7 seems to have a capacitor coming off of the plate and then a resistor going to ground that you normally don't see in a preamp. Usually it's just a plate resistor that the B+ passes through and a coupling cap. Why the extra cap and resistor? Is it to bleed off highs? Thanks in advance
I have an M series organ with this amp in it. What could cause it to start crackling and popping after being on fir about ten minutes? I've changed tubes and filter can cap.
Change all power and screen resistors and try it again. Use higher wattage parts where possible and change to metal film where they were formerly carbon.
I've converted a few AO-35s now into a plexi style amps. I have a couple AO-29s still and would like to try a Bassman style circuit running 6v6s for lower output. Any suggestions on other videos attempting the same? PS I've watched almost all your videos and really love your style and approach to teaching.
I am debating on picking up an AO29 and an AO14. $100 OBO for both. They've been for sale for a couple of months. I could probably get them for less. One is supposed to be in full working order. Both have the original speakers. I have worked on and troubleshot electronics as an industrial controls tech. I have never had hands on experience with tube tech. I think I might take the plunge.
I bought a 029 and want to make the conversion. Why don't DIYers add a gain control as we have plenty of place. I built a AX-84 Octane and like the gain control very much.
I'm doing one of these now and also have the AO-29 1959 without field coil speaker ..... quick question, did you re-use the 50/50 and 40/20/20 cap cans?
Hi there, there’s a small transformer in the percussion section of the Hammond amplifier which I assume you won’t be using in your conversion project. I need one for my organ and would be interested in buying it from you. Is that possible? Thanx
I just found a working conn theater model 642 in a dumpster . someone beat me to the lesli and speaker but left the amp and every thing else. it's a transistor amp but i actually heard it the day before and it sounded great. Point to point wiring...you ever seen one of these? also... that little amp you got there is the bomb!!!
Never seen that exact model, but the later SS organ amps can make good bass amps, Keyboard amps, or clean steel guitar amps, I'd suspect. Pair it with a good speaker and I bet it sounds great in these applications.
hello ty for that great video i have 2 of these chasis at home , have you sketched a schematic for that guitar amp i would like to build it same way as you , as i liked the sound. thank you !
No, didn't feel the need. I just edited the existing schematic crudely. The final schematic is near the end of the video. Good luck on your build! It's a fun one.
The guy builds a great amp out of spare parts, shows us how he did it, gives a kick ass demo on a cigar box guitar, and Dean the dickhead feels he has to chime in because of a mispronounced word. Lol
And the only one offended is YOU, as the guy who builds a great amp out of spare parts, shows us how he did it, gives a kick ass demo on a cigar box guitar realizes that he knows that he says it weird. You must be one of those special snowflakes with irritated vagina who can't stand when you are wrong about something and someone mentions it, even in a kidding style.
Is there a reason _not_ to use solid state diodes in the power supply? It seems to me that would remove one possible point of failure (and heat) while having no effect on the signal path. It probably wouldn't make that much difference, granted, but is it just that you would prefer to recycle parts than redesign the power supply? Also, the expression pedal might have been a cool thing to leave in the circuit, if it worked.
First off, great work! Now to the critique. Why do most geniuses loose sight of their audiences? After such a massive attempt to show this creative work, it would have been critical to play the amp with a real guitar fender and gibson prs, etc and through real guitar speakers like celestions G12H, etc. And cranked up to hear what the amp can do. Most of those who would want to replicate your effort are left with the question, why would I do this project when I don't even know if I would like the sound? Its an honest critique, would love to see you follow up on this for those of us that might want to take on the project.
Ben Tanch I know this is old response but adding a 3-prong cord to any amp is simple the white and black or the hot leads that go to the two wires coming in now with black is your hot wire white as the neutral and the green wire just goes to the frame of the amplifier. Morning hope that helps you in case you haven't figured it out yet
Are you familiar with Justin Johnson check him out if not, cigar box player,man he'll play anything with strings on it,even a shovel.Nice build with your project by the way.Neat!
Hey Brad, I know this is an older video, But I came across one of these amps recently and I was curious if you stumbled upon the "altoides" pick-up on your own, or did you see somebody else build one 1st. Very neat either way, Thanks for posting, Tom
I chucked out a Marshall plexi head cabinet once to use the amp chassis in my organ.
Dude your a Genius! That amp sounds incredible! The natural tone that it has even with those old worn out speakers is unbelievable!! I would give almost anything to have you talent with tube amps....
+Tim Stanley In the case of some of these Hammonds, it's just luck. They used good parts and built to last. The credit goes to the engineers at Hammond. I feel like I'm taking a chisel to the electronics equivalent of a Michelangelo sometimes. I'm defacing more than anything.
Fantastic tone! I am loving all of it! Plus, what an awesome look. You could actually keep this sweet mid century vibe amp sitting around the house as a piece of furniture till you plug in and rock!
I LOVE IT- just found your channel, and subscribed, there are a LOT of guys building and rebuilding old amps for guitar on YT, but you are the first one ive heard who can actually play well- i also love how you dont like to spend any more money than necessary ion order to get something usable-
I have an abundance of old organ parts, seems that Florida is where all the old organs have ended up, and nobody wants them anymore, cos they are too heavy to move around...i fell in love with the Hammond sound about 6 years ago and began a search for the one with the sound and features i liked- which ironically is the solid state X-77 GT.
so i ended up with about 25 different organs, in various states of disrepair some of which i fixed but they just wont sell.
i have even tried to GIVE them away but people only want B-3's, because THEY have a high re-sale value
so i have decided to just use all the parts i can salvage and build guitar amps- even my work bench is an old M-3 cabinet-
but there are SO many re-usable parts in these things i just cant let them go to the landfill.
your page is going to be an invaluable resource to me- i love learning this stuff- and you are my kinda technician/musician-
thank you for posting and doing what you do-
Hi Ed. Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing. And thanks for the glowing review. Sounds like you have a lot of very nice equipment there. I would encourage you to keep at least one good Hammond intact. They really are marvels of electronics engineering. I doubt they will ever be made the same way again, and mark my words, no matter what the market thinks of them today, there WILL come a time when people will value these again. Nothing sounds like a real Hammond.
oh I couldnt agree more- I have the utmost respect for Lauren's Hammond, and the SOUND is just the coolest thing this side of ...well , you name it- i have about 7 M-3's still, and i am going to sell at least 5 of those when i'm done restoring them, all from the 50's and a couple other odd ones, 3 or 4 that actually work fine and are pristine examples, but I have run out of room!!!
there is very little that cannot be re-used, speakers, keys, amplifiers and circuits, even the solid state models- the 'expression pedals make great volume pedals- i even use the wood from the cabinets to make attractive housings for the amps-
I have 5 or 6 'Leslie' 'cheesewheels' that I am building into guitar cabinets, and the SOUND is just the best- I will post a video later in the week of the one ive completed, it is just addictive..
the ones ive scrapped are from the 60's, and they all have the 'gooey foam problem' which is where Hammond decided to use foam rubber to insulate the key wiring, instead of felt- and the foam melts onto the wires and is very acisic and eats them up, and the wire is SO thin, like a human hair, 3 per key, all bundled in groups, so they really cant be fixed- i have an M-101.with this problem, and it has an awesome vibrato like nothing else, but 5 or 6 notes dont come through...so i am going to try and switch out the key assemblies for an 'L' from the fifties, but I'm not sure if it will work .
i have several modern synths that have an OK Drawbar organ patch, but if you hear them side by side it doesnt compare- no way.
Using the wood is a good idea. The cabinetry, baffles, speakers, amps, hardware, WIRE, you name it. Parts galore if you have to scrap one. I've made a couple standalone Leslie cabs out of ones from organs. the cool thing about reusing the cabinetry is you can get creative.
What a great comment, good luck with all your building and playing efforts.
The Guitologist is right as well, one day those old Hammonds will be sought after gems people will pay stupid prices for. You just can't beat the sound of the real thing, and once you've heard it there's no going back.
I come from Uncle Doug Land--where the tutorial is rich with information. Subscribed to you because you're the first to unpack the use of the AO-29--at least in detail like this. I just went downstairs and counted FOUR of these chassis in my basement. There's a lot of potential there, and this tutorial is getting me started. The AO-29s are very plentiful and require a little more to make the conversion. Watching with enthusiasm! Thank you.
Thanks so much for subbing and joining us. I too am a huge admirer of Uncle Doug. He, Rusty, and Jack are like old friends in my house. I wish you luck on your 29 conversions. I'll help anyway I can.
Here's a dream I have: Uncle Doug performing the same conversion you've done here. I have a feeling we would both benefit. These amps are so easy to get I had to stop doing "organ removals" just because they were clogging up my basement! There's a lot of amp here, I suppose. Somehow using that row of 12AX7s would be nice.
I love wat you've done here I'm a 1482 fan also and I have this amp also a 1959 out of my m3 which I loved but had to leave it so I grabbed the amp I need a little more guidance if u ever had a lil time my electrical experience is wiring up guitars so pray for me and if u can please give up a lil more break down of wat u gave done you are a genius to me I also love your approach so logical I thor is sounded amazing when u tested it even with the shitty tens so I'm so excited to try my two twelves both out of Hammond s 👍 AWESOME
If you join my locals community, you'll get not only help from me, but probably from a half dozen other experienced techs who are over there: theguitologist.locals.com
Thanks man for taking time to show how this conversion goes and more..
I got an AO-29 off Craigslist for $50 without tubes. I'll use your video to guide me.Thanks
again !
Awesome! Best of luck. Let me know how it comes out.
Builds an amp out of spare and found parts he has lying around. Plays a frigging cigar box. Makes it burn and rip and sing and wail and shout and cry.
FML.
This is what it's all about for me. Thanks for the comment!
I made one from a 1965 Hammond/Everett model chassis AO-50. I still incorporate the use of the expression pedal though. Seems to act as a volume and low pass filter. Using it is somewhat unique also. I'd like to add bass, mid, treble but I'm still learning. I also used the original Heppner 12" speaker for the cabinet.
"If you can't figure out four controls, there's something probably wrong with you." SUBSCRIBED.
Dude! I just bought an AO 29 for $60 with tubes! Can’t wait to dig in and see if I can configure it in a similar fashion !
The tubes alone are easily worth that.
@@TheGuitologist holy shit that guitar! Awesome! Ps : and the trem on that turned out unreal. I can hear “born on the bayou” sounding real good on it. :)
I wish I knew even HALF of what you know about tubes! Sadly they were NOT included in my education.
Another great video!! Thanks for posting it.
Just trawling your back catalogue and found this! OK Brad, you've passed the audition.... You CAN be in the band (as long as you bring that amp with you!!!).
It's clear you knew your way round a fingerboard three years ago as well as you do now!!
These are great vids, Brad. I've been watching some of your older ones and you are as good now (even with your domestic duties!) as you were then. I really enjoy all the little details, tips etc that you sprinkle liberally throughout all your vids. It is these little side steps that usually have all the really good tips....who would've seen a spare transformer and thought "I can make a pickup out of that" !?!?!?
Keep up the good work, Brad.
Cheers!
Sounds a lot better than most of amps available here in Brazil! (the afordable ones)
Quite nice work that you do!!!
Thanks for the comment! This isn't the first time I've heard from people in Brazil saying this. I think I might need to load up a truck with amps and drive down to Brazil! Might make a fortune.
Nice job.. I actually did an AO-29 conversion last year.. I cut mine down after v4 while getting rid of unneeded components and used some of the leftovers to make an additional amp. This one ended up a pp 6v6 with 12ax7 and 12au7 taking care of preamp and pi and it is using the stock field coil speaker in a combo amp format. The second is a single ended amp head based on a 5e3, but with a pair of 6au6 tubes as the first 2 gain stages. I really enjoy your videos and pick up a lot of good info watching you. Keep it up!
+Aaron Collins Thanks for your comment, Aaron! I had considered also omitting the 6AU6 and just going with the 12ax7 and 12au7 in pre. The AU only uses one of its triodes in my design, so you wouldn't be losing a gain stage doing that. In fact, if I wanted to hot rod this amp further, I could go in and use that triode.
I kept all the parts I extracted from the amp. I know I'll be using all kinds of spare parts for a long time.
I am working on my Hammond organ, and I READ that on side of the expression pedal part of AO-29 AMP I found out that there is a rca jack on the side of it. Plugged my guitar into. Wow, ever hear a guitar through a Leslie 45.
Very cool sound.
I have a working AO-29 I pulled from an organ. I assume your amp is still inside the organ? I'm just wondering if I power up the amp, with speaker, and plug a guitar into the rca jack that might work the same as your example. Did you use any preamp pedal or just plug a guitar straight in?
@@montag4516 yes you can plug a guitar into rca jack for low volume ... adding a pedal in front will bring up the volume quite a bit ..... there is also a higher level input available under the long side cover, i think its the 3rd or 4rth tab from right then just ground the other side of the input to chassis
This just appeared in my 'Up Next' list, well explained clean conversion with great guitar play to end
Do you have a full conversion video for this?
I remember you selling guitars and amps in Evansville on craigslist. Nice work - I love the builds!
Yep, that's me. I live in Louisville now. Been here going on 4 years. Thanks for the comment!
You sir, amaze me every time I watch your videos. You have way more patience than I.
Guess what I got today for free? A Hammond M3. The tube complement looks to be fine. Obviously perfect for a conversion. I think Ill use the case of the organ itself for the cabinet. Might also make a new chassis. Been keepin my eye out for anything I could get my hands on!
Think twice before stripping it. Play it a while. I've recorded albums with the M3.
I got it running! The tone wheel was a little tight. It sounds great, the amp works! It has the upper foldback already. The drawbars need some cleaning, and the vibrato is out of commision. I need to find a leslie now!
I think i might go ahead and pull the amp, and chop the organ down. I love the instrument, and want to preserve it, however in its current form it will end up in a landfill after I'm gone. A nice compact good looking chop, with a solid state pre amp should keep it viable for a few years!
Crap, I'd love to work on one too. The amp has a tremendous mod/redesign potential. Not to mention that it's very nicely built. I love the turret board, it's so clean.
The chassis is really too long, but it does make a great guitar amp.
@@TheGuitologist it would be perfect for a head for my 4x12 cabinet
Oh Brad . You certainly have a great way of cracking me up my friend. HappY New year and the very best to you and your family .Amen!
Great job!!
You maxed out with the resources in available in the ao29 that tremolo circuit sent it over the top.
+Mike Haapoja Thanks Mike. Seemed the logical thing to do with that extra 7-pin socket.
Great video! A little disappointed that it jumps to the completed build. Would have loved to see maybe not the entire process but more of the planing and execution of the circuit build. I have one of these, but I got carried away and gutted the poor thing. It will become a princeton reverb one day. If you have another, i'd love to see that build as well, thx.
I will make more of these for sure. I have one other one waiting in the wings.
Love your videos (been going back through some of your old ones,) as well as your one man campaign to change the pronunciation of the word "tremolo," LOL!
A nice project and well done.
I think you would like a Filmosound project amp. They make awesome lil amps and fit inside Victor speaker enclosures for a very retro look.
+arumrunner I have done a sound projector project before. Here it is if you didn't see it. It's a different model: ruclips.net/video/cqDm4iRooWU/видео.html
Altoids pickup would go great on Cigar Box guitar!!!
I think the only thing I'd have done different is to leave the expression circuit in and attach a wah-wah pedal to it. If you still have these, this might be something to try. It looked like a standard pot from what I saw. I mean that could be pretty interesting to see what that would do the tonal properties of a guitar. Just something to think about...
Thumbs up for this one Brad! Great way to hide a monster inside a piece of furniture! Well monster size not necessarily monster ugly! It it definitely a well made chassis. That power transformer is frighteningly big though! Phew! I love the vertical & wide tagboards system Hammond used - is there anywhere to buy this hardware? I reckon they're fantastic!
You must have had a lot of fun building this unit up ay? Cool to have spare valve positions to use for whatever you want. Good to find the nice Alco tremolo circuit & be able to reuse existing Hammond circuitry. Nice gold front panel, but I'd like to see say, brushed aluminium cover panels over the unused chassis holes, as icing on the cake. Bold red knobs are cool, & it sounded awesome! How much better do think it might sound with more guitar amp-like speakers in it instead of hifi console speakers? 10/10
Nothin' like an old Smoke Box G-Tar...Yeah, Brother!
Hello, Brad, The Guitologist. I Suggest that you Should Put A Metal Plate Over The Area to WearThe 4 Holes Are in The Back it Would Look Much Better.
thank you thank you thank you!! I've been waiting for this for a long time!! well done!! I also have an A0-43 that I believe has a reverb circuit built in...just need a little time to get to it:))I bought 2 ancient 4x8 inch speaker PA columns and they make instant cabinets, with a little cutting-and-pasting...definitely enough for 4 amps, instant patina....
+joe bartolini the AO-43 is still on my list! Haven't done one of those yet. The beauty of this AO-29 is I can go back and use one of the unused tube sockets to create a reverb circuit if I want, maybe build in a nice-sounding Ampeg or Fender circuit. Got space for a transformer too.
+joe bartolini The PA columns might be awesome. Just check the impedance of the speakers. Some of those PA cabs had, like 32 ohm speakers installed.
i did an ao43 and i made it work with reverb on footswitch, and have a dirty channel that is just heaps of volume and gain. no test gear, no schematic... just experimenting.. thing SLAYS!!!
Didn't see this question sorry if it has been asked.
I have a working m103 with the same amp. What I want to do is pull it as a hifi amp only. I would love to do the minimal modification to it. Can I unsolder all the front wires, plug a source into the rca on the pedal box and use the output speaker leads for a similar ohm value cabinet leaving all the un needed tubes and electronics in place?
I want to see the altos pickup on a guitar
thomas martinez if he sells.one to me I'll make it into a guitar
that amp will never have bad breath.
It wonder if those speakers were meant to be 8ohm but wear and tear on the coils has brought them down to 5.6 ohm, like there is 2 or 3 ohms worth of short circuit happening?
Excellent video - thank you! I've been sitting on an amp and electrodynamic spkr from an M3 for about 2 years, and this has given me the confidence to go ahead and try a conversion. I cannot find a video of the conversion you mention you might attempt with the 2nd AO29 with the ED speaker. Is there a video, perchance? Thanks again. Oh yeah, and nice playing, btw.
FWIW I have a 59' M3 with the same chassis and it is a 59, and has an electrodynamic speaker.
Nice work! Hats off to you! Which Hammond amp will safely use a 5Y3 ?
That speaker cabinet reminds me a bit of the old Jensen hi-fi ones.
sounds freaking great! I think theres a bit more crunch in this than in the 1482
Please tell me you eventually put some different speakers in that cab.
Why?
Hell yes. Nice project. You could get a party goin with this thing.
Great tone... Sounds like a rolling Stones tone machine to play some open g and open e songs!!
Yeah, definitely good for that stuff. And some new speakers would be really good for it.
Is there a place I could get a schematic for mine
Very cool, sounded great.
+Bucyrus Erie12 Thanks!
Hey Brad lend me an ear! ..... I got my 59 ao29 up and running ... added switch between negative feedback and off ... nice boost .... I wired two inputs, the one into the first 12ax7 works fine but the one into the 6au6 gets no signal ....I've gone thru 4 tubes but none seem to work .... I'm inputting into pin 1 ..... is there an additional connection I need to make to couple the 6au6 with the 12ax7? any tips greatly appreciated!
Great to see some that can build and PLAY! love this channel.
Sounds dope! Great project. Love the valve trem.
I've started taking out everything that was attached the the 4 tube sockets that are not used.
I printed out the schematic as well as the Marshall 18 watt tone stack & volume control schematic.
There are still quite a lot of wires, resistors and caps left in that were not directly connected to the 4 tube sockets (V9, V7, V8, V1)
After watching your video several times, your end result board is vastly simpler than what I have at this point. You wouldn't happen to have a "layout" schematic of your end result or a good photo or two of what you ended up with, would you? Those would help me quite a bit, if you do.
I also subscribed to Uncle Doug's RUclips channel on your advice and he is certainly a wealth of knowledge and information (as you are), so thanks for that tip!
Thanks for all the help!
I did not make a layout diagram. There are so many options of where to mount things. I suggest doing what i did...go through the final schematic component by component and earmark the stuff that can stay, then remove everything else with extreme prejudice. Takes a little while, that's kinda why i edited most of that out, it would have been a 2-hour video. When all the extraneous stuff is gone, go back and double check each component that's supposed to be there, checking off each one on the schematic, starting from input and moving trough output. Then start at power plug and check everything off in power supply through the capacitors. Then build out your tremolo circuit. You may also be able to pause the video and get an idea of the layout. You're like the second or third person to email me and ask, so I'll probably take some detailed photos of the end result and that'll help you. In fact, I'll go ahead and do that now and publish them on my Facebook page and link from here when I get them up.
+The Guitologist sweet! Thanks a TON!
facebook.com/guitologist/photos/?tab=album&album_id=912735435518832
i would like to see an actual build video an AO-39 conversion like the one you have of the AO-35
I have several old organ amps including 2 from Hammond L-100's. Sure wish I was a tech to turn them into either a nice hifi for stereo or a guitar amp.
+Bbendfender There are some books out there you can buy if you'd like to start learning. I can vouch for the following:
Design and Construction of Tube Guitar Amplifiers by Robert C. Megantz
amzn.to/23pHlRn
Designing Tube Preamps for Guitar and Bass, 2nd Edition by Merlin Blencowe
amzn.to/1VjEbKF
+The Guitologist Thanks, I may check them out. I'm probably too old to start learning stuff like electronics although I have maintained my old Fender amps for years.
Its true...you build a better mouse trap, the world will come from miles around and knock at your door! WTG! That is fricking awesome!😀
Cool stuff, sweeeet chops!!
We have the exact same style man. I'm partial but really dig it, shuffle onward!
Hello fellow Brad, I really enjoy your videos! I've watched this one over and over and over :) Based on your conversion I bought a AO-29 to convert and have researched a plethora of info on them. Mine is similar to yours and I've been told that our larger PTs are the 380v-0-380v version as compared to the smaller ones with 320v-0-320v. Did you run into any high voltage problems when converting? I presently added an input, speaker out and fuse and can play it without the extra pre-amp tubes(excluding the 12a-x7-u7) is this safe or will it cause soaring voltages? As is, the volume is low without a pedal but with one it will get loud. Brad in Texas
Really cool. I was thinking it'd be awesome to put in a Magnatone style vibrato to that thing.
so, if I wanted to not use an electro dynamic speaker.. I could disconnect the other two wires ?
This is the same exact amp that comes out of my Hammond organ that I got for free, I don’t know what model Hammond it is. So I was wondering what model Hammond organs would have this amplifier in it?
M Series. M-100, M-1, etc.
@@TheGuitologist Thank you!
You have created a thing of beauty mate.Great job.Thank you.
I just turned my old stereo into an amp head simply by splicing a 1/4th inch jack to a stereo wire. I have the "franken cord" going from the right stero channel out, into the right input on my marshall cabinet valvestate 2x12. I have a line 6 pocket pod plugged into one of the inputs on the the stereo. Is it possible this will damage one of my speakers? I'm treating it like it's a 112 rite now, and I am keeping it at moderate volume.
You could fit an OC "Cascade" or "Folded Line" reverb tank inside that thing...
hello do you sell diagram copy of this amplifier? AO-29
Thinking about buying a JR 20 tone cabinit for a conversion. It has 4 , 10inch speakers and I think its a 12 on top. 100watt functioning amp. I need to send it to you for making it a guitar amp. Not the whole cab. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Hey there.
I just came into possession of one of these Hammond AO-29’s. I am a total beginner and would love to make this my first project. Do you have any beginner-educational recommendations as far as this stuff goes? I’d like to know what I’m doing a bit so I do a decent job and don’t end up electrocuting myself.
Thanks! And great channel!
I like the amp but that guitar has all the resonance of a paper box. What's the deal with that thing?
Question: can I take the tubes out if the percussion pre-amp channel (AO-50 chassis) or will it effect other components ? Thanks.
Been wanting to ask if you think this pentode is similar to an EF86 (old Vox)
and your take on pentode front ends...
...and another great video
thanx and...
cheers
The pickups are cool
I just seen the guitar pick ups.. omg
I have a old Shure Crystal microphone shell (cast steel i think) but its heavy duty.
i heard how sensitive that was before you waxed it.
Do you think I could take that same theory and put it into this shell and have a mic?
Also is there a way to produce less noise? Damn i hope you hit me back up. Your crazy crafty cuz lol
YAYYY I got one of these in my basement :) yayyyyyyy. i watch ur videos and i never knew this was one of them!! im so excited now!!!
I trust this guy's opinion so much, that I am now reconsidering how I pronounce 'tremolo'.
It seems I have two ways I can approach this. I can either "mark" the components I am going to KEEP by walking through the schematic OR, I can remove everything and rebuild using the schematic. Any advice as to which option is better? Thanks in advance.
Start at the input of the circuit you WANT to build and begin adding components that aren't there yet. If a component is already there, decide if you want to change its value or keep it. Go through V1, V2, etc. just like that. The power supply is something else.
@@TheGuitologist thank you!
@@TheGuitologist Each 12ax7 seems to have a capacitor coming off of the plate and then a resistor going to ground that you normally don't see in a preamp. Usually it's just a plate resistor that the B+ passes through and a coupling cap. Why the extra cap and resistor? Is it to bleed off highs? Thanks in advance
I have an M series organ with this amp in it. What could cause it to start crackling and popping after being on fir about ten minutes? I've changed tubes and filter can cap.
Change all power and screen resistors and try it again. Use higher wattage parts where possible and change to metal film where they were formerly carbon.
Thanks, Ill give that a try...its way too nice of an instrument not to restore.
Good job, another winner.
+Frances Nieznay Thanks Frances! Always nice to hear your feedback.
got 3 Conn 541's, a Hammond M3? chasis, and 3 Silvertone 4710 style chassis.
I've converted a few AO-35s now into a plexi style amps. I have a couple AO-29s still and would like to try a Bassman style circuit running 6v6s for lower output. Any suggestions on other videos attempting the same?
PS I've watched almost all your videos and really love your style and approach to teaching.
I am debating on picking up an AO29 and an AO14. $100 OBO for both. They've been for sale for a couple of months. I could probably get them for less. One is supposed to be in full working order. Both have the original speakers. I have worked on and troubleshot electronics as an industrial controls tech. I have never had hands on experience with tube tech. I think I might take the plunge.
Pick them up. That would be a GOLD mine here in Australia.
I bought a 029 and want to make the conversion. Why don't DIYers add a gain control as we have plenty of place. I built a AX-84 Octane and like the gain control very much.
I'm doing one of these now and also have the AO-29 1959 without field coil speaker ..... quick question, did you re-use the 50/50 and 40/20/20 cap cans?
Yes. Kept old cans.errr wait, maybe not. Can't recall.
@@TheGuitologist Looks like you did have them checked on schematic .... just thought the 50uf were a bit big as the 1482 used 20uf
Hi there, there’s a small transformer in the percussion section of the Hammond amplifier which I assume you won’t be using in your conversion project. I need one for my organ and would be interested in buying it from you. Is that possible? Thanx
Email me a photo and part numbers of what you need. Ill see if I have it. Bradlinzy at gmail
I just found a working conn theater model 642 in a dumpster . someone beat me to the lesli and speaker but left the amp and every thing else.
it's a transistor amp but i actually heard it the day before and it sounded great.
Point to point wiring...you ever seen one of these?
also... that little amp you got there is the bomb!!!
Never seen that exact model, but the later SS organ amps can make good bass amps, Keyboard amps, or clean steel guitar amps, I'd suspect. Pair it with a good speaker and I bet it sounds great in these applications.
can't make a good guitar amp outa it?
Yeah, sure. It would just be very clean and stale probably.
do i need some sort of preamp?
you know those were made right over in madison in.?
Did not know that. I'm assuming you'll want some kind of effects boost or multi-effects pedal to use with that.
Dude Boscoe France!! I am from ky too he is a beast!! Are these in the m-111 hammonds?
hello ty for that great video
i have 2 of these chasis at home , have you sketched a schematic for that guitar amp
i would like to build it same way as you , as i liked the sound. thank you !
No, didn't feel the need. I just edited the existing schematic crudely. The final schematic is near the end of the video. Good luck on your build! It's a fun one.
Love this build.
Thanks! I like the way this one turned out too.
Damn that’s sick. I want it
There's one of these in Craigslist right now. Might have to to pick it up.
Where did you find the schematic diagram for this? Someone on Craigslist is giving these parts with amplifier away for free.
nice tone
thanks! And thanks for watching.
great video, thanks. love your work!
what is TRAMOLO?
Yeah yeah, I know I say it weird.
DEAN FAIRWEATHER
Tramolo is generic for Ultram
Its for minor to severe muscular pain
The guy builds a great amp out of spare parts, shows us how he did it, gives a kick ass demo on a cigar box guitar, and Dean the dickhead feels he has to chime in because of a mispronounced word. Lol
And the only one offended is YOU, as the guy who builds a great amp out of spare parts, shows us how he did it, gives a kick ass demo on a cigar box guitar realizes that he knows that he says it weird. You must be one of those special snowflakes with irritated vagina who can't stand when you are wrong about something and someone mentions it, even in a kidding style.
Is there a reason _not_ to use solid state diodes in the power supply? It seems to me that would remove one possible point of failure (and heat) while having no effect on the signal path. It probably wouldn't make that much difference, granted, but is it just that you would prefer to recycle parts than redesign the power supply?
Also, the expression pedal might have been a cool thing to leave in the circuit, if it worked.
First off, great work! Now to the critique. Why do most geniuses loose sight of their audiences? After such a massive attempt to show this creative work, it would have been critical to play the amp with a real guitar fender and gibson prs, etc and through real guitar speakers like celestions G12H, etc. And cranked up to hear what the amp can do. Most of those who would want to replicate your effort are left with the question, why would I do this project when I don't even know if I would like the sound? Its an honest critique, would love to see you follow up on this for those of us that might want to take on the project.
Word
Neat project, brother
great video . love to hear this thing with a strat and some guitar speakers.
Is installing a 3 prong cord to this amp a hard task? Very new to this kind of stuff
Sorry I missed your comment before... No, it isn't difficult. No more difficult than any other amp.
Ben Tanch I know this is old response but adding a 3-prong cord to any amp is simple the white and black or the hot leads that go to the two wires coming in now with black is your hot wire white as the neutral and the green wire just goes to the frame of the amplifier. Morning hope that helps you in case you haven't figured it out yet
Are you familiar with Justin Johnson check him out if not, cigar box player,man he'll play anything with strings on it,even a shovel.Nice build with your project by the way.Neat!
I have a 200 watt intranet amplifier which I think is a Hammond amp. Can it be converted to a stereo guitar amp?
Probably. If it's an amplifier, it can be made to amplify whatever you need it to.
Hey Brad, I know this is an older video, But I came across one of these amps recently and I was curious if you stumbled upon the "altoides" pick-up on your own, or did you see somebody else build one 1st. Very neat either way, Thanks for posting, Tom
No. Never saw anyone do that.
Sounds great.