tweed variac switch mod

[kirk1701]

I've just joined the board. I own a 1990 50.+ head which I love. But it's a little too strident. Does anyone know what exactly the tweed switch is? I'd like to mod my amp to use it. I kinda thought the eq switch (which I don't use) could be rewired in some way.

 

[Boogiebabies]

It switches in a lower voltage tap on the power transformer, hence lowering the voltages about 100V or so and acting like a Variac. You have to have the right transformer as well.

 

[disassembled]

Another solution would be to get a Japan voltage converter for about $30 for a 500 watt unit. This would drop the voltage down to 100volts without modding the amp.

Greg

 

[kirk1701]

Voltage converter? Are they readily available? Also would that give me that "tweedy" effect? Is it as simple a process as dropping voltage? Or is there some extra trick involved?

 

[disassembled]

http://www.voltageconverters.com/japan_voltage.html

Here's where i bought mine. The 500 watt is plenty for your amp but the one i bought came with a 2 prong wall plug and I had to add a three prong. The 1000 watt converter comes with a 3 prong plug stock.

The tweed switch is not an "effect" it just lowers the voltage to the amp. Like the bold and spongy switch on a rectifier head.


Greg

 

[kirk1701]

cool. I understand now. But is there a marked difference? Does it really feel 'spongier' or is it all hype?