Making A Pre-Amp Module Last updated 4/01/03
So
far, (although I've only been looking for a month) I haven't been
able to find any spare pre-amp modules for sale on ebay, which is
where I have been told they appear for sale on a fairly regular
basis. So I decided to manufacture one myself, a Hi-Gain module..
It's a little bit of work, but you can build a couple of modules
for around $50.00 or so, parts, materials and pre-amp tubes,
minus the plastic enclosure. Or three modules for around $65.00
(This is of course assuming you already have all the tools you
need to construct one) All you need is basic schematic reading
skills and a fundamental knowledge of how circuits work. See
links below for schematics and PCB layouts. I got very good results, having never attempted making a PCB before. Just about anybody good with their hands could make a PCB. But I think the Press-N-Peel would be a lot easier to work with. Below is some pictures of this project: Addendum: Lately, I have been getting lots of emails from people asking me to make them modules. Sorry, I can not build any for you. What I would have to charge you to make some modules for you would be far more than what you could buy them for on ebay. They come up for sale on a fairly regular basis.
There were a few difficulties assembling the board, the main one being the tube socket I ordered was a little difficult to get into place, but it is just a matter of aligning the pins to fit in the holes. Also, this socket sits about 1/16" higher than what were originally used in the factory preamp modules. Not enough to cause any problems. But the tube sockets available at www.VibroWorld.com work a little better. I
found that a 1/16" drill bit is a little large for the holes
for the components. The 1/32" Dremel engraving/cutting bit
(#105) works great for making the small holes for the component
leads. Just pretend it is a drill bit... A 1/16" drill bit
may or may not be too big for the tube socket, depending on which
socket you get. After everything is done, a generous application
of insulative coating to protect all the traces from oxidation is
also a good idea. I bought some from my local electronics store.
It's similar to the coating on computer PCB's, but not green. The
stuff I used is made by GC Electronics, and has a built-in
applicator on the cap.
Apparently Seymour Duncan had the 2"x2"x1" black plastic enclosures custom manufactured for them. The closest thing I can find to the original is the #1596B108 1.96"x1.96"x1.18" (50mmX50mmX30mm) black ABS plastic potting box made by Hammond Manufacturing , Electronics Group. This
box would require modification for use with the Seymour Duncan
preamp modules.
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