Matchless Lightning Clone

llatsni

Hi all,

I'm on the path towards building my own clone of one of these amps, using pretty much the Trinity schematics. However I'm really struggling locating suitable transformers this side of the pond. 

Does anyone have any experience of building one of these amps? And/or sourcing suitable trannys in the UK / Europe?

Paul

llatsni

I'm thinking of these Hammond ones:

- OT: 1650E (15W, 8k primary, 4/8/16 ohm secondaries - presumably just run an 8ohm speaker on the 8ohm secondary?)

- PT: 290NX (290v not 285v - big deal?)

- Choke: 158M (100ma, 195ohm) or 159P (125ma, 155ohm)

GuitarMonkey

I bought the Westlabs transformers for mine but speak to Philip at Bluebell Audio, he'll know what's best.

http://www.bluebellaudio.com/

llatsni

Thanks! Emailed him.

llatsni

Philip is a gent! Super helpful.

@GuitarMonkey... what schematic / layout did you follow?

GuitarMonkey

He certainly is.

After first scratch building a Spitfire on tag board I took the easy route and bought a Ceriatone Lightning board.

llatsni

I did eventually get this built up: custom turret board, transformer layout, tone tweaks ... walnut head and cab of my design, running a Celestion Alnico Blue.

Turned out pretty awesome if I say so myself:

Chalky

Looks superb!

citizen68

Beautiful setup

BigMonka

I hope it sounds as good as it looks, cos that walnut cab is lovely!

llatsni

Cheers for the kind words guys!

Jack_

That looks fantastic, great work.

Wazmeister

I love walnut, and that is a stunning looking amp and cab !

Skodadad

That's gorgeous, looks like top bespoke furniture!