Ceriatone Overtone Special | Diagnosing No Sound

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[@ScottyBrockway]

Ceriatone amps for the money, are outstanding value. I'm kind of surprised you didn't include any in the amps under $1000.

[@mikebarnard2689]

Looks really well built compared to a lot of “ Big Names” really neat. Good on them, give the big boys a kicking 😀

[@TheCyberMantis]

It looks much nicer than the inside of a EVH 5150 amp. It also looks much nicer than the inside of a MESA amp!

[@qua7771]

My thought as.well. Less expensive, and better built than production brands. I think Lyle is pointing out a few week parts. It has good bones.

[@boctok55]

Nik does nice work and is a really nice guy. He always responds quickly to inquiries. I bought some of the smaller parts kits from him, because shipping on the heavy stuff is a killer. I've been meaning to build a ODS clone, but I was thinking about attempting to install the tube buffered FX loop from Trinity in lieu of the Dumbleator. I have too many plans and not enough time.

[@richardlynch5632]

Good looking and sounding amp 😎👍 Looking forward to hearing more. Thanks for taking us along😎👍

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Just wanted to say watching your vids has been super informative as I'm trying to learn how to work on amps. Took on my first project a 1955 magnatone and just wrapped it up. So far so good!

[@weschilton]

That's a really nicely made amp, sounds pretty nice too! With JJ having to take up the slack for the other two factories going offline, I am not at all surprised by the drop in quality.

[@scoobydoo936]

I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. Nice! 😀

[@Kanthon]

Lyle refuses to stroke people's confirmation bias and that's why his channel is more valuable than most. Lyle, let me just say thanks for being strict in your integrity.

[@monochromedout]

Unless it's Friedman or Suhr he kinda really leans on the downsides. Inside of this amp looked beautiful for a dumble-type P2P for idk, under 2,000. I believe it's a little more helpful to review amps for what they are and not what it could have been for 2.5x the money.

[@bluesman123454]

Nik does really nice work and great to deal with. Outstanding customer service compared to a lot of other amp builders!!!!

[@qua7771]

Agree.

[@bonesetter9721]

Love it!!

[@michaeltaylors2456]

I had one of Nick’s Cherry a tone very first Dumble clones in 50 Watt .. might be my favorite amp ever . Utterly silent, so hi fi but so friendly and had a very nice Marshall roar on overdrive. Every pedal into it sounded exactly like um that pedal .. dang I regret letting that one go. It was a complete chassis only. I had it on a plywood box just so I could look at the gorgeous guts

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

What a beauty! All my JJ's have had that glass etching 3 digit code for the last 5 years or so. Date code? Not sure.

[@danielcgomez]

back in 2019 I built one the 50Watt OTS kits ...took me about 30 hours(I hear that it takes Ceriatone builders about 10!), Great amp! Ceriatone are a great deal for low budget amps! I replaced the stock Bias pot with a Fender style one(Plastic recessed adjuster).

[@gamjammallota78]

Pretty darn nice looking inside there.

[@SturgisNikides]

You might remember working on my Ceriatone Trainwreck a few years ago. Build quality looks about the same to me, super clean and neatly laid out.

[@Jaggedknife11]

I'm interested in purchasing a TW Expression from ceriatone. Any experience with or thoughts on that amp?

[@SturgisNikides]

@@Jaggedknife11 Hi Eli. Was a particularly good amp, especially for a clone. Tone and sustain for days, truly. Build quality was above average, much like what you see here in Lyles video. Dive in and get some, you'll be glad you did.

[@JPDESS]

@@SturgisNikides have you sold the amp or you still have it, if you sold it, what was the reason?

[@SturgisNikides]

@@JPDESS J-P, sad to say, it's gone to the great trade-in happy hunting grounds. Fender Custom Shop made me an offer I couldn't refuse. 🤣

[@anthonymichael3029]

Late to the party here, but thumbs up for the Die Hard reference

[@TheCyberMantis]

I have heard Mezzabarba has the best build-quality. They showed a new amp at NAMM this year. It's a signature model that is supposed to have more gain. ( This Ceriatone looks nice inside. ) Agreed about the bias trim pot. I like the bias test ports.

[@zacate1983]

Thanks for all your videos! If you don't mind me asking, which of the modern boutique or not amps do you think are being built well? Hope all is great with you

[@ThadBrown]

That's nicer cleans than I've heard on a lot of godawful expensive 'Dumble clones.' Not my style of amp, but that sounds pretty sweet to me.

[@jutukka]

Was that bigger fuse HT fuse? If so, bigger can be better. 😁 I bought several bulk JJ ECC803S and ECC83S tubes last year. They were not selected ones, just bulk but seemed quite OK. They were of totally two different plate structure, ECC803Ss were long plate style. They were very cheap at that moment. None of them has failed yet. IMO ECC803Ss were clearer sounding. It would be nice to know what those etched (?) markings in them mean because some of them had no marking and some had. At the same time I purchased some Chinese Shuguang cheapo 12AX7 tubes and IMO some of them had better high frequency response than JJ tubes, especially ECC83S. I should have measured them to make sure my old ears were just not doing any tricks.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

I 'd love to have a kit. Better than a messy booger and with some trusted American iron and a few extra dollars ???

[@formulajoe2]

I liked the Die Hard reference lol

[@syrup_drinker]

Howdy, you mentioned some of the oddities Mr. Dumble implemented in his designs. Would you have time to walk us through a few of them and give us your perspective? TIA

[@HywelHarris]

the OD and Tone stack lift switches are as per how Dumble wired them

[@thesongwritersjourney]

Your comment about JJs struck me as interesting, that there are better options. I have had excellent results with JJs, provided I buy them from a well known supplier who does the proper job of testing and grading them. I have found buying JJs from alternative sources has been hit/miss, but not when they are properly sorted. But I would think that could be any tube brand. JJs, to me at least, seem to hold up really, really well compared to most modern production tubes.

[@maxpeck4154]

I would agree. Didn't care for the tone of the JJ 12ax7 (in my amp anyway) but their el84s are all I use. A good tested, matched set and I put them in and forget them. No need to worry.

[@Dr.Sheldor]

Hey Lyle - thanks so much for the tour! What would you consider as an upgrade to the JJ tubes? I always heard that they were pretty top tier...

[@BCEpedals]

Curious as well!

[@Selzman10]

I’m curious too

[@jstnjstnjstnjstn]

OD switch on back is pushed down to allow use of the foot switch. that is why it says manual and pedal.

[@johnwilliamson467]

Holy grail cap that new to me . Given I have been around this stuff for 45 years interesting .

[@PsionicAudio]

It’s some other brand with orange plastic on it. I haven’t seen any failures with them, but generic caps are a bit of a gamble. I’d rather see the actual manufacturer than a vanity wrap. But that’s me.

[@johnwilliamson467]

@@PsionicAudio Selling the sizzle not the steak in that case . There are a number of fine cap makers in Nippon no need for a wrap.

[@theshyguitarist]

Ha! The amp is mostly ok for the money. Proceeds to play...most beautiful tone ever. That’s a great amp. I have the OTS Mini coming in on Wednesday. Can’t wait.

[@PsionicAudio]

I said it sounded great. I am just not convinced that everything inside will sound great long term. They can be separate considerations.

[@nigeldaddyo]

Amp techs can never resist taking a swipe at how some of even the most revered amps are constructed. Never met one who didn’t. And that’s why we love you guys 😉

[@PsionicAudio]

I didn’t take any swipes. I just don’t fawn.

[@qua7771]

It has good bones. If there are a few details that can be upgraded inexpensively, why not have them pointed out?

[@nigeldaddyo]

@@PsionicAudio nor was I (fawning). I’d never buy one of these.

[@godbyone]

@@nigeldaddyo I’m glad I didnt get one. , To replace some stuff. Trans, some caps. Might as well upgrade a little

[@matthewf1979]

I really like the ala cart Ceriatone kits. The chassis, boards, faceplates/backplates and cabinets are great. I’ve always have preferred to choose my own resistors, caps, pots and iron, no matter how or where the kits come from. I don’t like mismatched caps or resistors, especially modern ones. There’s not really any benefit in doing that with parts that share the same duty in an amp. There’s a purpose in using metal oxide resistors and electrolytic caps in the power supply, etc etc. That C-lator looked like a grab bag of eBay used parts got a hold of it.

[@JPDESS]

Hi, ceriatone use for the most parts high quality parts (capacitors and resistors etc) If you ask the guy (Nick) he will use whatever you want for your build if he have them in stock you can also send the parts you want for a special build. He wants the customer to be happy with the product.

[@EnigmaEuslam]

I got the 20w version of this in a trade a while back. It’s a cool little tool for the studio. Interested to see your take on these amps.

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Can't go wrong if ya gotcha them there Jesus caps. 💰

[@johnmeeks9308]

What kind of tubes or Brand

[@SteveKuhMusic]

Lyle - did you ever determine what transformers are used? (You expressed concern about them). Ceriatone's site simply states that they are custom hand-wound ...

[@BCEpedals]

My JJ’s have the same 616 or 6l6 markings must be something they started doing recently.

[@HandWiredAmps]

Same here.

[@geezberry8889]

lotta hours to build that amp. For the money hard to find

[@brioncommon5701]

? Do you have any associates / aquatints / recommendation in New England the greater Boston area to do a tune-up for a functional 1973 Vibro-Champ I recently inherited? It hummmmmms big time. I am an EPTAC certified. amps ain't in my wheelhouse .

[@PsionicAudio]

Sorry, I don’t know anyone in the Boston area.

[@jamesprice6381]

For conversation. N flame throwing I blv. R Fords Dumble amps are hardwired to Fet.

[@CRUNCHCOLE]

The bias pot is in a bad place. How could you get to it with hot tubes? My Allen has a bias pot sticking out of the chassis but it's back out of the way.

[@6AM_YT]

JJ preamp tubes aren't terrible tonally if you use them in the right application. They tend to be darker sounding, so if you have an amp that rips your head off, drop some JJ's in there. I haven't had experiencing with them losing vacuuming, but I did have a bunch of issues with their power tubes red plating a while ago. Modern tube production is really hit or miss. You'd think it would get better but it seems to get more erratic over time.

[@gheorge77]

That's why it is totally worth it to invest in an NOS or ANOS tube collection. I started right before COVID and have amassed a nice array. Even if you have to spend 25-30 per tube, the lifetime on them is probably 5x what a JJ will be at a minimum. I feel pretty confident that the NOS tested Mullards from reputable sellers I have in my Plexi will last until my grandkids can play that amp in 40 years.

[@6AM_YT]

@@gheorge77 where are you finding $30 NOS Mullards?

[@gheorge77]

@@6AM_YT I lucked into a few around 30-40. Most of the i63s have been around 45-50 each. Got some long plates around 85 or so. There's a great seller on ebay that I've done nice business with outside of eBay if you want the info. He has some awesome stuff, is happy to chat for a while on the phone and really work with you. Even upgrading to some GEs or Westinghouse is a huge upgrade on the new production stuff. Obviously it depends on the amp. Having tried NOS El34s I wouldn't recommend the cost but would highly recommend 6V6GTs. Tons of good sellers for those where you can get a nice pair for 45 or so.

[@6AM_YT]

@@gheorge77 in my experience all commonly used NOS tubes are astronomically priced and have been for years. I have a nice collection of Mullard, Telefuken, RCA, etc preamp tubes from different amps over the years but last I looked a NOS Mullard ECC83 will run you around $300.

[@gheorge77]

@@6AM_YT I paid 130 for a pair of NOS that sound amazing. I also found a mislabeled listing for a brimar military grade 12ax7 for 50 bucks. Its not as difficult as you think. Even KCANOS doesn't charge more than 100 for a Mullard short plate. If you want XF2 EL34s then you are talking big money.

[@enricopallazzo2987]

Is that overdrive switch position affected by the perceived foot switch position and not reversed wires?

[@jstnjstnjstnjstn]

yes

[@stratman2023]

Lyle, that JJ from the C lator does not look like a 12AX7 to me. Could it be a 12AT7 or 12AU7?

[@infectionsman]

It was a jj-ecc83s = 12ax7 with low noise & low microphonics

[@ericwilliamson9869]

If you don’t mind me asking, what do you recommend for a dumble style amp if this is not what you like?

[@godbyone]

Two rock looks solid get used. Red plate. Is super silent. Beautiful build.

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

would you recommend, after buying a Ceriatone amp, taking it to a tech and giving it a once over?

[@Irkin_Bollikans]

Not necessarily, unless it's exhibiting issues. About like any other amp really. The build quality is great, as well as choice of most components used. Though as you've seen in this video, silly things can happen

[@fdsman]

Why did Ceriatone ship the amp with the tubes installed? With all the jossling and abuse packages get, that seems like a fairly obvious thing not to do.

[@ijamsum]

I think it reads 919 not 6l6 because it is printed upside down i think !

[@jonathanlok643]

Nice Diehard’ reference😂

[@bostonbesteats364]

Have you serviced a real Dumble?

[@PsionicAudio]

Yes, a long time ago. They are hen’s teeth.

[@chuckdriver8269]

I heard Robben Ford’s clean tone for a moment. Nice. Has me curious. 🎸🇺🇸

[@PsionicAudio]

Thanks. He’ll be needing it back eventually, but I’m having fun with it for now. ;)

[@genetomblin2883]

Inside it looks like a custom shop Fender in construction (black g10 circuit board and ilets)

[@Lennoxandjon]

Seems like you're generally unimpressed with JJs. What tube maker/brand do you prefer?

[@PsionicAudio]

I used to like JJs a lot. Want to again. Their EL84s are still pretty good. Right now my favorite tubes are the ones that are in stock. ;)

[@Lennoxandjon]

@@PsionicAudio amen. What do you like in a Mesa Dual Rectifier?

[@PsionicAudio]

Preference is TAD 7025s, TAD or Tung-Sol 6L6GC STRs, and JJ (not those stupid huge Mesa) 5U4s (though I think these amps sound better with diode rectification, so you can skip the rectifier tubes entirely).

[@Lennoxandjon]

@@PsionicAudio what if I were to go EL34? Still TAD?

[@danielsaturnino5715]

Diferent size fuses so noobs dont switch them by mistake?

[@PsionicAudio]

Good theory.

[@RedArrow73]

Non-FET sounds clearer.

[@chasebeavers]

fyi, it's pronounced "cherry-a-tone".

[@incubism]

You get what you pay for....except if it is a Mesa..

[@picajoool]

Again, you touch those tubes with no gloves!! Thats unbelivable, and you call your self an AMP TECH! ;-)

[@HandWiredAmps]

Tubes get very nervous when you put the gloves on.

[@sophiemilton5939]

The idea that you should not touch tubes with bare hands is utter nonsense. Someone conflated tubes with certain other items like e.g Halogen lamps which you should not touch - different "glass" material and different temperature conditions. Touching tubes with bare hands does no harm whatsoever, it's just an urban myth that I unfortunately see repeated ad nauseum. I'm 68 and tubes were still in heavy use in various applications when I was young, e.g all television sets used tubes, some of them very high voltage tubes. None of the repair guys ever used gloves or cloth or any such thing it was all just bare hands. - I've been repairing, modifying and building guitar pedals and amps for fifty years.

[@stevesalazar9658]

@@sophiemilton5939, truth. That is a myth that has been debunked for years & by many well known amplifier builders as well.

[@gorillafunk725]

I had the privelige & pleasure of knowing an oldschool audio engineer who worked for the ABC when that actually meant something. I'm sorry but the jj valves aint shit compared to oldschool mullard, siemens, telefunken, RCA. This guy educated my ass on tube tech. And I can't unlearn it. Whatever it takes learn to make tubes properly again. LEARN IT! Cause what you puke out now is shameful !

[@dressedtosmellgood]

Why didn't the owner just change the tube for themselves? Some people have more dollars than sense

[@PsionicAudio]

Or he wanted a tech to look through the new purchase while he was still in the return period. I call that smart.

[@Bairov]

@@PsionicAudio Especially when it's from overseas and tube blowing could have caused other problems with the amp.

[@EmtonGuitars]

Owner here. I’m a full time guitar builder and have another full time job in finance. I don’t know a great deal on amps and wanted to have the opinion of someone more knowledgeable that’s me on if there were any other issues with the amp I just dropped 2K on. If there were, I could get them taken care of by Ceriatone. Additionally, this can be said of any service that people provide. But I’d rather pay someone to do a much better job than me and spend the couple hours I get with my kids than anxiously try and learn how to repair amps as well. Different strokes for different folks!

[@keithjones3714]

Those couple hours with your kids you can never get back, you can never buy back. The money you paid to have your amp looked at, you will never miss.