Allen Amplification, What Thinkest Thou?

[ChrisK]

I'm SERIOUSLY looking at Allen Amplification for their PTP KITS.
(Forget the '65 DRRI and the Pro Reverb.)

www.allenamps.com/index.html

They all have external chassis jacks for re-bias.

Many speaker choices. Great reviews on HC.

Did I mention PTP for Compulsive Mod'ing Disease.


The Sweet Spot, a Princeton Reverb type;
18 Watts 6V6, 25 Watts 6L6

Head - $1,300
Kit - $800
1x12 $1,500
Kit - $999
1x10 - $1,450
Kit - $900
1x12 - $1,500
Kit - $1,000

www.allenamps.com/sweetspot.html


The Accomplice, a Deluxe Reverb type;
22 Watts 6V6, 35 Watts 6L6

Head - $1,350
Kit - $849
1x12 $1,550
Kit - $999
2x10 - $1,600
Kit - $1,050
1x15 - $1,600
Kit - $1,050

www.allenamps.com/accomplice.html


The Encore, a mid 60's Vibrolux Reverb type;
35 Watts 6L6

Head - $1,500
Kit - $850
2x10 - $1,700
Kit - $1,150
1x15 -$1,750
Kit - $1,200
4x10 - $1,900
Kit - $1,350

www.allenamps.com/encore.html

The Old Flame, a mid 60's Super Reverb type;
25 Watts 6V6, 40 Watts 6L6
3 control reverb!!!!!
Blackface/Tweed pre-amp voltage selection.

Head - In revision
Kit - $899
2x10 - In revision
Kit - $1,100
1x15 - In revision
Kit - $1,200

www.allenamps.com/oldflame.html

!!!!!!My favorite!!!!!!!!!!!

[sumgai]

Chris,

Should I even attempt to say anything? I mean, I've already replied once with an abusive trashing of your choice of kit makers. Hope that didn't cause you any indigestion.

But I thought you might like to read what Gerald Weber has to say (in the latest Vintage Guitar) about kits in general (he didn't single out any one kit maker):

In general, most kit makers are in it to sell you exactly what you want - an authentic reproduction, warts and all. I have seen a large number of kits that have absolutely period-correct parts and pieces, and the owners/builders wonder why the amp sounds bad, or went up in smoke, or whatever. It's because they used the exact same parts, without realizing that those parts were superceded for a good reason! And wiring dress, that's another important issue that most kit makers don't take the time to get right."

And he goes on from there, I'm sure you can picture what's coming. Sadly, Vintage Guitar's website has nothing on it of value - it's all a come-on to get you to subscribe to their dead-tree edition. Since they don't publish the article on the web, I don't feel right by copying it here either. But you get the gist, right?

Just some more food for thought, tha's all. You might want to ask some very specific and pointed questions before you step up to the counter and give the nice man all of your money.


sumgai

[ChrisK]

I've already replied once with an abusive trashing of your choice of kit makers. Hope that didn't cause you any indigestion.

Wow, I don't remember this. Within which thread?

But I thought you might like to read what Gerald Weber has to say (in the latest Vintage Guitar) about kits in general (he didn't single out any one kit maker):

Yep, I get this rag. Unfortunately he didn't single out ANY kit makers good or bad. He was responding to an inquiry aboot a really cheep kit tho.

Sadly, Vintage Guitar's website has nothing on it of value - it's all a come-on to get you to subscribe to their dead-tree edition.

Yep, if'n there's money involved, it's a business.


I looked at the Mercury Magnetics Valve Junior transformer/component upgrade kit. For an amp that cost me $100 out the door, it's ONLY $289! Me ears ain't nearly that good that I'd spring for this (and I have to rent my audience anyway).


I appreciate Weber's perspective, but I'm not looking for an assembled PTP vintage amp but rather a kit as a basis. Allen's use of 3 knob reverb and the tone stack lifting RAW control have me intrigued as well as the choice (dozens) of speakers.

Remember, I'm postulating the purchase of a kit, not a finished amp. I can/do understand tube theory, I was plotting load lines for my own home-built guitar effects and amps in 1966 (at age 14) in my dad's lab.

For little more (50%) than a '65 DRRI that I was going to chop up, I can be "enabled".

This buyer is already "bewared".

[sumgai]

Chris,

I've already replied once with an abusive trashing of your choice of kit makers. Hope that didn't cause you any indigestion.

Wow, I don't remember this. Within which thread?

This response, in your Any experience w/ the Fender Pro Reverb thread.

Since you're not intending to slavishly adhere to what Allen thinks the kit should be, then I can only say "it's yer money, play with it however ya like!" ;D But do keep us updated on your results, eh?


sumgai

[ChrisK]

That ain't abuse.

You didn't even say that I was ugly and that my mother dressed me funny!

[sumgai]

chris,

That ain't abuse.

You didn't even say that I was ugly and that my mother dressed me funny!

That's coming, but I'm waiting for the correct moment to spring it on you.

Timing is everything, you know. ;D


sumgai

[ChrisK]

Well, I done did order the Allen Encore PTP kit today.
www.allenamps.com/

www.allenamps.com/encore.html

I went with the 35 watt output transformer and 2 x 10" Eminence Copperheads. I also went with 2 x 6V6 and the 5U4.

This kit is normally $1,150 (the assembled amp is $1,700), but is on special during October for $999.

In essence, if I put the 6L6s back in, I have a hand wired (by me) Vibrolux fer a grand.


I bot the kit since I'd be taking it apart and modding it anyway.

I'll probably add in an attenuator for the speakers also.