Custom Shop

I constructed my own version of the EAR 859 stereo single-ended enhanced triode mode amp back in 1996 (click on image to enlarge). It's a beautiful looking and sounding amplifier, however was a time consuming project to build. It took three days alone to complete cut-outs in the copper chassis & 1/4" brass front panel. All wiring is point to point and the capacitors are polypropylene, even the power supply smoothing capacitors. I love the retro steampunk look of this amp - it would not look out of place on the Nautilus (Jules Verne).

This little box contains the gain-stage of a Soldano SP-77 rackmount pre-amp. The sub-miniature high tension transformer was wound by hand as none of that miniscule proportion were available at the time - they still aren't. The transformers were ferro-magnetically screened from the tubes using a steel partition plate. Other titles for this project are: an exercise in miniaturization or how not to operate a manufacturing company!

One of two custom-built closed-back speaker cabinets based on FANE 12" 200W speaker drivers. These cabs were constructed using 3/4" MDF and fitted with aluminium eges and steel corners, resulting in a very dense and strong cabinet.

Full rebuild Silverface Fender Twin Reverb - blue-silver weave speaker cloth, Jenson C12N, new tubes, polyester caps, metal film resistors. Very clean amp with a beautiful powerful, warm tone. Tone doesn't get any better than this!

CdS photocells are most sensitive to light in the yellow-green part of the spectrum. Out of scientific curiosity I decided to experiment with different colored lamps in the LFO, which have a subtle effect on the vibe throb. Available with red, yellow, green, blue and transparent filtering.

Sunbeam electric toaster restoration project. Don't laugh, I haven't lost the plot. This toaster is over half a century old and still going strong, proving it's reliable and easy to service. There's much to be learnt from the way these 1950's kitchen appliances were made. Simple to operate with just one knob to control the toasting and it looks so good. Design classics such as this come from a time when stuff was built to last and pride in craftsmanship took priority over built-in obsolescance, fast returns or a quick buck. I strive to embody these principles of simplicity, high quality and classic looks in Effectrode designs.