[barbz127]

First time crack builder ordering an alps from parts express.

What else should I be ordering to tweak the crack over the coming months?

 

[DenverW]

First time crack builder ordering an alps from parts express.

What else should I be ordering to tweak the crack over the coming months?

I would recommend this order: speedball, alps, output caps, Cree diodes, choke, other caps. Stop anytime

 

[chrisdrop]

What adapters are popular for the 12au7 socket? I thought I saw 6n7g tubes earlier on the thread (I have some nice ones), but was surprised by the "6"...

 

[Wes S]

What adapters are popular for the 12au7 socket? I thought I saw 6n7g tubes earlier on the thread (I have some nice ones), but was surprised by the "6"...

@Deyan Makes really nice ones. Garage 1217 does too.

The one in the pic, is from @Deyan, amd this one is top notch point to point wiring.

 

[Little Bear]

@Deyan Makes really nice ones. Garage 1217 does too.

The one in the pic, is from @Deyan, amd this one is top notch point to point wiring.

Your volume knob seems to be sitting a little high. Is it fully seated?

 

[Wes S]

Your volume knob seems to be sitting a little high. Is it fully seated?

Good eye! It is fully seated but I believe the shaft is a bit longer on the Alps Blue Velvet pot that was used, instead of the stock pot. The pot is smooth as silk, has no play whatsoever, and zero channel imbalance when I turn the knob. I did not build this, and I assume the guy who did, didn't want to risk messing up the threads by cutting down the shaft, but I never asked because it works perfectly anyway.

With all the pics I have posted of my beloved BHC, I am shocked @Little Bear was the first to notice my high sitting pot. My amp is a little special and has a little flaw, but hey it sounds and looks killer to me.

 

[DenverW]

Heh, I had the same issue with the length of the blue alps pot, so I had to break out the saw...

 

[Wes S]

Heh, I had the same issue with the length of the blue alps pot, so I had to break out the saw...

It doesn't bother me, which is actually kind of shocking for how OCD I am with everything. I kind of like having my hand further away from the top plate when turning the knob, as to not cause microphonics from vibrations, but then again maybe I am just telling myself that, so I don't fret over it.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

If you ever wanted to switch to one that can take the longer shaft, Audio Note makes some nice brass knobs, a gold or black one might match well. The bottom is counterbored so it hides the lock nut. Lots of other options out there too on Mouser, Dig-Key, etc.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/audio-note-knobs.html

Or just use the completely functional stock one, just an idea!

 

[DenverW]

So I ordered one from China that was 25mm tall, thinking it would be perfect. Unfortunately, the interior shaft was still 15 or so mm, just like all the others. Annoying!

 

[Little Bear]

With all the pics I have posted of my beloved BHC, I am shocked @Little Bear was the first to notice my high sitting pot. My amp is a little special and has a little flaw, but hey it sounds and looks killer to me.

Actually, it's because your BHC looks so nice that I stared at it long enough to notice! Especially the nicely finished base. Personally I like the knob currently on it, but if you wanted to drop it down a smidge, you could use a cutoff wheel on a Dremel tool to shorten the shaft a couple of mm's. Or you could just paint the visible nut black so it isn't noticeable. Doesn't matter though. Nice Crack!

 

[Astral Abyss]

@Wes S Easiest way to cover that gap is to replace the knob with another one with a higher mounting point. Richard has some really nice NOS bakelite knobs off old radios and I bet you could find one that would cover the base more and look unique. I've bought a few knobs and tubes from him and everything is good quality.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeedsRadio?ref=pr_faveshops&section_id=13888066

 

[Wes S]

@Wes S Easiest way to cover that gap is to replace the knob with another one with a higher mounting point. Richard has some really nice NOS bakelite knobs off old radios and I bet you could find one that would cover the base more and look unique. I've bought a few knobs and tubes from him and everything is good quality.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeedsRadio?ref=pr_faveshops&section_id=13888066

Thanks! I have bought tubes from Richard, and know he is legit. However, I am fine with it the way it is, and only talked about it because it was mentioned by someone else. No worries folks, my BHC sounds and looks fine to me.

 

[PsilocybinCube]

Thanks! I have bought tubes from Richard, and know he is legit. However, I am fine with it the way it is, and only talked about it because it was mentioned by someone else. No worries folks, my BHC sounds and looks fine to me.

Personally, I think it looks fine @Wes S . That said, if anyone wants some free knobs, I have some I took off an old recurved I scrapped. They are aluminum and pretty.

 

[Bullpride]

Personally, I think it looks fine @Wes S . That said, if anyone wants some free knobs, I have some I took off an old recurved I scrapped. They are aluminum and pretty.

I might be interested. Depends on if the interior hole diameter is .250 (6.35) or larger . I bought a 6mm and it doesn't fit on my PEC Pot.