Valve Jr Combo Mod Question

[Big K]

I have a version 2 Combo and since I can't seem to leave anything alone its time to upgrade this little beast. Was contemplating speaker change first, then tranny, then ???
Any suggestions from the master modders on the fret?

 

[Bloozcat]

I have a version 2 Combo and since I can't seem to leave anything alone its time to upgrade this little beast. Was contemplating speaker change first, then tranny, then ???
Any suggestions from the master modders on the fret?

I'm sure Duhvoodooman will chime in once he sees this. In the meantime, here's his web site. Go to the Valve Jr. Mod pages:
http://duhvoodooman.com/

 

[F_BSurfer]

I personally haven't done a speaker upgrade but the output transformer would yield better results.

 

[duhvoodooman]

Actually, I'd probably do a speaker change LAST based upon my experience with the two VJr upgrades I've done. For the version 2 amp, I'd recommend doing as many of what are often called the "silver" mods as possible, especially the output transformer. The best overall guide I've seen is the one you'll find HERE, put together by a former Fretter. Even though it's a $20 download, I'd consider it well worth the cost, because it's complete, detailed, and supported with excellent photos and graphics. It'll save you $20 worth of time & aggravation hunting around for all the info on the web.

 

[Big K]

outstanding, I had though about Tung's book or giving him a buzz since were both in the same metro area and see what kind of services he provides...

 

[warren0728]

The best overall guide I've seen is the one you'll find HERE, put together by a former Fretter.

hey vood....does it cover version 1 mods?.....or should i sell the version 1 and start with a version 2?

ww

 

[M29]

Hello,

I would suggest the output transformer first, I found this to be the biggest improvement.
Also these links are awesome.
http://forums.epiphone.com/Default.aspx?g=topics&f=4

Look for the Epiphone Valve Junior forum. http://www.sewatt.com/forum

M29

 

[duhvoodooman]

hey vood....does it cover version 1 mods?.....or should i sell the version 1 and start with a version 2?

It's about 95% directly applicable to the v.1 as well, though there are a couple of differences that the modder needs to be aware of. I can fill you in on those. But no need to dump the v.1 for a v.2!

The main item with the v.1 that you need to address that isn't an issue with the v.2 is getting rid of the filament heater hum. Epiphone opted for AC filament heating in the original VJr--not a bad thing in and of itself, but then they screwed the pooch by running the AC traces right along side the signal path on the PCB, resulting in AC hum getting into the signal. Not smart, and they quickly fixed that in v.2. There are a couple of viable approaches to fixing this in a v.1 combo, but I recommend installing a bridge rectifier to convert the AC to DC. That's covered in detail on my Valve Jr. mods webpage.

 

[warren0728]

cool...i have a friend who used to work as an electronics solderer and he has agreed to help me mod the valve jr. (since i have never soldered anything in my life)...not sure when i will get started but i think it will be a fun learning experience! :AOK:

ww