The Firelight Welcome to Rupert's amplifier page! Check the "5E3 Tweed Deluxe" link on the right for a look at my second build. Coming soon: Build #3 California Dreamer. This is the “Firelight”. Originally based on a Matchless Spitfire schematic, it is now roughly the specs of a Matchless Lightning: 2 EL84s in the power section, 2 12ax7s in the preamp and a third 12ax7 for a phase inverter. The transformers are West Laboratories’ "made for Matchless" transformers. The chassis is a surgical instrument sterilization case that was headed for scrap when I snagged it. I decided not to call it “The Sterilizer”.

Inside. This is my first attempt at amplifier building. Having no previous experience with electronics, I considered this a good way to learn about amplifiers. I started by reading a used “Basic Electronic Circuits” textbook, getting lots of advice and information online, particularly from the ax84.com website, and reading some good books on tube amps including Gerald Webber's "Desktop reference of Hip Vintage Guitar Amps" and Kevin O'Connor's "The Ultimate Tone". I took my time with this build, drawing and redrawing the layout several times before I started to cut the chassis. Overall, I'm very happy with the way this amp turned out. It does not hum at all. There is a little bit of “hiss” when it is cranked up, but nothing objectionable. I am running it through a Carvin Vintage 1x12 cabinet. The clean sounds are not unlike those that the Matchless amps are known for: Not pristine clean, but a full, warm, harmonically complex tone. It is a very articulate, touch-sensitive amp and sustains beautifully. When it is turned up to "stage levels" it really sings, compressing just a bit. The amplifier’s response across the frequency range is remarkable. I’ve gotten some good classic rock tones by running it with my 808 Tubescreamer.

The "glow", a long exposure shot. As I mentioned earlier, this amp was originally built based on the Spitfire schematic and later modified to the specs of a Matchless Lightning. This involved adding another 12ax7 to the preamp, adding a second tone control (for bass & treble), and moving the tone stack from below the Preamp Volume (Gain) to just below the second preamp valve. These modifications were definitely worth doing. The tone control no longer effects the amount of gain, the quality (and quantity) of overdrive is improved as is the ability to dial in a wide variety of tones. This has been a great project and the amp has turned out even better than I'd hoped. Check my photo album as I’ve added a few additional pictures of the build. - Rupert Bryan