Mate, any day of the year you don’t work?? As an amp builder aficionado just wanted to express my gratitude for your videos and wisdom. Thanks so much! Beyond that, my appreciation for your work ethics as well. Regardless of what we do in life I reckon we could all take a page from your book. Happy new year and best wishes for 2025!
Interesting comments on bass amps and totally spot on. I use a TecAmp Puma 900W head into a Barefaced SuperTwin (2 x 12", 1200W) cab. All capable of giving incredibly clear and claen sound at unreasonable volumes... Guitarists with 100W heads - you're the reaason for the arms race! Getting good tone is still the big question - clinical is fine for recording (the engineer will add drive, etc. in the mioxing process as needed). Live is the key - tooo much grind and you blend into the guitar too much, too clean and the lows have no real oomph. I use a Quad Cotex modeller now - I can get nicely compressed clean tones and obnoxous metal tones. I'll probably build myselfl a valve amp at some point but it'll never leave the house. Same reason that an 8x10 cab seems fun until you need to move it!
Hi Chris, found your channel after you were referenced by Psionic Audio in one of his UA-cam videos. I like the different approach of your channel and find your content IEE (instructive, educational and entertaining). All the best for 2025.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bassman135 rebuild effort - thank you. I've a '66 Bassman chassis crying for some love that I'll get to after other tasks are finished. Merry New Year from north-central Idaho!
Happy New Year Chris! I do hope it is a great one for you and your business! Thanks for all the fantastic content you put out, I genuinely do love watching it. The Christmas special stuff is by far the best thing I've watched this holiday period, so well done on that! Oh! and I love the 'Columbo" moment at the end of this episode!
New channel name idea: “Rambling With Rift”. 😂 Happy new year Chris, all the best for 2025. So glad I discovered your channel in 2024 and I’m much the better for it. Thank you.
I just want to say that I love your laid back approach. Regarding the Christmas special, I'm in the "keep the chassis" camp as well. While the metal may be thinner than it should have been, it's nice to keep things original when possible. As you've pointed out, there are ways to strengthen the fatigued areas. I have used the washer solution myself. The flat bar solution mentioned by several others is also a very good suggestion. Happy New Year Chris!
Happy New Year Chris.......... If you have to raise your price due to material cost going up, it is the proper thing to do... That is how the rest of world does. I think customers should understand that Rift amps are hand built, and hand wired...... Quality..............
Longer format is great as well as all your vids. Somehow I found this restoration very compelling. Loads of love to all the techs out there who expose themselves on the tube and up for random scrutiny and criticism. Happy new year sir!
I know that I'd made a suggestion about improving the circuit of your 135, but that was based upon a comment you'd made along the same lines, so I hope it wasn't taken the wrong way. This amp was marketed at a time when 'bigger and louder' ruled the day, so Fender was probably to some extent going head to head with Sunn (and to a lesser extent, Ampeg) in that respect while also cutting corners. The large expanse of unused circuit board, as well as the shared cathode R/C on V1/2B attests to that. You're a very clever and astute fellow; I wasn't trying to second guess you.
Hi Chris, I might have a couple of 70's fender knobs (from a Twin Reverb) in a box that I have no need for. I'll check if they match the ones you've got.
Nothing wrong with the longer format videos 40+ minutes. Glad you kept the original chassis though. Adds character. Can’t wait to see the cabinet when it comes back from being recovered/ refurbished 😉😉
When do you sleep??? Or have time to race? If there is a partner involved, I hope there's time for them too. Happy New Year, Chris. All of the videos are greatly appreciated.
Really can’t tell you how much I’ve loved the 135 amp build. My gigging amp for guitar the last 20 years has been a 1978 bassman 70. It too is ultra linear. Can you explain what ultra linear is? Also, is the 70 just a 50 with different transformers?
Ultralinear, originally for HiFi, uses a different type of output transformer - the primary has taps connected to the output valve screen grids. Result - lower distortion.
Hi Chris, Happy New Year. Question: I have a valve amp with a four EL84 power section. I am converting it from Fixed Bias to Cathode bias. How is output impedance affected if I add a half power switch to cut out two EL84 valves, by way of switching/cutting circuit between the two cathodes and shared cathode resistor. Transformer has a 4.5K impedance specified, options of either 16ohm or 8ohm speaker outputs. 16ohm Speaker fitted. Do I just need to use the 8ohm output with the 16ohm speaker when switching off the two EL84's ?
Hi Gaz, it would be easier to ground the signal feed to the two unwanted grids, no? That way you don't need to worry about impedance switching. If you want to go your way, then yes, the valves will want to see roughly twice the impedance so 16ohm load into 8ohm will do it.
@@RiftAmps ... oh thanks.. , ground the signal..that's seems an easier solution :) I was thinking the two unwanted valves required voltage and current switched off..
I’ve bought a couple chassis from ZH Music Parts, and was very happy with them. Both the 6G16 and 6G2 were in 16ga, and are rock solid. I wonder if he would do up a blank bassman for you in 16ga?
Can’t you just cut a square frame out of thick steel as a surround to bolt into the chassis on the inside to bolt on to the tranny fixings? Pretty cheap and easy and strong AF. You could do it with a drill and grinder, maybe a file and a dremel to tidy it.
@ looking forward to seeing it all unfold! Thanks for a superb year of amp journeys - I’ve watched, learned and loved them all. HNY mate, health and happiness in 2025 💥
My Apologies, I have removed my previous comment I had left as a response to another viewers comment concerning an amp tech that posts videos here on youtube. I agree, the comment had no business on your channel. However, I disagree with your assessment of this person based on more than one interaction with him. He was extremely condescending , rude, and quite dismissive when he didn’t agree with more than one comment I left. As I mentioned, he’s not the only one who knows his way around an amplifier. apparently he doesn’t like being told that.
Mate, any day of the year you don’t work?? As an amp builder aficionado just wanted to express my gratitude for your videos and wisdom. Thanks so much! Beyond that, my appreciation for your work ethics as well. Regardless of what we do in life I reckon we could all take a page from your book. Happy new year and best wishes for 2025!
Thanks Chris for the videos. Happy new year 🎉
Happy New Year Chris, thanks for all the great content!
Interesting comments on bass amps and totally spot on. I use a TecAmp Puma 900W head into a Barefaced SuperTwin (2 x 12", 1200W) cab. All capable of giving incredibly clear and claen sound at unreasonable volumes... Guitarists with 100W heads - you're the reaason for the arms race!
Getting good tone is still the big question - clinical is fine for recording (the engineer will add drive, etc. in the mioxing process as needed). Live is the key - tooo much grind and you blend into the guitar too much, too clean and the lows have no real oomph. I use a Quad Cotex modeller now - I can get nicely compressed clean tones and obnoxous metal tones.
I'll probably build myselfl a valve amp at some point but it'll never leave the house. Same reason that an 8x10 cab seems fun until you need to move it!
You have a great channel! Keep up the Ace work into 2025!!!
Thanks for all the great videos in 2024!
Hi Chris, found your channel after you were referenced by Psionic Audio in one of his UA-cam videos. I like the different approach of your channel and find your content IEE (instructive, educational and entertaining). All the best for 2025.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bassman135 rebuild effort - thank you. I've a '66 Bassman chassis crying for some love that I'll get to after other tasks are finished. Merry New Year from north-central Idaho!
Thanks for the excellent content this year. It’s clear that you enjoy making the videos, and I certainly enjoy watching. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Chris. Thank you for all of your 2024 videos. And thank you for your kind words about my friend, Lyle!
Thanks for all your videos this year. I learn something from every video.
Happy New Year Chris! I do hope it is a great one for you and your business! Thanks for all the fantastic content you put out, I genuinely do love watching it. The Christmas special stuff is by far the best thing I've watched this holiday period, so well done on that! Oh! and I love the 'Columbo" moment at the end of this episode!
Love the channel. Happy to support it. Since I will never be able to afford one of your amps how about producing a Plug-in/VST3? Happy New Year!
4:26 Hot rod Bass man , love the idea
Just seeing and hearing a person that is happy in thier work makes me happy. Buon Anno 2025!⭐
This channel and Psionic are my morning cartoons. never miss em.
Thanks for your channel output in 2024 and the amp!
New channel name idea: “Rambling With Rift”. 😂 Happy new year Chris, all the best for 2025. So glad I discovered your channel in 2024 and I’m much the better for it. Thank you.
Happy New Year, Chris!
Happy New Year Chris and all your followers, looking forward to many more videos from you.
Happy Holidays and New Year. glad I found your channel.
I really enjoy your videos and rambling - please keep it up. Happy New Year!
I just want to say that I love your laid back approach. Regarding the Christmas special, I'm in the "keep the chassis" camp as well. While the metal may be thinner than it should have been, it's nice to keep things original when possible. As you've pointed out, there are ways to strengthen the fatigued areas. I have used the washer solution myself. The flat bar solution mentioned by several others is also a very good suggestion.
Happy New Year Chris!
Happy New Year Chris.......... If you have to raise your price due to material cost going up, it is the proper thing to do... That is how the rest of world does. I think customers should understand that Rift amps are hand built, and hand wired...... Quality..............
Happy New Year! Thanks for the great content.
Longer format is great as well as all your vids. Somehow I found this restoration very compelling. Loads of love to all the techs out there who expose themselves on the tube and up for random scrutiny and criticism. Happy new year sir!
Happy New Year Chris. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Maybe next year there will be less hate in the world . Peace ✌️ 🎉
I know that I'd made a suggestion about improving the circuit of your 135, but that was based upon a comment you'd made along the same lines, so I hope it wasn't taken the wrong way. This amp was marketed at a time when 'bigger and louder' ruled the day, so Fender was probably to some extent going head to head with Sunn (and to a lesser extent, Ampeg) in that respect while also cutting corners. The large expanse of unused circuit board, as well as the shared cathode R/C on V1/2B attests to that. You're a very clever and astute fellow; I wasn't trying to second guess you.
Not at all! 😎
Have a Happy New Year Chris, thanks for all your posts this year I've throughly enjoyed them.
Hi Chris, I might have a couple of 70's fender knobs (from a Twin Reverb) in a box that I have no need for.
I'll check if they match the ones you've got.
That would be incredible 🙏
@ unfortunately I had the ones you weren’t looking for, the ones with the wrong 8 and set screw :/
Nothing wrong with the longer format videos 40+ minutes. Glad you kept the original chassis though. Adds character. Can’t wait to see the cabinet when it comes back from being recovered/ refurbished 😉😉
14:21 Fantastic Thank you
19:53 does that mean higher wattage guitar amps have better quality lower frequencies?
No - it's a lot more complicated than that.
When do you sleep??? Or have time to race? If there is a partner involved, I hope there's time for them too. Happy New Year, Chris. All of the videos are greatly appreciated.
Really can’t tell you how much I’ve loved the 135 amp build. My gigging amp for guitar the last 20 years has been a 1978 bassman 70. It too is ultra linear. Can you explain what ultra linear is? Also, is the 70 just a 50 with different transformers?
Ultralinear, originally for HiFi, uses a different type of output transformer - the primary has taps connected to the output valve screen grids. Result - lower distortion.
See you in the new year.
Happy builds!
Hi Chris, Happy New Year. Question: I have a valve amp with a four EL84 power section. I am converting it from Fixed Bias to Cathode bias. How is output impedance affected if I add a half power switch to cut out two EL84 valves, by way of switching/cutting circuit between the two cathodes and shared cathode resistor. Transformer has a 4.5K impedance specified, options of either 16ohm or 8ohm speaker outputs. 16ohm Speaker fitted. Do I just need to use the 8ohm output with the 16ohm speaker when switching off the two EL84's ?
Hi Gaz, it would be easier to ground the signal feed to the two unwanted grids, no? That way you don't need to worry about impedance switching.
If you want to go your way, then yes, the valves will want to see roughly twice the impedance so 16ohm load into 8ohm will do it.
@@RiftAmps ... oh thanks.. , ground the signal..that's seems an easier solution :) I was thinking the two unwanted valves required voltage and current switched off..
I’ve bought a couple chassis from ZH Music Parts, and was very happy with them. Both the 6G16 and 6G2 were in 16ga, and are rock solid. I wonder if he would do up a blank bassman for you in 16ga?
I’d want it in 14ga (2mm) for the extra strength but he doesn’t ship to the UK anyway. I’ll get something made here to a higher standard
Can’t you just cut a square frame out of thick steel as a surround to bolt into the chassis on the inside to bolt on to the tranny fixings? Pretty cheap and easy and strong AF. You could do it with a drill and grinder, maybe a file and a dremel to tidy it.
That’s the plan ;)
@ looking forward to seeing it all unfold! Thanks for a superb year of amp journeys - I’ve watched, learned and loved them all. HNY mate, health and happiness in 2025 💥
How about a build along.
My Apologies, I have removed my previous comment I had left as a response to another viewers comment
concerning an amp tech that posts videos here on youtube. I agree, the comment had no business on your channel. However, I disagree with your assessment of this person based on more than one interaction with him. He was extremely condescending , rude, and quite dismissive when he didn’t agree with more than one comment I left. As I mentioned, he’s not the only one who knows his way around an amplifier. apparently he doesn’t like being told that.