Artist Guitars Tweedtone V - Vs - Achillies Nyx 5W (Part 1)

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  • Опубліковано 19 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 128

  • @freeelectron8261
    @freeelectron8261 16 днів тому +1

    Nice to see an Aussie doing a tech review for a change. Top work Brad!

  • @looseburdens4259
    @looseburdens4259 День тому

    That was a really detailed breakdown great video cheers man!

  • @everTriumph
    @everTriumph Рік тому +3

    Bought an Artist Tweedtone V, customer return faulty valve. The valve. a 6V6, was cloudy so obviously air got in. Couldn't see any nasties, and after a struggle with the valve retainer popped a new valve in without trouble. I guess Aussies have bigger bottles than us Brits. A couple of years ago bought a 20R return from Artist as well. That turned out to have a blown fuse in the heater circuit. Inspection showed the power indicator light, powered off the heaters, had a terminal uncomfortably close to a power electrolytic case (earthed). Replaced fuse and insulated the indicator terminals and all was good! As an update on the 'V', as a friend was interested in it I had a closer look. The tube bias dialled in at about 55mA(!!!) and the cooked bias resistor at 460'ish ohm. Even with the 'mark up' of running a 230V amp at 240V (I am in the UK and the mains is NOT 230V, except on very bad days) that current is enough to melt glue in the valves base. Replaced the resistor with a 670 ohm (I ordered 680, but ?) 2W. This brought the current down to just below 40mA, which is warm but not melting, so will do. I also had to replace the 12ax7 as it was 'frying bacon'. As a matter of interest, on mine, the Lucar 'quick connects' proved unusually stubborn. Inspection showed that they might well be soldered as well, so I did all the work from the top side of the board.

  • @Rod_Daigle
    @Rod_Daigle Рік тому +1

    Two of my favorite YT channels are yours and Lyle's...very informative stuff, Thank you! Any plans to review the Artist Tweedtone20R??

  • @RobbieF
    @RobbieF Рік тому +2

    Thank you, Brad! Will watch on my TV but wanted to feed the algorithm with a comment.

  • @freeelectron8261
    @freeelectron8261 16 днів тому

    Nice detailed circuit sleuthing. All was revealed on the Artist Tweed tone amp ;)

  • @robbphillips2845
    @robbphillips2845 5 днів тому

    Ordered a V today. Im keen to make my own cabinet for it.

  • @michellem283
    @michellem283 Рік тому +3

    Mesmerised by the tweed. I could stare at the back of these amps for hours! 👀👀

  • @pabcrane
    @pabcrane Рік тому +1

    In Europe the Tube 5 is sold by Thomann under the Harley Benton name - UK price £129. Cheers

  • @seanweatherford1251
    @seanweatherford1251 Рік тому +4

    The ad copy from 1955 gives the pronunciation, "Don't be vague, ask for Sprague."

  • @Buzzel-NL
    @Buzzel-NL Рік тому +1

    The Fame is a housebrand amp from Musicstore (that is the name) in germany. Was sold For € 125,- in 2015.
    I love the content, keep them coming!

  • @brucehayes7251
    @brucehayes7251 Рік тому +2

    I've bought a few customer returned amps and guitars and anything with damage or a repair is listed in the description,they certainly don't hide anything and repairs are done by a very good tech . I think the biggest problem facing the amps would be handling and a long sea voyage at the mercy of freighters and shipping containers

  • @clawfoot8400
    @clawfoot8400 Рік тому +1

    Always enjoy your videos!

  • @oldasrocks9121
    @oldasrocks9121 8 місяців тому

    I believe the Tube5 is a Laney Cub copy, the pcb goes into a few amps
    like the Monoprice and the Harley Benton.

  • @NowPleaseNot
    @NowPleaseNot Рік тому

    Yes please, love to be able to see the insides of amp's. Swapping speakers also a great idea. Great initiative.

  • @williamgombert7710
    @williamgombert7710 Рік тому +1

    Hi brad, I think "qd" on the pcb of the Fame tube 5 has to be read 180° turned so it becomes "Pb" witch is the symbol of lead, or lead-free when its crossed out like on this pcb

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому +1

      I Interpreted "Pb" the same way. Short for Plumbum, the Latin word for Lead, where "plumbing" comes from.

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому +1

      Yeah, no shit lads. LOL!

  • @freeelectron8261
    @freeelectron8261 16 днів тому

    What do you think of the Artist TweedTone12A 12 Watt Class A Tube Amp Combo?

  • @retread1083
    @retread1083 Рік тому +1

    The weirdness you noted at 35:13 isn't all that weird, although it might be a bit of overkill. Because of the way they're constructed, electrolytic caps (or any cap that is 'wound') has a finite amount of inductance (and resistance) in series with the capacitance. The impedance will increase above and below the resonant frequency of the series combination. In high current switching power supplies where you have caps that are rated in farads, it's common practice to have small film caps in parallel with the main caps.
    Does this cap have enough series inductance that the gain will be appreciably reduced at the upper end of the audio spectrum? I dunno. Maybe?

  • @Toymortal
    @Toymortal Рік тому +1

    Thanks Brad - I had a mouthful of coffee when the Rolf Harris caption came up! Great to see these types of reviews you absolute legend.

  • @LollygaggerFX
    @LollygaggerFX Рік тому +2

    Dude I just started following you and I have t😅 say how refreshing it is to hear a “Tech” not talk in mojoisms!! Love your approach so I subscribed.

  • @daytonpracht2741
    @daytonpracht2741 Рік тому

    Fender did ground the output transformer that way sometimes, I saw it done like that on a 58 tweed Princeton, which is is quite similar to that amp

  • @johnbriggs3916
    @johnbriggs3916 Рік тому +2

    Fame is the house brand of the German retailer "Music Store". The Fame Tube 5 is alleged to be a clone of the Fender Champion 600.

  • @Skhufu
    @Skhufu 2 місяці тому

    I have a Wang's VT-5/ 5 Watt tube amp. The 🔌 is three prong into the amplifier. On the inside of the on off switch is written 250 volt. Will this amplifier work 🔌 into a regular American 120 outlet.

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  2 місяці тому

      The switch likely has a voltage rating moulded into it.
      This has nothing at all to do with the mains voltage the amp is set up for.
      If you have any doubts, find a local tech to confirm before attempting to plug in or power up the amplifier.

  • @Mark70609
    @Mark70609 Рік тому

    The board isn’t Garolite as far as I can see, it’s phenolic board. I had something that looked similar that was conductive. Hopefully Labros has done his homework on the board material.
    The transformers are made by Heyboer. They are decent transformers.
    I think that was the way Fender do it as I have seen other companies offer this style output transformer.
    The components are mounted on the turrets as they are supposed to be, I have covered this on several soldering courses.
    The SoZo’s are a mustard style cap, SoZo’s do make Astron Blue caps and Jupiter make Astron repro caps.
    The 10K negative feedback resistor would lowered the gain of the amp making it sound tighter. Switching the 1uF cap in will get greater boost with the 10K resistor. Maybe Labros was shooting for that?
    The cheap amp is drawing on the Blackface Champs. The 1K choke resistor is bad news for the screen grids on some single ended amps.

  • @darrylgodfrey9604
    @darrylgodfrey9604 Рік тому +1

    A big thumbs-up from me for this new format. I really like the in-depth and EXPERIENCED comparison.

    • @montygibbon1905
      @montygibbon1905 Рік тому

      Massive respect for taking time out to put this presentation together.
      Like having your dad with you when you're about to buy your first car.

  • @MichaelSmith-rn1qw
    @MichaelSmith-rn1qw Рік тому

    Brad, good review video. There is a YT video entitled "black face vibro champ repair and bias discussion" about why you should not use a 1K ohm cathode bias resistor to cool the bias in a Champ circuit. I'm not a professional amp tech, so I don't fully understand all of what he said, but the gist of it is that when signal is applied and the volume is turned up, the bias voltage changes dramatically and the plate and screen current gets way too high. That's with the standard Fender 1K and 10K ohm dropping resistors. Maybe that's not an issue with a 10K and 22K ohm dropping resistors, like they used in the amp you reviewed. It would be interesting to know your thoughts on the matter.

  • @christophersambuco9414
    @christophersambuco9414 Рік тому

    That output transformer has an HTS in the part number. I believe that is a typical marking from Heyboer Transformers

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 Рік тому +4

    This is the way amps should be reviewed, and with the the time difference between Australia and Scotland I'm happily enjoying this with a Campbeltown single malt which I wish I could share with you and talk about amps and guitars.

  • @58deluxe8
    @58deluxe8 Рік тому +1

    These teardowns are very useful. Excellent idea. Great work!!

  • @RaelThomas
    @RaelThomas 5 місяців тому

    Pretty sure they come stock with those JJs. I have Tweed Tone 20 and same deal. I'm very impressed for the price,.tbh.

  • @ghostface_grilla1155
    @ghostface_grilla1155 Рік тому +2

    Love it! Look forward to seeing more of these

  • @johnbriggs3916
    @johnbriggs3916 Рік тому

    Did you check the Monoprix or Harley Benton Tube 5? That is apparently a clone of the Laney Cub.

  • @jimcairns1633
    @jimcairns1633 Рік тому

    Hopefully you can do a mesa Fillmore 50. I’m too far away to give you mine

  • @doc_matter
    @doc_matter Рік тому

    Your personality and comic relief is literally why I subscribe to this channel, never change a thing!!
    That QD bit made me spit out drink! 😂

  • @3660359
    @3660359 7 місяців тому

    What's the difference between the artist 5w champ clone and the Joyo sweet baby 5w champ clone? Seems there's major differences between the 2. Which would you prefer of the 2?

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  7 місяців тому

      Never seen or heard the Joyo, so I couldn't say.

  • @Riffme81
    @Riffme81 4 місяці тому

    Has the tweed tone really jumped in price by $80 in under a year? $249 to now $329

  • @michaelnc4450
    @michaelnc4450 4 місяці тому

    Good stuff, thanks for the post! 😎👍

  • @ianbushAu
    @ianbushAu Рік тому

    Hi Brad, this one should have had a more accurate description (that it had been repaired) if you want we could send you one of the 12 watt versions which has a a more unique design on it (it’s more than just a larger power)

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому

      Hi Ian, I'm pretty sure I mentioned that in the video. Can't remember right now.
      But sure, I'd love to check that one out!

  • @johnbriggs3916
    @johnbriggs3916 Рік тому +1

    The speaker in the Fame 5 clears the 6V6 because it is only a 6 inch speaker!

  • @BenState
    @BenState Рік тому +1

    props on the teardown idea man. i see many reviews thinking, "what would brad say?"

  • @halvach1998
    @halvach1998 Рік тому

    Be interesting to see how the transformers in the Tweedtone hold up to some serious rockage

  • @SoniaGail
    @SoniaGail 11 місяців тому

    What happened to the demo

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  11 місяців тому

      Ran out of time.
      That time of year and all.
      Did a demo of the Achilles here at least: ua-cam.com/video/vi9A3gZNhoo/v-deo.html
      Got an Artist Tweedtone 20R on the way soon, so we'll do a demo of that one to make up for it.

  • @MaxPower-js1sk
    @MaxPower-js1sk Рік тому

    I almost bought a Nyx recently. I thought that it would have been a bit better made. I bought a Tone King Gremlin instead. $2,300 is good for a hand-made amp, but considering it’s a 5w practice amp, that puts a different spin on it.

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому

      Gremlins are fantastic little amps. I've had some with shorted MOSFETs, but possibly due to power spike.
      They sound pretty good.

  • @murrayguitarpickups9545
    @murrayguitarpickups9545 Рік тому

    Hey Brad I'm considering building a kit amp or maybe modding a cheap Marshall. I want a poor man's Superlead plexi basically, can you supply a kit with schematic? I can build my own chassis and cabinet but I'm a bit of a noob at circuitry. I make pickups obviously but they're just one wire! I've built a couple of pedals but would need someone to design the circuit and source the parts and schematic.

  • @charris939
    @charris939 Рік тому

    I’ d swap the instrument input switch and make it an NFB cut. Also invest in a chassis mounted octal and move the 6v6 well out of the way of the speaker. But hey, I just doubled the expense of the amp! I want to buy an artist amp now!

  • @LookingForEntertainment112
    @LookingForEntertainment112 Рік тому

    Since the majority of Artist's gear is also sold as Harley Benton branded, I suspect this amp was also sold by them. HB's GA5 was apparently a modified Fender Champion 600 clone.

    • @sjgreaves
      @sjgreaves Рік тому

      The HB GA5 was an Epiphone Valve Jr with a 'tone' pot added. The PCB is virtually identical.

    • @LookingForEntertainment112
      @LookingForEntertainment112 Рік тому

      @@sjgreaves Thanks for the clarification! Always good to know the roots of these amps.

  • @ptk4476
    @ptk4476 Рік тому +1

    Over Covid lockdown I built a 5E3 clone head for just under $1k AUD using a diy built pine tweed covered cabinet, and the Evatco knock off chassis and turret board. Otherwise I used all the corksniffer brands for components (Hammond trans, NOS valves, Sprague/Vishay caps, CTS pots, Switchcraft, Belton etc.) but got them the cheapest I could find them online.
    Comparing it with these Champ clones I reckon the Achilles is at least $500 overpriced, the Artist being typical functional even good sounding, well priced, but horrendous quality Chinese shite.

  • @Waspfella
    @Waspfella Рік тому

    Nice forensics mate re the Artist amp !!!

  • @danielsaturnino5715
    @danielsaturnino5715 Рік тому +1

    Cool vid champ

  • @voyxu143
    @voyxu143 Рік тому

    Fender put out a hand wired Champ reissue that sells used for around $8-900.

  • @khillsy4489
    @khillsy4489 Рік тому +8

    A Canadian made vacuum tube? That probably cost us taxpayers $54,000,000. 😉🇨🇦✌️

    • @TheBoomtown4
      @TheBoomtown4 Рік тому

      🎻

    • @75YBA
      @75YBA Рік тому

      NOOOOOOOOOO! 😂🇨🇦👍

    • @johnelcanrab2114
      @johnelcanrab2114 Рік тому +1

      That's socialism for you 😉😂🤔

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому +1

      Here in the US I have run across the occasional Canadian-made Marconi vacuum tube. I should clarify that I have come across them, so that it doesn't sound as if I ran them over with my car or stepped on them with my boots....

    • @TheBoomtown4
      @TheBoomtown4 Рік тому

      @@goodun2974 I’ve got two gz34 tubes in my amps currently.

  • @fiddlix
    @fiddlix Рік тому +3

    Great video Brad, but nothing compares to the Lazy J J20, that was the damnest abomination of an amp I have ever seen. Rock on my Aussie friend..!!

  • @huddyskiba1
    @huddyskiba1 Рік тому

    I’d imagine the 1k cathode resistor on the expensive amp is to allow for a higher B+ in solid state mode. Just a speculation though.

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому

      She's sitting at about 65% in SS recto mode. Cold as a crab.

    • @huddyskiba1
      @huddyskiba1 Рік тому

      @@BradsGuitarGarage ah okay - I recant my speculation. Carry on.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому

      ​@@BradsGuitarGarage , I like my crabs steamin' hot, with melted butter! And then there's the other kind....introducing the song "Down at the Twist & Shout" at a gigI attended, Mary Chapin Carpenter said "this next song is about a place in Maryland where you go on Saturday night to get the crabs and....." much crowd laughter ensued as she blushed! 😉😁

  • @victorbeebe8372
    @victorbeebe8372 Рік тому +1

    Mahalo Brad!

  • @YOutsider
    @YOutsider Рік тому

    good comments on turret soldering for service.

  • @ptl79
    @ptl79 8 місяців тому

    After analysing the Achilles line for a while now I'm glad I found you. I wondered are these Webber style kits with some custom work? (Can include barrets too I guess?). Seems to be everything is not under $4k. And what you thought was good fender reissue was just good marketing?
    The vids are good to watch good stuff brad 👍

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching.
      I have a Achilles Princeton Reverb here at the moment that I might do a quick video on.

  • @neilverdon8358
    @neilverdon8358 Рік тому

    1 watt ist zu wenig means to small use 2 watt. rausknipsen is remove, sadly i cant read it very well but if i get a proper copy i can translate to English should anybody require. These amps followed in the footsteps from the epiphone and vht 6 and special 6 and if i remember correctly Fame were sold rediculously cheap here in Germany. Of all these champ copies the best was the VHT. Brad there may be some worth in doing a spot where you just go thru all of the schematics for all of these copy amps please take a look if you can at the VHT line from 10 years ago there is some realy interesting stuff in them.

  • @Mr_Bio_Hazard
    @Mr_Bio_Hazard 5 місяців тому

    I'm here because of watching Psionic videos. He says your a mate of his. So I thought I would check your vids. I near pissed myself when you said no quaaludes. I haven't had Mandrax since the 70's. 🤭🤣🤣🤣🤭

  • @JustinHawkinsMusicPerth
    @JustinHawkinsMusicPerth Рік тому +1

    Great vids! 👊🏻

  • @musterionsurly
    @musterionsurly Рік тому

    Excellent video as usual here.

    • @johnelcanrab2114
      @johnelcanrab2114 Рік тому

      You telling me you didn't buy the gold plated ones? 😮

    • @musterionsurly
      @musterionsurly Рік тому

      @johnelcanrab2114 haha no I saved 70 bux and bought a 10 dollar cable that the digital audio stream seemed to flow through quite easily 😄

  • @tillermantillerman9949
    @tillermantillerman9949 11 місяців тому

    Would love to hear your opinion after a sound comparison of the 2.

  • @kentkearney5602
    @kentkearney5602 Рік тому +2

    Hi Brad. Very enlightening video. Keep up the good work and keep the jokes coming. Electronics is always much better with some humour thrown in. I might pass on the joint or I will start having flashbacks to the 70's. Not that I remember much of that.

  • @cruzthree8883
    @cruzthree8883 Рік тому +1

    Don't be vague, as for Sprague.
    Now you'll never forget how to pronounce it!

  • @bronwynmartin4147
    @bronwynmartin4147 Рік тому

    Love these videos.
    The Achilles is clearly and older model thats been hacked by a tech.
    Its was made out to be a new,first time check over of the amp.which is a bit BS.Just my opinion .
    Love this channel.

    • @upload2352
      @upload2352 Рік тому

      He noted the build date was in 2017, so not a new, first time check over.

    • @bronwynmartin4147
      @bronwynmartin4147 Рік тому

      ​@upload2352 more accurately it would be his first look at it.
      Its definitely been looked at by someone else(parts hes never had).Due to speaking to Achilles yesterday,also they were $1800 back in
      2017.the nut holding a part doesn't match Achilles standards at all.
      As why it was suspect.

    • @bronwynmartin4147
      @bronwynmartin4147 Рік тому

      I have to correct myself,he actually did mention it had been seen at another tech.

  • @nicksregor4208
    @nicksregor4208 Рік тому

    I'd honestly buy the Artist one so I could gut it & rebuild it into something better. The Achillies one looks pretty jank for that price

  • @richardclark.
    @richardclark. Рік тому

    Do you know where to get some ludes so I can not operate that amp? It's been years!

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому

      I know where not to get them if that helps. LOL!

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому

      Back in the 70's we used to say, 'Ludes turn women into animals and men into plants!

  • @geezberry8889
    @geezberry8889 Рік тому

    9:55 holy crap seriously?

  • @weschilton
    @weschilton Рік тому

    Really interesting comparison. I bet they sound about in line with their build quality... but we shall see!

  • @BCEpedals
    @BCEpedals Рік тому +2

    A 5F1 for 2,300 Aud - ~1,500 USD. 👀 good grief

  • @jimmyjimmy951
    @jimmyjimmy951 2 місяці тому

    Never had an Artist returned product where they hid any facts. More likely that the customer blew it up and had it repaired before returning it no questions asked..😂🤘

  • @IIIVIIVIII_amplifiers
    @IIIVIIVIII_amplifiers Рік тому +1

    19:34 this is a BIG no no. Why are they just blindly copying this stuff? Safety ground mounted on unsafe screw...
    20:10 is it that hard to put a normal washer there? One will flip this switch maybe many times and when this washer go loose - congratulations :D
    25:45 and $200 amp can do the ground to industry standard :D but $2,2k amp fails.
    28:20 really?! Someone has no idea about the tube amps. Just copying the schematics from 60s :D Most of these "butique" brands have no idea. Death cap in 2023 hahaha

  • @Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan
    @Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan 6 місяців тому

    #117_ElementaryMyDeerWattsunn😎🇺🇸@25:53🧐☑️

  • @jrumiano
    @jrumiano Рік тому +2

    Insane money for a 5 watt champ clone.

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому

      And a poorly built Champ clone at that.

  • @johnnyt599
    @johnnyt599 Рік тому

    When you know , you know .

  • @wizardx4187
    @wizardx4187 Рік тому

    gotta love a four screw faux leather handle ;)

  • @robertbarnes9745
    @robertbarnes9745 Рік тому +2

    $2k plus for a 5 watt kit amp is a felony. Absurd!

  • @Splattle101
    @Splattle101 Рік тому

    Excellent comparison. Most so called 'gear review' vids on YT are utterly useless because they tell the viewer NOTHING they couldn't find out for themselves. Just ill-informed gushing about features. Your break down vid is a welcome morsel of objectivity amongst the shameless shills.

  • @baabaabaa-El
    @baabaabaa-El Рік тому

    Shout out to Brian Cox then champ!!
    Great idea comparing the two next to ea other mate, how shit shd be done!👍

  • @Bob-ir2bj
    @Bob-ir2bj Рік тому

    2+K for a chassis with rust? Another company with poor quality control. Love the breakdowns, thanks for the good work

  • @travismccartney
    @travismccartney Рік тому +1

    You said dodo @ 01:39 - yes I rewound the video to get the time stamp to make a lame poop joke.

    • @richardclark.
      @richardclark. Рік тому

      I think you mean doo doo. Dodo is a bird you Dodo.

    • @travismccartney
      @travismccartney Рік тому

      @@richardclark. Guilty of being birdbrained and bad at spelling 😆

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому

      ​@@richardclark., you have answered the eternal question: should one joke that is legless be followed by another that won't fly? Hell yes! 😉

    • @richardclark.
      @richardclark. Рік тому

      @@goodun2974 flightless would have been my choice for obvious reasons.

  • @JEmilioJNava
    @JEmilioJNava Рік тому

    ooof!

  • @emusandwich724
    @emusandwich724 Рік тому

    it makes me smile seeing a jaycar cap next to a sozo, pick a lane bro

    • @BradsGuitarGarage
      @BradsGuitarGarage  Рік тому

      It is a bloody Jaycar bipolar crossover cap, isn't it!?

    • @emusandwich724
      @emusandwich724 Рік тому

      yeah the non-polar electro and that grey shielded wire both look like jaycar wares

    • @goodun2974
      @goodun2974 Рік тому

      ​@@BradsGuitarGarage , it's only a 1 mfd cap in a fairly low voltage circuit, so why not use a film cap instead? I've used bipolar electrolytic to replace failure-prone polarized electrolytics in the FB loop of solidstate differential amp circuits (for old solidstate hifi gear) but those are typically 47 to 220 mfd at 16v or so, and so a film cap wouldn't be practical ( too big).....

  • @goodun2974
    @goodun2974 Рік тому

    Brad, I say Fu-- 'em if they can't take a joke; perhaps such folk can take their marching orders from the song "5 Letter Word": " It's a 5 letter word, baby: leave...."