Hammond Trannies?

Brevamusic · Post by **Brevamusic** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:09 pm

I really don't know much about DIY amps or building them, but I have a custom made amp that has Hammond trannies in it. I've heard good things about the Mercury Magnetics and Heyboer trannies and was considering getting those installed into this particular amp, but in an effort to save money I was just wondering what you guys thought of Hammond trannies? Are they good or bad? Just wanted to know whether or not it's worth spending all that money to replace my transformers, especially if what I got is already good. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

the_haunted · Post by **the_haunted** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:41 pm

Hammond are very good quality transformers. Probably not quite as good as mercury, but definitely don't warrant replacing IMO.

novosibir · Post by **novosibir** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:14 pm

Hammond OT's IMO are a bit sterile sounding for guitar amps, not enough 'dirty', but with huge lows. They originally are better suited for HiFi stuff.

Larry

WilliamTheSwan · Post by **WilliamTheSwan** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:06 am

I'd agree with novosibir and I have some experience with them. I have a 5w p1 with hammond OT and PT and it sound great. Most people seem to like their single ended ot's, but their other OT's tend to sound "generic" especially once you get past the 125 series. However I wouldn't replace the PT that's a quality piece of iron that gets the job done.

I hope that helps

By the way what kind of amp?

Brevamusic · Post by **Brevamusic** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:28 pm

Thanks for all the help. I don't know exactly what model transformer it is...I'll try to find out though. The amp is called a Modern Vintage from Sacramento, CA. It's not really a big company so you may not have heard of them. The owner has built amps for Frank Hannon of Tesla though. Anyway, it's a 100watt master volume model that's fashioned after a JCM800. It definitely sounds bigger than an 800, but I'm beginning to see what you meant by "sterile". Would you guys be able to recommend a specific OT to replace the Hammond should I ever decide to do that? It's an EL34 amp at the moment, but I was considering putting in 6550's after hearing the difference between the two tubes through my buddy's MKII Master JMP. Thanks for all the help!

novosibir · Post by **novosibir** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:38 pm

http://store.metroamp.com/product_info. ... cts_id=321

You won't be disappointed!

Larry