Rift Tweed Vee (formally 'V-Front Super 5B4 Build')

john_r · March 2018

Would love to see and hear how this turned out!

RiftAmps · May 2018

Ok, I owe everyone an apology for not updating this thread regularly but there is a genuine reason behind my decision to go quiet, which I'll explain...

During this build, it quickly became apparent that this amplifier was no longer just a fun out-of-hours project to keep me busy, but instead, it started heading down a path towards full-blown development with a view to make the amplifier available to the public.

You see, after the first fire up and playtest I had a grin the size of Oxfordshire on my face which meant I now had to look into making this amp commercially viable. This entails certain technical details and IP that I couldn't post on an internet forum, so pulled down the blinds and went into development mode.

A few months back after the final design was built and tested, I submitted the amplifier to The Guitar Magazine for review which can be found in this month's issue (out today!).

I hope that's cool with everyone? I really wanted to keep this thread going with loads of details and updates but the possibility of making a 5B4 for people to actually buy was far more important.

Go buy a copy and read the review, it's worth it

Image: https://s7.postimg.cc/f5srhv4gr/DSC03441.jpg

Image: https://s14.postimg.cc/c32k9zve9/DSC00479.jpg

BigMonka · May 2018

That's very cool that this model has made it to being one of your product range!
But please can we have more photos here!!

WezV · May 2018

Awesome!

merlin · May 2018

Congratulations! Do my dibs still apply?

RiftAmps · May 2018

merlin said:

Congratulations! Do my dibs still apply?

You’re first on the list

Jimbro66 · May 2018

I just read the review in The Guitar Magazine. Very favourable. Interesting that the reviewer found the choice of speakers made a big difference to the amp, more than might be expected.

Does this amp’s circuit differ from your TV front Pro Chris?

RiftAmps · May 2018

Jimbro66 said:

I just read the review in The Guitar Magazine. Very favourable. Interesting that the reviewer found the choice of speakers made a big difference to the amp, more than might be expected.

Yes, it's a remarkable thing how the amp changes when switching speaker types.

Does this amp’s circuit differ from your TV front Pro Chris?

Slightly, but they're very close. The architecture is the same, just differing component values.

equalsql · May 2018

For anyone interested in the construction of the original version of this great amp see:
http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/features/vintage-bench-test-1950-5b4-fender-super-1956-5e4-a-fender-super/

Winny_Pooh · May 2018

RiftAmps said:

So, this thread is going to document every stage of the research, build, testing, and completion of the V-Front Super, along with my ramblings and thoughts as we go along. I'm going to go full nerd on this, so brace yourself for lots of sums, measurements, and tedious back and forth. I'll include lots and lots of hi-res photos for those that just want to see the process.

So a meticulously documented build, has little to no documentation whatsoever (IP?!) and morphs into a sales/promo thread. I don't see the point anymore. You should move this thread to the made in UK subforum where it belongs.

RiftAmps · May 2018

Winny_Pooh said:

RiftAmps said:

So, this thread is going to document every stage of the research, build, testing, and completion of the V-Front Super, along with my ramblings and thoughts as we go along. I'm going to go full nerd on this, so brace yourself for lots of sums, measurements, and tedious back and forth. I'll include lots and lots of hi-res photos for those that just want to see the process.

So a meticulously documented build, has little to no documentation whatsoever (IP?!)

Apologies @Winny_Pooh , all of the photos that I'd added to accompany the text had disappeared owing to a change of host server - now fixed and back up for all to see.

Winny_Pooh said:

I don't see the point anymore. You should move this thread to the made in UK subforum where it belongs.

Agreed, and good point. I have now moved this thread. Thanks for the advice.

ThorpyFX · May 2018

Winny_Pooh said:

RiftAmps said:

So, this thread is going to document every stage of the research, build, testing, and completion of the V-Front Super, along with my ramblings and thoughts as we go along. I'm going to go full nerd on this, so brace yourself for lots of sums, measurements, and tedious back and forth. I'll include lots and lots of hi-res photos for those that just want to see the process.

So a meticulously documented build, has little to no documentation whatsoever (IP?!) and morphs into a sales/promo thread. I don't see the point anymore. You should move this thread to the made in UK subforum where it belongs.

This sort of comment will kill the chances of any builder bothering to post here with anything of interest. We have quite a few builders from amp makers to guitar builders, pickup winders and pedal makers too. All of which are most likely gear nuts because they have taken the obsession into a business venture.

So the V front turned into a business venture.... of course it did, it looks cool as hell, nobody (it seems) has managed to recreate it prior to this and as such i assume it has garnered a lot of commercial interest...

The fact the V-Front turned into a commercial item is neither here nor there, but doesn't take away from the fact that its a cool looking amp, the build thread was interesting, the results look amazing.

These sorts of threads are always going to tread the line as to whether they are classed as sales promo threads, why? because the OP is a business and anything of positive outcome/ interest will garner a positive promotion response to said business.

So what do builders do, just stay in the UK made subforum and never venture out? this place will become very dull, very quickly.

Chalky · May 2018

I strongly suspect @Winny_Pooh is one of a very few Fretboarders to feel like that.

DefaultM · May 2018

Chalky said:

I strongly suspect @Winny_Pooh is one of a very few Fretboarders to feel like that.

More like @Whiny_Pooh, am I right?

Winny_Pooh · May 2018

DefaultM said:

Chalky said:

I strongly suspect @Winny_Pooh is one of a very few Fretboarders to feel like that.

More like @Whiny_Pooh, am I right?

Agreed, that was a grumpy post. I like the new pics and am genuinely keen to hear this amp.

DefaultM · May 2018

Haha glad it was taken in the way intended.

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Rift Tweed Vee (formally 'V-Front Super 5B4 Build')

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