Recommend A Small Box 2204 Kit

[Chris-in-LA]

I tried searching the forum for this but couldn’t find anything. I’m looking to build a a 2204 clone that can fit into a 1987 plexi type box. I would prefer to buy one with a steel chassis if possible. I do see that Modulus May have such a kit but I’m not sure about having gear shipped from England to the USA. Their chassis may require some drilling to fit the transformers that I end using. I’ve also checked out Valvestorm but I think they have aluminum chassis only. Any other suggestions?

 

[Metroman]

http://valvestorm.com/2204 Kit

 

[Guitar-Rocker]

I've had excellent results from Modulus, and their components are always great. It takes about 3.5 weeks shipping time.

 

[ampmadscientist]

I tried searching the forum for this but couldn’t find anything. I’m looking to build a a 2204 clone that can fit into a 1987 plexi type box. I would prefer to buy one with a steel chassis if possible. I do see that Modulus May have such a kit but I’m not sure about having gear shipped from England to the USA. Their chassis may require some drilling to fit the transformers that I end using. I’ve also checked out Valvestorm but I think they have aluminum chassis only. Any other suggestions?

steel chassis

You made the right choice.
I think there is more than 1 steel chassis available including stainless steel.

 

[neikeel]

http://valvestorm.com/2204 Kit

Yes that is the one, excellent quality parts and you choose your transformers. I tend to get Marstran versions as I prefer original wiring colours and voltages etc that the Classic Tones do not always have. Merren iron is very good if a little more expensive and he is not always easy to contact/deal with (in my experience).

 

[Chris-in-LA]

http://valvestorm.com/2204 Kit

Yes that is the one, excellent quality parts and you choose your transformers. I tend to get Marstran versions as I prefer original wiring colours and voltages etc that the Classic Tones do not always have. Merren iron is very good if a little more expensive and he is not always easy to contact/deal with (in my experience).

It looks like they use the chassis, case and board of a 1987 type and change a few things to make it into a 2204, is that right? Are the transformers interchangeable between the two models?

 

[neikeel]

yes and yes

 

[paul-e-mann]

I tried searching the forum for this but couldn’t find anything. I’m looking to build a a 2204 clone that can fit into a 1987 plexi type box. I would prefer to buy one with a steel chassis if possible. I do see that Modulus May have such a kit but I’m not sure about having gear shipped from England to the USA. Their chassis may require some drilling to fit the transformers that I end using. I’ve also checked out Valvestorm but I think they have aluminum chassis only. Any other suggestions?

Ceriatone amps have a steel chassis, their 2204 chassis is small box size like a JMP. The kit is very affordable especially if you order bare bones cuz youll be using your own parts. Heres some pics:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/137947485@N03/sets/72157671608435446

 

[neikeel]

You pay your money and you will get what you pay for.
I have used Nik's (Ceriatone) stuff before and it is good value for money and he is very helpful.
Would I use it for a definitive high quality build? No probably not same way I would buy a CS Gibson Les Paul over a Wilkinson 'Vintage' Les Paul, the latter is a decent guitar for the money but overall not quite same quality, YMMV.

 

[Chris-in-LA]

You pay your money and you will get what you pay for.
I have used Nik's (Ceriatone) stuff before and it is good value for money and he is very helpful.
Would I use it for a definitive high quality build? No probably not same way I would buy a CS Gibson Les Paul over a Wilkinson 'Vintage' Les Paul, the latter is a decent guitar for the money but overall not quite same quality, YMMV.

I don’t think that Valvestorm sells a cab for their build. Was I missing something?

 

[paul-e-mann]

I don’t think that Valvestorm sells a cab for their build. Was I missing something?

After you get your amp built you can have Mojotone or Sourmash or Avatar build you a custom small box cab.

 

[Chris-in-LA]

After you get your amp built you can have Mojotone or Sourmash or Avatar build you a custom small box cab.

Custom box? You would think that it would fit into a regular 1987 style box.

All in, it looks like this little project is going to cost around $1000 and that would be using Classictone iron.

 

[paul-e-mann]

Custom box? You would think that it would fit into a regular 1987 style box.

All in, it looks like this little project is going to cost around $1000 and that would be using Classictone iron.

Probably would fit but Id get some measurements first. $1K for a custom built amp aint bad

 

[neikeel]

The valvestorm chassis is exactly the same as an original Marshall. It will fit directly into a smallbox cabinet (JMP50/JTM50/JTM45 - all the same).
If you want to go ultra compact you can squeeze the chassis into an even smaller cabinet of 19 and 1/4 wide (18 1/2"chassis width including flanges) I think someone made one to go with a compact 1x12 to use for gigging.

 

[Chris-in-LA]

The valvestorm chassis is exactly the same as an original Marshall. It will fit directly into a smallbox cabinet (JMP50/JTM50/JTM45 - all the same).
If you want to go ultra compact you can squeeze the chassis into an even smaller cabinet of 19 and 1/4 wide (18 1/2"chassis width including flanges) I think someone made one to go with a compact 1x12 to use for gigging.

Good to know, thanks for the info. I assume that the Classic Tone stuff drops right in.

 

[neikeel]

Yes the classic tones do drop in. The classic tone -139 OT I have here is a leaf or two skinnier than my Drakes or Marstrans.
Check the voltage of the CT PT you buy, some have higher voltages than original.

 

[Chris-in-LA]

Yes the classic tones do drop in. The classic tone -139 OT I have here is a leaf or two skinnier than my Drakes or Marstrans.
Check the voltage of the CT PT you buy, some have higher voltages than original.

One more question. I have a 1987x, is it easy to rewire v1 so that it has a 2204 front end? I realize that I would only be able to use 2 jacks.

 

[SpHj]

One more question. I have a 1987x, is it easy to rewire v1 so that it has a 2204 front end? I realize that I would only be able to use 2 jacks.

While not exactly easy it’s not difficult either with a little experience. Just compare both schematics and take your time.

 

[Chris-in-LA]

While not exactly easy it’s not difficult either with a little experience. Just compare both schematics and take your time.

I took a quick look. But now I’m thinking that maybe I’ll spend some tax return money on a kit, if the IRS is open in February. I’m leaning towards Valvestorm parts, ClassicTone iron and a Sourmash 1987 style cab. I’m just waiting to hear if the chassis will fit in the standard cab, I sent them the measurements.

 

[neikeel]