UralTone TV Reverb amplifier kit - Teemu Viinikainen Custom Deluxe Reverb
UralTone TV Reverb is Teemu Viinikainen’s vision of the perfect single-channel Deluxe Reverb.
TV Deluxe is based on the second channel of the Deluxe Reverb circuit without tremolo. The cabinet is the size of a Princeton Reverb. Output power is approximately 22 W, and the transformers are the same size as those used in the Deluxe. A choke is also included in the circuit, just like in the original Deluxe. Compared to the original model, additional controls include the Tweed knob, which allows you to gradually blend a more mid-focused 1950s-style tone into the base sound. When this knob is set to zero, it does not affect the original tone at all. The Middle control is a great addition to the tone stack and works similarly to the one found in a Super Reverb. The Dwell control affects the reverb and allows fine adjustment of the reverb length and attack character. The amplifier also features adjustable bias, just like the original. There are two inputs and two speaker outputs.
Features
- Approx. 22 W output power
- Tubes: 2 pcs 12AX7 / ECC83, 2 pcs ECC81, 2 pcs 6V6GT, GZ34 / 5AR4
- Controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Tweed, Reverb, Reverb dwell
- Two inputs and two speaker outputs
- Adjustable bias
- Choke included in the circuit just like in the original Deluxe Reverb
- Princeton Reverb-sized cabinet
- High-quality components: Mallory (or similar) film capacitors, carbon film resistors, Belton tube sockets, Hammond output transformer, and European audio-grade power transformer
- Sturdy steel chassis manufactured in Finland
- Easy to build with comprehensive instructions
- Includes all amplifier components and parts for speaker wiring
- Does not include speaker, wooden cabinet, or footswitch
- Operating voltage 220–240 VAC (fuse T3.15A)
Kit instructions
Instructions for building the kit can be found here:
https://en.uraltone.com/blog/uraltone-tv-reverb-build-guide/
The instruction page also includes downloadable layout diagrams, parts lists, and other necessary documents. In some cases, the schematic is delivered separately.
Browse through the instructions in advance to see what the building process is like and what kind of guidance is available. The parts list shows the components included in the kit at the time of sale.
We do not supply printed instructions with the kit.
Note: exceptionally, no schematic is available for the TV Reverb. Components are installed according to the parts list and layout diagram.
Designer Teemu Viinikainen
Many people know Teemu Viinikainen as an outstanding jazz guitarist, but fewer know that he is also a long-time tube amplifier builder. His main interest lies specifically in old Fender amplifiers from the 1950s and 1960s. Teemu has studied many original vintage Fenders, analyzing and considering why each individual amplifier or model sounds the way it does. Which parts affect the sound, and which modern components can achieve the best possible result.
His approach is not particularly technical; instead, the goal is to extract the best possible tone from a circuit, regardless of whether something is technically done the "correct way." So if a capacitor from a certain manufacturer sounds better, that’s the one chosen, even if someone else claims no difference can be heard. Arguing is pointless if your own ears can hear the difference. And Teemu is especially known for his exceptionally accurate ear for tone.
"The core goal of the design was to capture the beautiful soft tone and amazing playing feel of my old ’64 Deluxe Reverb. I have noticed that even if the circuit is completely true to the original, component selection also needs to be taken into account. Mallory capacitors are high-quality and offer an affordable option that gets very close to the original tone. The upgrade version includes Jupiter capacitors, which sound closest to the old Ajax Blue Molded capacitors used by Fender in their Blackface-era amplifiers. These add a bit more openness especially to the midrange and treble frequencies. The treble capacitor is ceramic, as is the channel coupling cap, just like in the original. These add a bit of roughness and brightness to the tone. The front-end voltages are slightly lower than in the original, softening the feel and tone somewhat, bringing it closer to an old, heavily played original. The transformers are high-quality, and especially the output transformer is very important tonally. This version uses Hammond models corresponding to the originals, and the power transformer is a UralTone Deluxe Reverb power transformer. In my own prototype I used corresponding ClassicTone transformers, which are excellent copies of old Schumacher/Triad transformers. We chose Hammond and UralTone transformers because they sounded equally great and their availability is better. The idea for the Tweed control was taken from Gerald Weber’s books, and it adds a wonderful extension to the amp’s normal tone controls. As the knob is turned up, part of the signal begins to pass through another coupling capacitor, and this signal has more of the tone of 1950s Tweed amplifiers, which had more midrange. You can blend in as much of this tone as desired, and especially more overdriven sounds sound better to my ears when additional mids are added. The Dwell control was originally included simply because there was room for one more knob on the chassis! But I noticed that it allows modern reverb tanks to sound closer to old Gibbs tanks when set around seven. Other small modifications and additions to the circuit are all included to bring the amplifier as close as possible to my original ’64 Deluxe."
Regards, Teemu
Sound
UralTone TV Deluxe represents the Blackface-era sound at its finest. The clean tone is bright and shimmering, with tasteful edge and character. The Tweed control shifts the sound 10 years back in time toward the 1950s tweed amplifier sound. Gain increases and overdrive improves.
A dwell potentiometer has been added to the reverb circuit to adjust the signal strength sent to the reverb tank. This helps reduce metallic harshness from the reverb sound.
Speakers
The speaker choice can steer the sound in the desired direction. The speaker has a huge impact on the tonal character! We therefore recommend saving money somewhere other than the speaker driver. In fact, the speaker driver may have the greatest influence on the tone of all components in the signal chain, excluding the player for now.
- Eminence Cannabis Rex: excellent all-purpose speaker, warm tone, works well with overdrive
- Jensen Tornado 100: bright and articulate sound with great punch that cuts through the mix, extremely lightweight
- EMINENCE GEORGE ALESSANDRO GA-SC64: excellent Blackface Fender-style speaker.
Footswitch
The TV Deluxe works with a traditional Fender-style footswitch with an RCA connector and one button. The footswitch allows the reverb to be switched on and off. The footswitch is not included with the kit, but you can purchase one here.
What does the UralTone TV Deluxe kit include?
The price includes all necessary components for building the amplifier. In addition, you will need a speaker and a wooden cabinet. The cabinet is built to Princeton Reverb dimensions.
Related products for this kit
Eminence George Alessandro GA-SC64
Who is this kit suitable for?
Suitable for anyone interested in tube amplifier building and great guitar tones. The important thing is to reserve enough uninterrupted time and focus on the process. A cup of coffee or tea helps. Blackface-style amplifiers are relatively easy to build because there is plenty of workspace inside the chassis and the circuit is mainly built on large and spacious eyelet boards. For this reason, it is also very well suited for first-time amplifier builders.
How quickly can the amplifier be built?
An experienced builder can assemble it in 1–2 days. Hobbyists typically take 2–4 days.
What kind of tools do you need to build this kit?
Basic tools are sufficient, but especially beginners should invest in reasonable quality.
In particular, the soldering station and solder wire must be of good enough quality to ensure reliable solder joints. Always buy your soldering station from a knowledgeable electronics retailer that can recommend the right type specifically for this purpose.
We have assembled a beginner’s tool kit that makes building easy and will take you far in the hobby. You can choose the tools you want from the package:
In addition, you really only need screwdrivers. If you are unsure whether your current soldering station (perhaps inherited from your grandfather) is good enough, feel free to contact us and we’ll see whether it’s suitable to get started!
How can I get support if I have questions I cannot find answers to?
A properly assembled amplifier built according to the instructions will work. Therefore, always read the instructions carefully. In troubleshooting situations, read the following article and follow its instructions:
DIY tube amplifier troubleshooting
If something still concerns you, you can contact us by email. Unlimited technical support by email is always included in the price. Please note that we cannot provide support by phone or in-store because our technical support staff do not work in the store.
Final result?
You will end up with a fantastic-sounding boutique amplifier that will last at least the next 100 years at a very reasonable cost. Comparable commercial products cost 2–5 times more.
An amplifier assembled from this kit according to the instructions represents the finest boutique clones and cannot be compared to mass-produced reissue versions, which neither tonally nor structurally represent the original masterpieces of tube amplifier craftsmanship.
WARNING: Building guitar equipment is highly addictive!
NOTE: The supplied kit contents may differ from the components shown in model photos, instructions, or parts lists due to component availability.
| SKU | 950-TVREV |
|---|---|
| Barcode | 9900000314842 |
| Manufacturer | UralTone |