Converting a Session 500 into an Amp head

[Frank Estes]

I am seriously considering converting my Session 500 into an amp head--cutting it in half. I read the comments on the link below about this idea and how putting the reverb tank so close to the electronics would cause a hum problem. I wondered if there would be a problem doing that with the reverb.

But, I never use the Session 500 reverb anyway, so I would just leave it out.

Any other things I should consider when trying to do doing this? What about when cutting it in half?

I read the helpful comments about this idea Here

------------------
Frank Estes - 1978 Emmons D-10 8+7 #2441D

[Glenn Austin]

I wouldn't cut the original box in half if I were you. It would be better to construct a new head and cab from scratch. for shielding the reverb you could use what's called MU Metal, although I have no idea where you could buy it.

[Frank Estes]

Why do you recommend against cutting the original cabinet?

[Glenn Austin]

Well I wouldn't cut the box in two, because if I ever wanted to sell it down the road, and also it would probably look like a bang up job, unless it was done by Norm Abramson. If you wanted it to look nice then would have to remove all the tolex and graft on the plywood, chamfer the edges and retolex the head and cab. It would require all the same tools and probably be just as difficult as making a new one. That's just my take on things, I've got the same amp and it just kills me when I have to move it.

[Larry Bell]

I agree with the other guys, Frank.
You'll thank yourself for having a dedicated cabinet built for the 500. I did the same for my vintage 400 and it works great. There's a picture of it here

------------------
<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

[Glenn Austin]

One thing I forgot to add is that the electronics in the 500 extend below the top of the speaker, so if you want to make a head then forget about making a cab with what's left over, and vice versa.

[Frank Estes]

Thanks, gentlemen. What will a new cabinet cost me?

[David Decker]

Larry Bell, what did you think of the picture I sent you of the Peavey Special?
Dave

[David Decker]

Frank, I would build you a new Cab. for $100.00+ shipping. I've been a carpenter most of my life. I have 2 Session 500's so I would allready have the measurements. If your interested E-mail me and I can send you pictures of the Peavey Special I just built a Cab. for. Dave

[Michael T. Hermsmeyer]

New cabinet is the way to go for sure. Otherwise you just can't go back. To me it's like preserving a piece of history rather than destroying it.

Check out my Fender which was a head originally aand now is a beautiful combo:
www.wpro1.com/utilitymanproductions

God Bless,
Michael T.

------------------
UTILITY MAN PRODUCTIONS
'73 EMMONS D10 FATBACK, '92 EMMONS D10 LASHLEY LEGRANDE,
'85 DOBRO 60DS, '95 DOBRO F60S,
'95 MELOBAR CUSTOM, 1955 FENDER TRIPLE NECK STRINGMASTER. EVANS, FENDER, PEAVEY,
and MESA BOOGIE Amps.

[Bill R. Baker]

I have a Nashville 400 head and at my age it is the way to go. I bought it here on the Forum but do not remember from whom. He would know who built the cabinet. It is a professional work. So if you are out there and recall selling me this head then let me know and we can post who built the cab.

[LARRY COLE]

Rick Johnson makes some great cabinets. He even makes fender repro cabs. I think he is on the Forum. He can email pics too.

------------------
LC. WILLIAMS U12, SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60

[seldomfed]

The Lemay site has plans to convert a 400 to a 'head'
http://www.miracle-audio.com/nashhead.gif

Perhaps you can leverage these.

Keep your old cab.!



------------------
Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.seldomfed.com