It’s been over a month since the completion of the first prototype, and we’ve been hard at work setting up a new workshop dedicated to the development and production of new Gnome prototypes. In that time, Gun Outfit returned from a successful and eventful tour, and I started on the newly designed second prototype. It represents a redesign of the power supply section for greater reliability, and a more versatile power amplifier section. Seattle-area musician Chris Gallegos will soon be the lucky owner of the second ever Gnome prototype, codenamed “Black Thunder.” The color scheme this time around is, you guessed it, all black, from the knobs to the case hardware. As seen in the previous post, the new case sports black hemp canvas covering and recessed fold-out side handles for ergonomic carrying.
So what is this redesign all about? Our mission is to develop an amplifier that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. The most common culprit in long-term amplifier failures is the ubiquitous electrolytic capacitor. In past decades, it was the only choice of component for power supply filtration: large capacitance value in a small package. The problem is after 10-15 years of use, even a high quality electrolytic begins to drift from its rated value, and performance suffers. In extreme cases, the capacitor can fail into a short circuit, disabling the amplifier and necessitating major repairs. It is common to replace every single electrolytic when overhauling vintage amplifiers. At Gnome amps, we decided to do better. This latest design incorporates oil filled high voltage polypropylene capacitors that will outlast any electrolytic. The best high reliability electrolytic we found was rated for a 5000 hour load life; the polypropylene capacitor is rated at 60000 hours load life- at a load current five times greater! There’s no electrolytic fluid to dry up, so it will continue to perform at its rated value for decades. On top of it all, the performance is much better.
If the above tech talk was too much for you, it can be summarized as follows: this amp can go 30 years or more without any major service, other than a new set of tubes when needed. While other amplifiers might try to sell you on the latest and greatest, or a repeat of design mistakes from the past, a Gnome is built to be the last amp you ever buy.
Speaking of tubes, the quality and selection of new production power tubes has been on the rise in recent years, and we couldn’t be happier. Why wouldn’t you want to try that new set of Tung Sol reissue EL34B’s? Or perhaps a quad of TAD 6L6GC? We think you should try all of the above, and be certain that they’ll all work great in your Gnome. The versatile high-performance bias circuit in the new Gnome prototype is compatible with all common power tube types. Run them hot if you want searing rock breakup, or cold to extend tube lifespan, with a conveniently located bias control accessible from the rear of the amplifier. Gnome amps’ simplicity and clarity bring out the unique character of each tube type and model, so you can keep up with all of the exciting new developments in current tube production.
Stay tuned for the completed second prototype, coming soon!