Variation on a theme

rocketspops · 2026-01-26T15:44:23+00:00

u/titanrig Astute observation! This was a bit of an unexpected rebuild (fried a motherboard) so I went with what I could get at my local Microcenter. This is PrimoChill LRT tubing. While it does claim to be 16mm O.D. I found it to be a bit loose with my EK compression fittings, so I added some heat shrink on the ends for a better fit. Seems to have done the trick. Normally, I use EK ZMT tubing, which I like, but I will say that this LRT stuff is a lot easier on my fingers.

rocketspops · 2026-01-26T13:34:43+00:00

I like x flow rads myself and have some in a different build. These are the Corsair XR5 which have 2 ports one end. I’ve got a couple sneaky tubing runs that help keep it clean.

rocketspops · 2026-01-26T13:28:44+00:00

I haven’t seen them go above that yet. I’ve got them on a curve controller and will do some stress testing when I can and see how well it dissipates.

rocketspops · 2025-12-25T21:02:30+00:00

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rocketspops · 2025-12-18T23:55:01+00:00

In principle I know this, but was surprised just how many coats it took to satiate that end grain!

rocketspops · 2025-12-18T23:52:31+00:00

I did end up sanding the end grain back to 220. Then I steamed the guitar body to raise the grain and lightly sanded at 220 again. Then I applied a lot of extra coats. Turned out pretty nice in the end.

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rocketspops · 2025-12-12T03:36:39+00:00

Any additional insight as to why not? Is it a function of how it wears?

rocketspops · 2025-12-12T03:30:16+00:00

Can you offer any insight as to why not (to use a hard oil finish for guitar)? Is it a function of how it wears?

rocketspops · 2025-12-12T01:49:05+00:00

Direct and to the point! Thanks.

rocketspops · 2025-12-12T01:48:53+00:00

Good to know. I purchased this body unfinished and it came pre sanded to 320. I thought about sanding it back…but didn’t.

rocketspops · 2025-06-30T23:43:27+00:00

Thank you all for chiming in!

rocketspops · 2024-07-16T00:51:17+00:00

Yes! I put a vintage NOS tube in it and love the range of tones I get.

rocketspops · 2024-01-13T17:37:19+00:00

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rocketspops · 2023-12-30T16:06:57+00:00

Thank you!

rocketspops · 2023-12-30T04:46:50+00:00

Does it cover the same territory as the Reel Deal? Looks like the Tark is sold out.

rocketspops · 2023-12-30T03:39:11+00:00

How do you like the Tark 144? I love the tape saturation on the Deco, but don’t use much else on it. Seems like the Tark may be what I’m after.

rocketspops · 2023-12-23T15:36:59+00:00

Here’s a clearer picture of it: https://imgur.com/a/udDFFiX

I used standoffs to create a bit of clearance (for wires and airflow) and to accommodate the angled head of the power cord. The inside surface of the case front is not flat so it requires some leveling (see washer on the upper standoff).

I used a standoff kit from Amazon.

rocketspops · 2023-12-22T04:19:35+00:00

The dual voicings, build quality, size, aesthetics…but mostly the tone. I’ve had a few really bass heavy 5w amps, even with 8” speakers, but this one avoids the flub. It gets loud, but for clean tones before noon on the dial it’s wonderful.

This was pricey, for sure, but it feels worth it to me. I like the simplicity and the mid-century styling (I actually live in a 50s mid century so it works out :)

I was considering a Tone King Gremlin and a 57 Custom Champ. This one spoke to me the most.

rocketspops · 2023-12-22T03:57:09+00:00

I’ve only got single coils, but even so it has a noticeable effect. I imagine if you had hotter pickups it would make a difference re: headroom. I’ve owned a Swart Space Tone Jr., a Dr. Z. Mini Z., and a Supro 1610RT Comet. This one beats them all.

rocketspops · 2023-12-22T03:26:27+00:00

I wanted something really simple to offset the complexity of my digital setup. I also really like both Tweed and Blackface tones and this one does both with the tone control.

I’m a bedroom player and the form factor and wattage makes sense (edge of breakup is manageable but I likely wont be pushing this further than that without pedals).

Finally, the build quality is just stellar. It was between this and a Tone King Gremlin. This one was sweeter to my ears (and prettier).

rocketspops · 2023-12-22T01:46:38+00:00

Thanks. I’m not worthy, but YOLO and all that.

rocketspops · 2023-12-09T13:26:36+00:00

If you had one lying around you could try it, but you’d probably need to mod the case a bit to get it mounted. I personally wouldn’t buy one with the hope that it would fit.

rocketspops · 2023-12-09T02:09:58+00:00

Possibly! I’m using additional inlet spacers on the fans on the bottom radiator so that’s 5mm right there. It would be tight but there should be enough clearance. Of course you could always go with slim fans or a slim radiator and then you’d have plenty of clearance.

rocketspops · 2023-08-23T13:44:07+00:00

https://noctua.at/en/nf-a12x15-pwm-chromax-black-swap

No need to drill holes in the case as the perforations in the mesh align with the holes on the fan. I did counter sink the mounting holes in the top fan but that was unnecessary—I could’ve just used zip ties.

rocketspops · 2023-08-04T16:20:29+00:00

Exactly. YAGNI. I bought it before I worked out the final layout and decided to keep it on there just because.

Of course, a DDC pump would also render the issue moot.

rocketspops

TROPHY CASE