Session 400 Conversion

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 11 Apr 2012 12:46 pm

I have finally gotten around to converting my Session 400 (aka Hernia 400) to an amp head. My Session 400 has 2 12" EV EVM-12Ls. I haven't decided what to do about a cabinet yet. I was looking yesterday at the plans for the EV TL-806 cab that would use just one of my EVM-12s. It looks compact enought. I would be interested in hearing any thoughts or comments from anybody who has done this type of conversion.

Below is a picture of the head in progress. It's now awaiting Tolex, front panel, hardware, and reverb tank placement.

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 11 Apr 2012 2:06 pm

That sure is a good looking cabinet! Email me if you feel like you might want to build another one

I have some electronic skills but absolutely no woodworking skills. Maybe Mr. Rick Johnson could help you out with an idea.

A few days ago I saw someone posted this link http://www.trmguitarcabs.com/index.html

Not sure if you are wanting to go that direction or build your own though....

Ken Morgan · Post by **Ken Morgan** » 11 Apr 2012 3:32 pm

Love this stuff! Nice work on the head, (need to do this with a MM RD100) and thanks for the cab link!

Anyone interested in the MusicMan head built, please let me know - last thing I tried like this ended up in the wood chipper

Bill A. Moore · Post by **Bill A. Moore** » 11 Apr 2012 3:44 pm

Danial, I haven't built a single TL806, but modified the plans for a TL806Q to just 2 speakers. Back in the day I used a pair of them as mids for the PA. Have been using one with 2 EVM-12S's for steel, and it sounds great.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 11 Apr 2012 3:47 pm

Thanks, guys. I wish I could quit my job and do this stuff instead! Thanks also for the cabinet link. He does nice work.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 11 Apr 2012 3:48 pm

Bill, how heavy is your cab?

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 17 Apr 2012 9:39 am

I have now painted the inside of the cab, and today I applied the teal Tolex. I think that the teal will look good with the old aluminum knobs of the 400. It was my first time Tolexing, and it came out pretty well, all things considered.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 18 Apr 2012 7:51 am

I'm now in the final phase. I still have to make the front and back panels and then cover them with Tolex. All the hardware is on, except the rubber feet. Here's a photo:

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 18 Apr 2012 8:42 am

beautiful! almost ready for cruisin' the strip.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 18 Apr 2012 9:19 am

You're right! It is kind of a "57 Chevy" color.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 19 Apr 2012 12:03 pm

Finished!

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 19 Apr 2012 6:59 pm

Lookin' Good!

Brian Christiano · Post by **Brian Christiano** » 9 May 2012 3:03 am

Very nice. Like the color. I don't see any vents and am curious about where the heat buildup will dissipate. I have never done anything like this before so I am totally ignorant.

Daniel Warner · Post by **Daniel Warner** » 10 Jul 2012 12:19 pm

I finally got around to making an EV TL-806 Cab for one of the EVM-12L speakers that were in the original combo version. In matching 57 Chevy teal, of course!

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 10 Jul 2012 2:03 pm

Looks like a 1974! Those are keepers. I have one. For some reason the 74 had a richer tone than those after 74. And, produce an honest 200w.

Larry Hamilton · Post by **Larry Hamilton** » 10 Jul 2012 2:30 pm

Very nice indeed. I remember in the mid 70's when I went from a Twin to a Session 400 I thought it was light. Session in onw hand and MSA d-10 in the other and away I went. Ah the good old days

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Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 11 Jul 2012 12:37 pm

Great job there, Daniel. I'd say you have a real nice "steal" amp there.

Seriously, that's some impressive work. Congrats!

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 11 Jul 2012 12:59 pm

that looks great! ,,,i never really considered a session 400 too heavy. nowadays with a neo mag 15 inch they would be fairly light.
but still...the teal amp and cab are cool!

The Steel Guitar Forum

Session 400 Conversion

Session 400 Conversion

Tolex Done!

Update

EV TL-806 Cab Done