I've tried countless amps over the last 30 years. To my ears, the Hot Fudge is one of the best. Rich clean tones, classic rock crunch, and more, at your fingertips and at a manageable volume level. With a Tele, the dynamic reponse of the amp moves from an edgy clean through slight breakup to a satisfying crunch tone. A humbucker-equipped guitar will push things farther into a creamy—though not flute-y—overdrive.
I should also add that David Allen puts together top-flight kits. There is no need to sub in better components; the good stuff is already there! This is true of the chassis, transformers, small parts, cabinet—everything!
I've tried numerous Hot Fudge configurations—1x15 combo, 1x12 combo, 1x10 combo, head + 2x10, head + 4x10. For my tastes, the 1x10 combo is the clear winner in terms of tone, portability, and output level. I've experimented with all sorts of speakers in the 1x10 combo. My favorites include the Eminence Ragin Cajun, Copperhead, Legend 105, and Ramrod; and the Weber 10F125.
Circuit pictures below are of the amp in its first incarnation. I have since updated the amp to David Allen's latest circuit revision. The upper back panel is removed in the second picture to reveal tubes, iron, etc.
Technical Rundown
- Circuit based on 6G2 Princeton amp
- Enhanced power supply and power amp
- TP25 160mA power transformer
- 5Y3 rectifier
- F&T and Vishay Atom electrolytic capacitors
- 2W metal oxide power resistors
- TO25D 25W output transformer
- 6V6GT power tubes
- 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Negative feedback "cut" control
- 1W carbon film signal resistors
- Mallory 150 coupling caps
- PVC-insulated solid core hookup wire
- Finger-jointed, solid pine cabinet
- Floating birch ply baffle
- Eminence Ramrod or Legend 1058 10" speaker
