So, the Chekhov has survived its first gig, and it did a fine job projecting me with a jazz quintet playing in a ~250 seat former church... as far as I could tell from where I stood.
I've since re-configured the overdrive circuit to more or less match the 2SE - that is a Dumble-inspired two triode affair - and that aspect of the amp is now usable and pretty nice sounding. It required significant changes to the board and the addition of a 3-pole tag strip to accommodate all the additional components.
What was originally implemented as this:
I've read more about the reverb chip I got, and while it does seem to be the only choice, in most cases the person posting about it has reported lots of complicated circuitry to accommodate it and its integration into a tube amp. I think I'm resigned to nabbing an inexpensive pedal that just lives with the amp, and to letting go of implementing reverb in this amp.
I'll have to re-do the panel labels to match the new controls and cover over the remaining hole.
Left to do:
- Build new cabinet in 1/2" Birch to shed 8 lbs.
- Front panel label.
- Install power tube retainers.