How does a spring reverb work? And how do you design one?

[Zben3129]

Hi everyone,

I recently cannibalized a Behringer keyboard amp and obtained an unidentifiable verb tank. Its got 4 (2? just joined at the center by the wire thing) springs. The problem is it doesn't have serial numbers or markings anywhere, so I can't determine the impedance. I measured it at 95 ohms input and 375 ohms output. The amp had been solid state and looked to me like it has a 4558p driving the verb. (only thing in the reverb section).

What are the basic parts of a spring verb circuit? Driver, tank, recovery, and blend (and of course power section?) If so, could I design my own reverb around this tank? I need some help on this one, as I don't even know where to start.

Thanks

Zach

[DougH]

start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_reverb#Spring_reverberators

[drewl]

Since this is a pedal forum I spose you'll want to go SS, just look at a Fender Blues DeVille/Deluxe or any of their solid state reverb circuits. That will save you some time.

[R.G.]

The Accutronics web site has a wealth of detail about spring reverbs (what a surprise!) and a number of suggested circuits.

[Zben3129]

Thanks guys,

Interesting info I found on the Accutronics site is that the DC resistance of the transducers is nothing like the impedance. For example a 10 ohm input impedance reads .8 DC ohms.   Maybe this is a usable reverb tank after all   


Zach

[Zben3129]

Hmm...

Is there any such thing/difference as a "guitar level reverb" or an "amp level reverb"? As I know 99% of reverbs I have encountered are in an amp itself (only ever seen 1 seperate reverb from amp, besides digital). Is it possible to make a tank reverb that could be used in an effects chain? With a mix to mix wet and dry? Or do they only run at amp (Line?) level?

Thanks

Zach

[solderman]

Hi
just happend to stumble on this thread.

If its still interesting, this is a killer project for a effect pedal type external Spring reverb tank.

http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/circuits/spring-reverb/

The (my) result


//Solderman

[Mark Hammer]

It is quite possible to produce a pedal that brings the guitar signal up to a level suitable for driving springs.  That's the easy part.  The hard part is figuring out where to stick the springs and what to stick them in.