Ladner Tomtone Deluxe User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 3
FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................................................. 4
REAR PANEL..................................................................................................................................... 6
FOOTSWITCH CONNECTION DETAILS.................................................................................... 7
SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................. 8
TUBE PLACEMENT ......................................................................................................................... 9
WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................... 10
SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 11
Ladner Engineering Group LLC
124 Main Street
Post Office Box 3971
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi 39520
USA
www.ladnerengineering.com
First Printing © 2012 - Ladner Engineering Group, LLC

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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INTRODUCTION
"It's hard to describe "tone" but Ladner Engineering knew exactly
what I was looking for and nailed it with the Tomtone™ Deluxe.
That's by far the most dynamic and musical sounding amp I've ever
played. Actually it's not an amplifier, its' a musical instrument ... "-
Tom Riepl
Fall 2011 we were introduced to Tom Riepl via Rick Hirsch. Tom came to Mobile
Alabama from Germany to record his new record “Play”which Rick was
producing. Rick asked us to bring a few amps by for Tom to try out and maybe
he could use one on a few tracks. After hearing Tom through a prototype model, it
was clear they were meant for each other. Based off that prototype we collaborated
with Tom to create an amplifier that enhanced his voice on guitar. The end result
is the Tomtone Deluxe, crafted to Tom’s specification and close collaboration. We
are honored to have Tom as an artist and friend. Through this collaboration, we
are able to share his vision of tone and provide inspiration to his incredible playing
style. Enjoy your Tomtone Deluxe and be sure to play it loud!
Andrew & D.C. Ladner

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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FRONT PANEL
1 - INPUT - ¼” jack that delivers the signal from the guitar to the first stage of gain in
the amplifier.
2 - GAIN - Controls the level of the first gain stage, and is very important down the
line with response to the tone stack and overdrive circuits. With response to the
overdrive it acts as the first of the cascading gain stages.
3 - SPARKLE –Delivers more brilliance to the tone circuit and increases the treble
response in the preamp. This switch can help to make darker instruments (such as
those with humbuckers) to cut through and improve attack.
4 - DIMENSION –This is a unique switch that reconfigures the tone stack to deliver a
flatter response (like on many early tube hi-fi amplifiers). Most amplifiers have scoop
within the mid range response of the amplifier to counter the hump of mid
frequency response within the speaker. The normal position will make the amplifier
respond in the traditional fashion. The Dimension position brings a flatter response,
which can benefit certain instruments (such as lap-steel, pedal steel, electric violin, etc…).
The Dimension feature also works great for the jazz guitarist, helping to show the
true tone of a classic hollow body instrument.
5 –BASS –adjusts the response of bass frequencies within the tone stack. This is a
very dominant control and can bring the response of the amplifier from “woofy” to
“boomy” and everything in between. All the knobs on the Tomtone Deluxe
significant range and slight adjustments of one can radically change the response
of the others.
6 - MIDS –This very powerful knob in guitar amplifiers can bring a sound from harsh
to beautiful just by the turn of a knob. Changing the amount of mid range, this
knob has a significant control over the overall tone.

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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7 - TREBLE –Controls the amount of highs, and is as equally as important as the mid.
The treble is very important and powerful knob in respect to the overall tone. The
Treble knob can bring the amplifier from dark singing, full on mid range punch, to
bright crisp attack.
8 –LOOSE –This setting removes the Tomtone Voicing/Enhancement –The amplifier
is in NORMAL mode of operation. The Loose switch affects the low-end response of
the amplifier yet does not cut or boost any bass. In the Tomtone position this
enhancement can tighten and produce a more detailed bottom sound if desired.
9 –OD LEVEL –Sets the output level of the overdrive channel. It provides a way to
balance the overdrive signal to the clean signal for a balanced sound or even a
boost or cut within the overdrive function.
10 –Tomtone–This voicing embodies three mid-range variations. The bottom
selection captures Tom Riepl’s signature tone, crafted to his exact specifications.
Tom asked for a switch that captures Steely Dan meets Steve Morse, the result was
capturing the high mid attack while retaining the silky smooth overtones. The
middle selection offers a “spongy” midrange response for a looser feel and sound.
The top selection tightens the midrange without adding the high mid attack.
11 - OVERDRIVE –Adjust the amount of overdrive or crunch. Switched by either
footswitch or front panel toggle switch (with footswitch unplugged). The adjustment of
the first-stage GAIN knob is crucial to the response of the OVERDRIVE knob. Another
way to describe this knob is your “overdrive sound” or how much gain you can get
out of the amplifier adding dirty tones to the clean in response to the position of the
gain knob. The GAIN and OVERDRIVE controls represent a cascading gain stage in
a fashion that delivers smooth singing gain.
12 –CLEAN / OD –Switches between CLEAN and OVERDRIVE channels. NOTE: This
switch is disabled when the footswitch is plugged into the rear of the amp. The
footswitch takes precedence when connected.
13 –MASTER –Controls the overall volume and output of the amplifier.
14 –PLAY/STANDBY/OFF –An all-inclusive function control - go from
OFF/STANDBY/PLAY, with one switch. When powering the amplifier on, the unit
should be switched to the STANDBY position for at least five (5) minutes before
switching to the PLAY position. Additionally, when shutting down the amplifier,
place this switch in the STANDBY position for at least five (5) minutes before
switching to the OFF position. After placing the unit in the OFF position, allow the
unit to cool down before transporting, as the tubes are still hot and more likely to be
damaged due to shock or vibration. Taking these precautions can help to greatly
extend the life of the tubes, especially the output tubes.
15 –POWER –This front panel lamp indicates the amplifier is powered.

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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Rear Panel
1 –FUSE- This is the line fuse for the amplifier. The proper fuse should be installed
based on the line voltage to which the unit is attached. The table below shows the
proper fuse to be used with the selected line voltage. NOTE: Failure to install the
proper fuse based on the line voltage selected can result in personal injury, fire,
damage to the amplifier or other nasty things too numerous to mention here.
2 - AC POWER –an IEC standard removable power cable. The unit should only be
plugged into a proper AC Line Voltage as indicated by the selection of the switch
(see #3 line voltage selection) of the IEC connector
3–Line Voltage Selector –Selects between 120 VAC operation and 230 VAC
operation. NOTE: Proper fuse MUST be installed.
4 –BIAS Adjustment –These adjustment controls the BIAS of the output amplifier.
This adjustment should only be used by qualified service personnel.
5 –BIAS Test Points –Used in conjunction with the BIAS Adjustment. Voltage present
on these test points represent the current flowing through the output tubes.
6 –FOOTSWITCH –Connection for the channel selection footswitch and EFX loop on
and off, a standard TRS or Tip Ring Sleeve cable is required. NOTE: The front panel
selector switch is disabled when the footswitch is plugged into this jack. A faulty
footswitch or flaky cable can cause the amp to default to the Overdrive Channel!!!
LINE VOLTAGE
FREQ
FUSE
FUSE TYPE
120 VAC
50/60 Hz
2 A
AGC
230 VAC
50/60 Hz
1.25 A
AGC

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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FOOTSWITCH CONNECTION DETAILS
7 –ACTIVE/BYPASS –This switch in the BYPASS position by-passes the EFX Loop
hardware in the amplifier. For proper operation of the EFX Loop, this Switch MUST
be in the ACTIVE position.
8, 9 EFX LOOP –The EFX Loop on the Tomtone Deluxe is a fully buffered tube driven
loop that allows for transparent insertion of effects post-preamp/pre-output. Send
and Return knobs allow for adjustment to and from the loop.
10 –CLASS A RESONANCE –This control does for the low-end as the PRESENCE does
for the high-end. Turning the control fully counter-clock wise will “roll” the low-end
off; while turning the control full clock wise will create a massive bottom. The
RESONANCE control is very functional and powerful to the overall tone and has
more range than most conventional amplifiers.
11 –CLASS SWITCHING–This allows for the Output section to be switched between
Class A/B and Class A (Push Pull). Class A/B mode delivers 40watts offering more
punch and headroom. Class A mode delivers 20watts offering quicker breakup of
the output and higher “chime”.
12 –PRESENCE (Class A/B and Class A) –This control rings in the highs through the
Output section of the amplifier. Turing the PRESENCE all the way counter-clockwise
produces a dark, beefy tone. The knob in the middle is “design center” where the
amp was designed and most effective to the overall tone. Turning the knob more
clockwise produces more high-end sparkle. The Presence control is very functional
and powerful to the overall tone and has more range than most conventional
amplifiers.
13 –SPEAKER OUT - ¼” jack that delivers the amplifiers output signal to a speaker
cabinet. Caution should be taken to ensure that the amplifiers output impedance
(Zout) is configured to match the speaker enclosures input impedance.
14 –Zout - Impedance selector 4,8,16 ohms –This selector should only be changed
when the unit is in the STANDBY or OFF position ONLY!!!

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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SPECIFICATIONS
OUTPUT POWER >40 Watts Class A/B
>20 Watts Class A
OUTPUT IMPEDENCE Selectable 4, 8, 16 
INPUT 1 M
CHANNEL SELECTION Front Panel and/or Footswitch
EFX Loop Footswitch Only
EQUALIZATION Bass, Mids,
Treble Presence
VOICING Tomtone, Mid-Shift, Loose & Dimension
NOTICE: Ladner Engineering reserves the right to change, modify or eliminate any and all
specifications as it deems appropriate, without notice.

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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TUBE PLACEMENT
V1-V5: 12AX7
V6-V7: 6L6
V1: Input stage (Mullard 12AX7A)
V2: Tone (Sovtek 12AX7LPS)
V3: Overdrive (Sovtek 12AX7LPS)
V4: Effects Loop (Sovtek 12AX7LPS)
V5: Phase Inverter (Sovtek 12AX7LPS)
V6-V7: Output (Winged C WC6L6)
CAUTION: Tubes are HOT when in use,
and for a while after the unit has been
turned off, use extreme caution when
changing.

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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WARRANTY
All Ladner amplifiers sold by authorized Ladner dealers are warranted by Ladner
Engineering Group to be free from defects in material or workmanship under
normal use and service for a period of five (5) years* on parts and three (3)
years* on labor from the original date of purchase. Speaker cabinets are
covered for a period of three (3) years* on parts and labor from the original
date of purchase.
Any products found to be defective within the applicable period will be repaired
or replaced at the option of the Ladner Engineering Group, without any charge
provided that; (1) the product was not misused, abused, improperly
maintained, or repaired by any person not authorized by Ladner Engineering
Group; (2) its failure resulted from a defect in material or workmanship and
was not damaged due to use other than its intended use; (3) the product was
not used under abnormal, excessive, or unusual operating conditions and (4)
the product is promptly delivered prepaid to the seller at the place of purchase
or to an authorized Ladner Engineering Group warranty service center together
with proof of purchase within the applicable period.
There are no warranties, expressed or implied, other than those expressed
herein. Further, there is no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. This warranty does not cover units used for loan or rental.
Limitation of Liability: the above warranty represents purchaser’s exclusive
remedy and Ladner Engineering Group, LLC shall not be liable for any special,
incidental, or consequential damages relating to the product sold.
Some states do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranty or the
exclusion may not apply to some purchasers. This warranty gives purchasers
specific legal rights and purchasers may also have other rights that vary from
state to state.
* Exceptions:
Speakers
1 Year
Sound Reinforcement Products
3 years
Tubes, Cables
90 days
Vinyl Covers/Bags/Accessories
No Warranty

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF WHEN CHANGING OR
REPLACING TUBES
SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not expose this amplifier to moisture or water (i.e. avoid dropping into swimming pools,
most lakes, water ways or use during times of excessive storm surge)** or extreme heat.
Turnoff and unplug before any tube change.
Only use the proper, AGC fuse. Remember ONLY!!!!
Keep the back of the amplifier away from curtains or other flammable materials.
Remove speaker and power cables before moving to avoid damage.
Only clean with a soft towel and mild cleaner. Remember ONLY!!!!
Unlike Trix, these amplifiers are NOT for kids, so keep it away from them.
Unplug during lightning storms, hurricanes, tsunamis or the like.
** … unless it’s a competitors amplifier, of course.
This amplifier produces EXTREME SOUND VOLUMES and can cause
PERMANET HEARING DAMAGE, handle with care.
… THIS MEANS YOU!
Some things are never a good idea …
Common sense is a valuable tool,
So Use It!!!
Always have this Amplifier serviced by a
QUALIFIED SERVICE PROFESSIONAL ONLY!
… Again please remember ONLY!!!!

Tomtone Deluxe Guitar Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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Tom Riepl with his Tomtone Deluxe
Thank you for your purchase, and welcome to the Ladner
Engineering family. We wish you many years of great tonal
bliss with your hand-built Tomtone Deluxe.
Andrew and D.C Ladner