Looking for DIY AMP info

[Croakus]

I'd like to learn more about how amps work, and would like to build my own single channel tube amp for guitar. To that end, I've been looking for amp kits with very little success. I've found HoffmanAmps.com, but that really just confused me. I've also found a few places that sell $1,000 multi-channel kits, but that's way too much for me right now.

Can you guys give a newbie some tips on learning to build simple tube amps?

[Chiba]

Tips:

1) Read a couple of basic electronics books.
2) Read 'The Tube Amp Handbook' by Dave Hunter.
3) Learn how to safely discharge capacitors so you don't kill yourself - remember, amplifiers can contain LETHAL levels of high voltage.
4) Get a GOOD soldering iron - better yet, a soldering station so you can better control the temperature. Then learn how to use it.
5) Have fun!! :)

www.18watt.com - more info than you can shake a stick at.

www.tedweber.com - excellent kits, better prices than almost everywhere else - BUT!! - no instructions, you just work from a schematic and a layout, so you kind of already need a handle on what you're doing.

Weber's site also has some good links to other amp kit companies.

--chiba

[n8b]

If you haven't already, check out http://www.AX84.com. They have a helpful forum and detailed projects to get you started.

[wsaraceni]

If you haven't already, check out http://www.AX84.com. They have a helpful forum and detailed projects to get you started.


www.dobermanamps.com (http://www.dobermanamps.com) sells complete kits for some of the ax84 amps. between their kits, and the ax84 site, i think i am going to try to build one soon.

[bvmjethead]

Metro Amp (http://www.metroamp.com/forum/index.php?sid=5b74c2260cfdd6259d56953cf1ddfbf5)

[jpervin]

Allen has some nice, basic amp kits for not a whole lot of money.

http://www.allenamps.com/5f2.html

[RL in Fla]

+1 on anything David Allen puts out . Worth the few extra $ for excellent instructions and parts/hardware .

and "What Chiba said" .

[Damon]

+1 AX84 is great, I've used their archives quite a bit, in designing and building my amps (working on the third one now). +1 on learning the necessary safety stuff like mains wiring, cap safety, the one-hand rule. +1 on the adjustable temp soldering station.

Also visit the tech info at aikenamps.com, there's something for everyone from noob to guru there.

[avwalker]

some of this will be redundant, but some good resources are....

http://www.ax84.com

http://www.18watt.com

http://www.firebottle.com/ampage

http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/

https://schematicheavencom.secure.powweb.com/

http://www.webervst.com/vstbbs/bbs.html

[r9player]

STF Electronics.
I got the champ kit, and I got full diagrams, explanations and history.
Great for a beginner.

[Croakus]

WOW! Thanks for all the info!

Looks like I need to visit a book store and make sure I understand how to do this safely. I'll probably check out an AX84 design when ready to build.

[KLB]

+1 on anything David Allen puts out . Worth the few extra $ for excellent instructions and parts/hardware .

and "What Chiba said" .

Allen's supersize transformers transformed my '66 Deluxe Reverb. It sounds delicious with the new Tung-Sol 5881 or Shuguang 6L6-WGC tubes. It lets me use 16 ohm speakers/cabs, too.

[macula56]

+1 for the 18 watt site. nice folks there and very knowledgeable. same on the Hoffman site. a lot of good info there and really nice people. they are very helpful.

[twangbanger]

Like all of the above mentions, love the 18 watt site and those amps sound sooooooooooo goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rob

[zach5150]

I'm currently building my first amp too.....I have about 15 years experience w/ electronics (navy and semiconductor), but i've only got about a 1-2 years experience w/ tube amps and there is LOTS to learn! One kit manufacturer that might be a good option for you is Ceriatone.
Nik is the owner of ceriatone and he is awesome w/ his customer service. You can get a kit is various stages of build from him so if it's your first one, you can get a kit that's 1/2 way done and finish it off...that way, you'll get your hands into it and learn but it'll be easier to finish. His prices are killer and the amps sound awesome too. I almost went with ceriatone for my 36 watt marshall clone i'm building but i decided on Weber simply because I get the head box and since i've got so much experience w/ electronics I wanted to do it from the ground up. (I still have newbie questions sometimes though!). Ceriatone is based in Malaysia, but dont let that scare you....Nik is a great guy and his products are top notch. Even with shipping costs, you'll still saving money. His rep over at 18watt.com is second to none. He offers a wide range of amp styles from 18 watt to JTM 45 to Fender clone and Matchless clone stuff...
take a look at http://www.ceriatone.com

P.S. - I'm not involved in any way w/ Ceriatone, just that I read your post about this being your first amp, wanting to learn, and cost, this seems like the best option IMHO....good luck w/ whatever you decide! And get ready to build more than just one....it's a sickness...!