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Author Topic: Amp kits?
joe
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Post Amp kits?
on: July 29, 2012, 11:13
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Who's had experience with DIY amp kits?

I built a both a Marshall 18-watt and Vibra-Champ clone from Ceriatone kits, and was really happy with the results. I got my cabinets from Gabkits.
caitlin

Posts: 8
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 7, 2012, 16:17
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I'm part way through building a 2W Madamp G2, which is a semi-point to point guy with a couple of russian pentodes in for valveyness. I'm a little stoked because not only is it my first build, it's my first tube amp, and in fact my first *amp*. The kit and instructions are reasonable. Very cheap, comparable to pricing up the parts individually, the instructions are translated into english with a few mistakes, but mostly spelling or word form errors.
I've done all the drilling and mounted the hardware so I've just got the soldering to do.
joe
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 10, 2012, 11:05
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How did that turn out? I'd love to have a great-sounding 2-watt amp!
joe
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 10, 2012, 11:07
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I think I'm going to try building a Tube Depot Marshall 18-watt kit next. I made the 18-watt from Ceriatone, and loved it.

I totally get why 18-watts have such a cult following!
caitlin

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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 13, 2012, 06:15
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It's not yet finished. There are a few examples of it in use on youtube. I've got the power done and tested ok. the first valve socket and pots are fully wired up with all the earthing. I'm hoping to finish up the internals tonight, and pick up a small cab for it in the morning. Possibly the first tones from it (or fried fuses) on Weds or Thursday evening. The 18 watt kits from http://www.ampmaker.com tempt me because of the turretboard construction. I was originally intending to get their 5W amp, but would have had to go down an attenuation route to make it usable in my flat, I think.
joe
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 13, 2012, 15:47
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Unless you live somewhere very private, you probably won't be able to use the 18-watt in your flat. It's the loudest 18 watts you'll ever hear! 🙂

That 5-watt ampmaker kit looks really cool! https://www.ampmaker.com/store/SE-5a-5W-British-overdrive-amplifier.html
caitlin

Posts: 8
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 16, 2012, 10:11
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Ok, I got it done and it's amazing. I hit a few snags along the way, errors of mine misreading diagrams of jack socket pins, and a dry joint. It's finally together and stable though. I'm driving it a bit with a pod because I don't have any pedals and it screams. It's really a lot more versatile than I'd imagined. Of course it's my first tube amp, so I'm only comparing it to modellers.
You're quite right about 18W, this 2W guy is loud enough on 3 through an 8" speaker!
Image
joe
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 20, 2012, 20:07
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Wowee — looks great!

Don't suppose you want to share some audio clips, do you?
caitlin

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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 21, 2012, 07:33
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I'll sort out my shame and confidence issues and actually do some tests through an interface and SM57 with the knobs at various angles and pickup positions and things but a brief clip would be: https://vimeo.com/53896956 (I'm a drummer and should have learned some guitar before starting building amps really :P)
Oinkus

Posts: 236
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Post Re: Amp kits?
on: November 22, 2012, 05:49
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It's just guitar , should be no shame or lack of confidence . Make noise! That is the intended purpose of the instrument! Amp sounds good from the 14 secs we got to hear too .
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