Anyone ever build and amp kit?

[RiffRaff]

I'm thinking my next project will be building my own amp head - I was on the mojotone website and was looking at their JTM45 kit - nice but kind of pricey. Was wondering if any of you folks have built and amp, what do you recommend - I'm more a Marshall fan than a fender.

I do have excellent skills as a technician, spent many years as an engineering tech in aerospace (building analog and digital test equipment), no problem reading schematics and wire diagrams - well aware of the potential risks dealing with the high voltage/current devices.

So what have you done and what do you recommend?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

http://www.18watt.com/ Spend some time here and learn. I hear GDS has the best of the Marshall Kits.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

http://www.gdsamps.com/

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

Thanks Scott, I've heard a few of the old Marshall 20 watt PA heads they're a great small to medium sized club amp - guess I need to start a new project fund.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

It's really hard to go wrong. I know you are a Marshall guy, but if you get a chance, you out to seek out someone with a 5e3 Tweed Deluxe amp. It'll do that Neil Young meltdown thing in spades.

It's a pretty awesome tone and you can get a complete package, amp, cab, speaker for about 650 or less.

Great tone.

If I ever get a chance to play a GDS 18 watt, I might have to build one. I think the little 20 watt Ampeg has a definite Marshall tone to it (2xEL84) and since I still own that amp, I can't see duplicating the tone with a kit just yet.

Actually, even though I still own the Ampeg, it has found it's way into my son's bedroom. What's up with that? I asked him about it and he said he was just making room in tihe music room for my new Bad Cat. Didn't want mom yelling at me. So, he hid his little solid state amp in his closet and put the ampeg in it's place. Mom cannot tell the difference.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

So, he hid his little solid state amp in his closet and put the ampeg in it's place. Mom cannot tell the difference.

Now THAT's parenting! :laugh2: I wish I had the same guidance as a youth...training for being married!

Does your son really like the tube amp better?

 

[Curly]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

Actually, even though I still own the Ampeg, it has found it's way into my son's bedroom. What's up with that? I asked him about it and he said he was just making room in tihe music room for my new Bad Cat.

Wow! he's already learning some of his Dad's sales techniques!

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

I like the way that youngster thinks! He get's a nice little tube amp and validates your needs to buy a Bad Cat - he's good!!!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

I just asked him how he likes it and he smiled. He said it sounds so much bigger. He doesn't even play it cranked and dirty yet. I'm letting him discover this thing on his own.


And, yes, I am helping him with the girls and the eventual married thing. Trying to impart some things that my dad didn't see fit to tell me about. Everyone brags on their own kids, but this one has the entire package... looks, smarts, athletics, humor, music.... the wife and I did good on this one. I am determined to make sure some little tart doesn't bring it all to a screeching halt! ahhahaha

 

[lastwinj]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

go for it. its very rewarding.

germ

 

[gnugear]

Re: Anyone ever build and amp kit?

I just can't say enough good things about George at Metroamp.com

Best service in the world and one of the nicest guys to boot.

I just put a point to point board in my 1987x plexi reissue and I'm just about ready to start a 100 watter from scratch. Incredible learning experience.