Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

[B Bent]

I am intrigued by this builder. I like the idea of getting nothing more than a completed ready to go chassis and having my own head built for it.From what I have read a Matchless Lightning is basically the same amp as my old BadCat Cub which I loved. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money for an amp that won't be my main amp, but at the kind of prices this place charges I can stomach the idea of getting it as a toy.


Check it out. Below is a link to the amp I like.


Link

 

[SeraphimTN]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Boy, you go through amps faster than Liberache does with guys in a gay bar.

 

[Mephis]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Wow they have an express clone for $627!

 

[Stratman]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Nik is a good amp builder and has a great product line.

He builds his own transformers and is working on getting cabinets made.

Compare his line with Celtic Amps - great tone and bang for the buck.

However, notice the difference between Ceriatone (Top) and Celtic (Bottom) - like small sized wire and plastic jacks on Ceriatone verses higher end components and the bitch switch on Celtic.

Don't get me wrong, both products are top notch. This is just a comparison.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Nik is a good amp builder and has a great product line.

He builds his own transformers and is working on getting cabinets made.

Compare his line with Celtic Amps - great tone and bang for the buck.

However, notice the difference between Ceriatone (Top) and Celtic (Bottom) - like same sized wire and plastic jacks on Ceriatone.

Man! Based on those two pictures alone I'd definitely go with the Celtic over the Ceriatone! Just looks better put together, better wire, jacks, etc

 

[B Bent]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

This is something I have to remind myself when i look at this guys amps. I look at the components and see quality that surpasses any new Fender PCB amp or pretty much any PCB amp as far as that goes. If the plastic jacks are the weakest link in the amp then so be it. His stuff looks very neat and tidy and i see plenty of nice components. So far from my research I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about their Ceriatone amp.

I am pretty sure the Lightning clone will be my next amp purchase.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Wow! Nik's layout and lead dress looks impeccable!!!!!!

 

[B Bent]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Oh BTW another cool thing about getting just the raw working chassis is the fact that it will look cool just sitting on the coffee table in my house with a cabinet under the table. It will turn into my goofing off amp. I like the look of chassis turned with their tubes pointing up in the air. It's very cool and geeky looking!!!

Even to this day I can't get that whole Lightning/BadCat sound out of my head. I just won't let myself put that kind of money back into something that isn't say.....an old Fender of some sort.

Call me quirky, I don't care, but it's just the way I roll ya know!

 

[shaka]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

There is absolutely nothing wrong or inferior with the jacks that Nik uses. I used the same jacks in my lightning clone and they are fine. In fact, (Scott correct me if I'm wrong) I think Scott F. has used those jacks as well.

I prefer the cloth covered wire because it's easier to work with. Scott F. tipped me off on this point. While I think the cloth covered stuff is easier for the builder (and looks more vintage) to use I doubt that once everything is wired up that it provides any advantages over the stuff Nik uses.

If I had to choose between the two I'd buy from Scott F. He's a great member of the forum and a very cool guy. His work is top-notch and you know that if something goes haywire he'll be there. With that said Nik also has an excellent customer service reputation and builds awesome amps. You will not go wrong either way.

 

[B Bent]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Is it me or is this turning into a Celtic vs. Ceriatone discussion?

That's not what I was looking for!

 

[shaka]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Is it me or is this turning into a Celtic vs. Ceriatone discussion?

That's not what I was looking for!

People are just very loyal to Scott F. The reality is that Nik and Scott F are both awesome guys who have contributed a lot to the DIY community. Both build great amps.

 

[B Bent]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Yeah I didn't really mean to come across rude by saying that. I know Scott and have bought two amps from him. I am just curious about this other dude ya know.

 

[Stratman]

Re: Anyone ever seen an amp from ceriatone.com??

Before anyone get's confused - I will repeat, NIK builds a very good product. You will need a cabinet!