Beyond My Skill Level...............................

[Jeffblue]

A few years back I decided to try my hand at building an amp kit. I bought a Mojotone Studio One amp kit, built it and it didn't function correctly. I don't have the background or skills to troubleshoot beyond checking voltages and not electrocuting myself. I probably should have started with a Champ kit because I bit off more than I can chew on this build.

My lead dress was horrible and my wire runs were not great. My opinion about the wire Mojotone supplied was very cheap. Since my amp has been doing nothing but taking up space and I still couldn't get it working right, I had contacted Ben Fargen of Fargen Amps/Exclusive Amps to see if he could repair and/or upgrade/mod my amp. He emailed me back and asked if I would send gut shots and I did. He agreed to work on my amp and he has it now. I am excited about Ben getting my amp working and possibly upgrading it for optimum tone. Thanks Ben.

 

[Mincer]

I would be interested to know what is wrong. I always want to build an amp, but then realize I have no skills in that department. I've built about 5 pedals, but that is different than an amp.

 

[Jeffblue]

I would be interested to know what is wrong. I always want to build an amp, but then realize I have no skills in that department. I've built about 5 pedals, but that is different than an amp.

I'm hoping Ben will give me feedback on everything that I did wrong on this build. I asked him to replace all of the wires, change any components that need it and hopefully do some upgrades/mods. I'll let you know what he informs me about my amp building shortcomings.

 

[FuseG4]

Sounds like a great opportunity to learn, and the amp should come back sounding pretty good I would imagine!

 

[Jeffblue]

I know this amp is going to sound fantastic when Ben is finished with the repairs. I am excited and the waiting is difficult. Thanks guys.

 

[jeremy]

ben sure knows what he is doing. i assume this wont be inexpensive though?

 

[Jeffblue]

ben sure knows what he is doing. i assume this wont be inexpensive though?

Ah.........the bill. This is the part I am worried about. LOL

 

[jeremy]

ha! at least you know you are getting top notch service

 

[Jeffblue]

ha! at least you know you are getting top notch service

Yes sir, I'll probably have the absolute best sounding Mojotone Studio One amp.

 

[AlexR]

I would be interested to know what is wrong. I always want to build an amp, but then realize I have no skills in that department. I've built about 5 pedals, but that is different than an amp.

Not really.......and this is coming from a guy who is similar in skill but has moved onto 2 amp builds.
The only key areas are the lead dressings and making sure the heater wires are tightly twisted (hello, battery drill!!).

The rest is simply soldering in wires to the right lugs, and making sure the component you are soldering in is the right one.......which is just the same as a pedal build - save for there's a LOT more space to work in with an amp.

 

[Demanic]

Why must the heater wires be tightly twisted?

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[Gtrjunior]

Why must the heater wires be tightly twisted?

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I believe it helps to eliminate unwanted hum.

 

[Demanic]

That's what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure.

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[Mincer]

Not really.......and this is coming from a guy who is similar in skill but has moved onto 2 amp builds.
The only key areas are the lead dressings and making sure the heater wires are tightly twisted (hello, battery drill!!).

The rest is simply soldering in wires to the right lugs, and making sure the component you are soldering in is the right one.......which is just the same as a pedal build - save for there's a LOT more space to work in with an amp.

Still seems terrifying to me. And messing up is a lot more expensive. Maybe I will do one someday. I'd like a Princeton.

 

[Demanic]

I want to build an 8 power tube quadruple rec. Speced for KT-88's. Good for either bass or drop tuned guitars.
Then again, I also want to look like Halfthor.
It's going to take me some work.

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[Jeffblue]

Still seems terrifying to me. And messing up is a lot more expensive. Maybe I will do one someday. I'd like a Princeton.

I believe a Princeton amp build would be much easier than a mini Marshall build.

 

[Mincer]

I believe a Princeton amp build would be much easier than a mini Marshall build.

Yeah, it would be. But my amp-based electronics knowledge is not great right now. I just think I need to study it more, like instead of just following directions, I should understand the what and why of what I am actually doing.
The other part of me just wants to spend that time playing, instead.

 

[Jeffblue]

Yeah, it would be. But my amp-based electronics knowledge is not great right now. I just think I need to study it more, like instead of just following directions, I should understand the what and why of what I am actually doing.
The other part of me just wants to spend that time playing, instead.

Me? I was just flying by the seat of my pants and following the layout diagram and thinking to myself, "yeah, I got this." This build was eye-opening and it gives me a whole new appreciation for those who are accomplished builders. I am such a newb, I couldn't even do a proper troubleshoot. There is SO much more that I don't know. I also appreciate all of the encouragement well wishes of the people who offer up the words of wisdom and experiences. Thank you all.

 

[AlexR]

Still seems terrifying to me. And messing up is a lot more expensive. Maybe I will do one someday. I'd like a Princeton.

Yeah, its a leap of faith for sure.......mainly as you have wall voltages and amperes to deal with when it comes to testing and troubleshooting. But the physical attaching of components and the soldering is just the same as a pedal.

A champ or a tweed deluxe are most people's first attempts.......and they're really good sounding amps too so its not like you're building a Gorilla amp just to get experience:18:

 

[Mincer]

Yeah, its a leap of faith for sure.......mainly as you have wall voltages and amperes to deal with when it comes to testing and troubleshooting. But the physical attaching of components and the soldering is just the same as a pedal.

A champ or a tweed deluxe are most people's first attempts.......and they're really good sounding amps too so its not like you're building a Gorilla amp just to get experience:18:

Maybe I will dive in this year, then. I think I have some reading to do about basic amp circuits, so I understand more what I am looking at.