Building a Tube Amp

[viewaskew2k5]

Can anyone point me into the direction of how to build a valve/tube amp?? A decent schmatic/how to?? I have had experince with electronics, welding,a nd soildering before, but a good friend of mine, is an engineer, who fixed helicopters for aliving, and will help me out if i get stuck. I just need schimatics/instructions!!
Anyone?

 

[aleclee]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

www.ax84.com

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

Also,

http://www.18watt.com/

and if I may be so bold

http://richardstevens.home.mindspring.com/guitar/index.html

It's not really all that hard, if you do your research and planning ahead of time. Start small and simple, don't think you're going to build yourself a Deizel on the cheap. My "13 Watter" basically worked first try and I love it. Another highly recommended first build is the AX-84 P1 or P1-EX.

E-mail or PM me if you want more advice. Good Luck.

 

[Buckeyedog]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

www.guytronix.com

Check out this one too. I think I'm going to start with the Gilmore Jr.

Also, http://elektro.cmhnet.org/~graydon/18wattmain.html

Graydon's amps get fantastic reviews.

 

[chill]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

Start with a single Q pedal like one of the boosters around. diystompboxes.com had an NPN boost project on their forum at one point. That will get you into the soldering, drilling, etc for $50 instead of >$200 for a small amp. Then do the amp.

Find a simple amp that lots of other people have built and troubleshot, like the P1/P1X or the 18W, follow a proven layout, and do your research on safety. Save the reverb, channel switching, effects loop(s), and brutal high gain for the next build.

The P1 theory document at ax84 has some good basics on how tubes work. Your local public library may also have some good info on that. The tech info at aikenamps.com is pretty good. Randall's common cathode article is my most-used reference when it comes to designing and modding preamp stages. His PI and NFB articles have some good explanations and equations in them too.

 

[Imp]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

where do you fellas source your transformers from?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

where do you fellas source your transformers from?

Donor amps, so far. Bought one Hammond from Antique Electronics, but I'm in the states.

 

[chill]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

Heyboer (pronounced "high-boar"), angela.com, metroamps.com, newsensor.com, 18watt.com.

 

[callous_frigid_chill]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

tubedepot.com has kits.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

Another nice option is to buy a kit. There are several out there that offer various levels of quality components.

In the world of Fender Tweeds, Bruce at Mission Amps sells the highest quality kits (I've built two of his). Great one on one support as well. www.missionamps.com

On the flip side, Weber VST (the guys that make speakers) have some real budget minded kits (Chinese components, but price is low!) Ted offers Marshall clones, Fender clones etc.,. www.webervst.com

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

If you know where to get your stuff, here's my advice

www.ampwares.com at the fender field guide! All you really need-the original schematics and chassis layouts of all those great amps!

A good one to start with might be some sort of tweed, as those circuits are infinitely simpler than most amps.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

If you know where to get your stuff, here's my advice

www.ampwares.com at the fender field guide! All you really need-the original schematics and chassis layouts of all those great amps!

A good one to start with might be some sort of tweed, as those circuits are infinitely simpler than most amps.

Ampwares is a great source for Fender schematics, just don't try to buy anything from him. Search AX84 for threads detailing why.

Yes, tweeds are a good first build because they are simple. However, if you're more of a Marshall guy, look at the "Lite II" variant of the 18 Watter. It has a bit more complexity in the output stage than say, a Champ, but since it has only a single tone control, it's still a pretty simple build. And, it sounds awesome. One tone pot is not as much of a limitation as you'd think, provided you get the right guitar and speaker.

 

[chill]

Re: Building a Tube Amp

And Chris Hurley of ax84 now sells kits as Doberman Amps, http://dobermanamps.com/shop/