Building your own amp from a kit

[B Bent]

Do any of you guys have any positive experiences with buying amp kits from places such as Torres or others? Are the kits decent in quality and sound? Also are the instructions clear enough for an amature to follow? I have always loved taking things apart and putting stuff together and I think it would be fun to build my own some day. I am hoping that Scott F will chime in here.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

I'm not to fond of Torres. There are many other vendors offering amp kits. I'm currently building a Metroamps 50 watt MV board to retro fit in my Laney.
So far so good .

 

[shredaholic]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

ive not built it yet but ive ordered a metroamp retrofit board for a plexi, George bends over backwards to make sure you're sorted, and the forum is a fantastic resource, they'll help you when you get stuck

 

[B Bent]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

The Metroamp site is cool, however I would be interested in building a 15-30 watt class a or similar type combo. Any recommendations?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

My brother Bruce makes some killer amp kits, including a clone of the '59 Fender 5E3 Deluxe and '59 tweed Super. http://www.missionamps.com

Scott F. got his start building one of my brother's amp kits.

They sound great and Bruce used my own small stash of 50's Fender amps to create his clones. When the kit sounded as good or better than my oldies, then he released it.

So if you're looking to build a great clone of a 50's Fender amp Bruce is the man to go to.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

werd Lew.

Bruce's allure is his support and his quality of parts. You are going to pay a bit more to use Bruce's designs and kits, but it's worth it if you are going to keep it for a long time. If possible, skip the 5E3 and go for the 35 watt Tweed (whether 2x10, 3x10, or 1x15) and you'll have an amp for life! Best support of any of the kit providers.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

if you want low volume break up, im in love with the 5e3 that scott built. if you want clean tones you need to use the 2nd input, but the break up is great.

any info on the 35w kit on the website? couldnt find any

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

if you want low volume break up, im in love with the 5e3 that scott built. if you want clean tones you need to use the 2nd input, but the break up is great.

any info on the 35w kit on the website? couldnt find any

Yeah...I too love 5e3's. I have a pair of them and often play them in stereo using a stereo pedal (reverb, delay or chorus) to split the guitar signal and feed the two amps.

They're a little underpowered for humbuckers to get a tight clean low end, but my Strats and Teles sound great through them.

Scott's suggestion of the two 10" 35 watt Super is a good one though if you're going to gig with just one small amp.

I sometimes gig with my 2x10 Super and a 5e3 Deluxe in stereo too...that's also an awesome tone.

Lew

 

[Curly]

Re: Building your own amp from a kit

any info on the 35w kit on the website? couldnt find any

ditto

there were a couple guys on the 5E3 forum that built them, though

just email Bruce

there are some tranny upgrades available, too