Ceriatone Kits

[ItsaBass]

Hi,

Anyone here built a kit from Ceriatone, or had an amp built by them? What'd you think of the quality? I'm gassing for a Marshall Model 1961 (2x12 Bluesbreaker), as I have been for a long-ass time. I don't care about originality, only tone and build quality, so I thought a kit might be the way to go.

Thanks.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

I'm interested to know, as well...

 

[AlexR]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

I've not built a kit, but I have 2 complete amps from them (princeton clone and dumble lunchbox).

You can choose the level of assembly if you want, which is a bonus. You can also choose the amount of parts they supply. One of the more common 'complaints' is that the transformers don't quite match the quality of the originals, and to get the clarity you need to buy some different ones.......they have this option - of the transformers not being part of the kit if you so choose.

The build that is done if you get a completed amp is really great, and is not really that pricey at all. The routing of the wires is correct for minimal interference, and the soldering/general build quality is first class - guys who actually build their own amps and do repair work at the local shop commented on how neat it all was. The dumble was more of a pcb arrangement for the normal components, but the princeton was all ptp.

I've never owned any original amp of the clones that I've bought, so I can't tell you how close the tone is. I've been happy with both options from a pure and unbiased 'how does this sound without a reference' way. The dumble one in particular takes well to pedals.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Every once in a while I get to thinking of dropping some cash on one. I do know how to read a schematic and work a soldering iron, so, one of these days...

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

I was just listening to some clips of theirs the other day.....sounded good

 

[scorch]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

I built two. One is the RP36, which is a 36 watt version of a Marshall 18 wt. The other is an OTS Lunchbox. Which is Ceriatones take on one of the Dumble preamps running into an 20 watt power section (6V6's).

Both sound great and very different from one another. For full disclosure I must add that the RP 36 is now very modified. I changed the power amp to fixed bias 6V6's instead of the cathode-bias EL84's it started with. I also changed the preamp to have the 'clean' side cascade into the 'Marshall' side, sort of like a JCM800....just with more variability. It roars now.

They great fun...sound great...great price. The OTS Lunchbox is a two channel switcher for only $500.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

They do sound great. But shouldn't this post be in "Amplifier Central"?

 

[JimmyO]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Hi,

Anyone here built a kit from Ceriatone, or had an amp built by them? What'd you think of the quality? I'm gassing for a Marshall Model 1961 (2x12 Bluesbreaker), as I have been for a long-ass time. I don't care about originality, only tone and build quality, so I thought a kit might be the way to go.

Thanks.

I haven't used a ceriatone before, but have been interested in trying one. Another option you may want to consider if you are looking for JTM45 tone is one of these: http://avatarspeakers.com/home/product/45w-head/
I have one and really like it. Great for blues and classic rock. They are made in the US and are much less expensive than a marshall reissue. I have the head version but they do a combo too.

Please post if it works out with any of the ceriatones, I've been interested in their AFD head for a while now.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Was this post not in Amp Central? I thought that's where I put it. If not, it was a mistake, and to whoever moved it for me, thank you.

AlexR, what transformers would you suggest for a Bluesbreaker as opposed to the ones that come with the kit?

As for the Avatar suggestion, it doesn't match what I'd like, because it isn't the 1961 model amp circuit. The one I want has tremolo (and effect that I almost always use if it is available on the amp). It does sound like it has quality components, though.

 

[Shai`tan]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

I got a Ceriatone Expression some years back. A supposed Wreck Clone. Build Quality was awesome. If I was to make any recommendations it would be to make
sure you upgrade the Iron and Caps for whatever Kit you get. Outta the gates I found the stock iron/caps to be very shrill. I switched the Iron out for Heyboers and caps
for the Vintage Sozo reissues. This helped tremendously, altho ultimately this amp doesn`t seem to be anywhere near Wreck territory..... characteristicswise. Leans more towards
Marshall than Wreck toneswise. Good luck on your Kit! Pay CLOSE attention to your Dressing.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Was this post not in Amp Central? I thought that's where I put it. If not, it was a mistake, and to whoever moved it for me, thank you.

AlexR, what transformers would you suggest for a Bluesbreaker as opposed to the ones that come with the kit?

As for the Avatar suggestion, it doesn't match what I'd like, because it isn't the 1961 model amp circuit. The one I want has tremolo (and effect that I almost always use if it is available on the amp). It does sound like it has quality components, though.

I can't seem to find the thread I was looking for....it was on the MLP squawk box section. A guy was talking about the transformers....I think Marstran was one of them, as well as Mercury magnetics of course.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Can't comment on how the Ceriatone kits are to build, but I can say that they sure are top-notch in the quality of components and tone categories. I've owned two of them... 36W RP (which I just sold last week) and a JTM45. I've also got a Chupacabra coming in the next couple of days. I don't think that you can touch them in terms of such high-quality, hand-wired P2P builds for so little money.

Below are pics of the guts of the 36W RP and JTM45.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Ceriatone Kits

Hi,

Anyone here built a kit from Ceriatone, or had an amp built by them? What'd you think of the quality? I'm gassing for a Marshall Model 1961 (2x12 Bluesbreaker), as I have been for a long-ass time. I don't care about originality, only tone and build quality, so I thought a kit might be the way to go.

Thanks.

If the amp is Built By Ceriatone.....it will be a Very Well Made amp....same parts as used by all other "boutique" amp builders.
I have gutted and rebuilt 7 Ceriatone Kits for people who bought them used from Craigs List.
Building an amp, even a "simple" one, takes a lot of different skills.
If you have never built an amp before, and do not have excellent solder skills, I would advise to stay away from a kit.
Only you know if you are up to it.
Nik can install whatever parts you want...but I would not go crazy with that stuff.
The company he uses for Transformers are very good. BUT.....if you are up to installing a tranny set, you will knock quite a bit of weight off the shipping charges by installing your own after delivery. If you have any doubts, at all, just order a complete amp.
Nik has sold Thousands of amps all over The World...you will be very happy if you decide to go with Ceriatone.
good luck