DIY Amp builders....when do you fly solo?

[chcjunior]

I'm just wrapping up my first amp kit (Super Charged Champ) and would like to segue to another.....assuming, of course, this one works. I'll most likely segue to an 18 watt Marshall clone next.

My questions would be:
1) How many kits did you assemble before you were ready to compile your own parts via a schematic...and roll with the knowledge you have?

2) Any good books out there explaining what you need to know about tube amps from a building aspect? The equivalent of a Dan Erwleine would work pretty well.

3) Any good higher gain kits out there?

Thanks!

 

[DankStar]

Re: DIY Amp builders....when do you fly solo?

I can't answer nos. 1 & 3, but for no. 2, I have this book, which goes from a champ up to a bassman (from www.tubesandmore.com):

Building Vacuum Tube Guitar and Bass Amplifiers
Volume I
By Tino Zottola

I guess there's always the 18watt forum, doberman's hi octane kits, torres engineering's boogie-clone kits, etc.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: DIY Amp builders....when do you fly solo?

We don't need no steenkeeng kits! I flew solo on my #1, though I cheated a bit by modding an old Bogen PA. All that really saved me was the sheetmetal work, though. All components and wiring were replaced. OK, the trannies were carried over, but that's it.

 

[Marcel]

Re: DIY Amp builders....when do you fly solo?

I would be afraid: I would make no compromise in parts and it would get so $$$

 

[shredaholic]

Re: DIY Amp builders....when do you fly solo?

I'm just wrapping up my first amp kit (Super Charged Champ) and would like to segue to another.....assuming, of course, this one works. I'll most likely segue to an 18 watt Marshall clone next.

My questions would be:
1) How many kits did you assemble before you were ready to compile your own parts via a schematic...and roll with the knowledge you have?

2) Any good books out there explaining what you need to know about tube amps from a building aspect? The equivalent of a Dan Erwleine would work pretty well.

3) Any good higher gain kits out there?

Thanks!

1) 1

2) Check out the TUT (the ultimate tone) series of books by Kevin O'Connor (www.londonpower.com)

3) Not that I know of, but adding extra gain stages to a Metroamp kit is really really simple - theres diagrams on the forum if you ask for them or look around.