Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I did a 5E3 kit from Mission Amps. It was an incredibly rewarding experience! Basically, I put it like this: If you enjoy a puzzle and are a good problem solver, then kits are great. If you are the type that needs to have someone explain every step or likes things done for them, then do not attempt. It's not a "paint-by-numbers" fill in the blank sort of thing. But yeah, if you enjoy a project where you learn as you go, it's awesome!
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

Powdered Toast Man said:
I did a 5E3 kit from Mission Amps. It was an incredibly rewarding experience! Basically, I put it like this: If you enjoy a puzzle and are a good problem solver, then kits are great. If you are the type that needs to have someone explain every step or likes things done for them, then do not attempt. It's not a "paint-by-numbers" fill in the blank sort of thing. But yeah, if you enjoy a project where you learn as you go, it's awesome!
Click to expand...

Pretty much the response I'm looking for!
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

Whilst I didn't do anything quite as exalted as a JTM45, I do have one of these - Ampmaker SE5a - it was great fun to do, even if it took a little head scratching at times. Comparatively speaking, I had it easy though, as I was used to working on valve-based aircraft comms & navigation equipment from my time in the RAF. That does tend to give you a bit of a leg up...
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

i was just going to suggest the amp maker kits as they are a lot easier to follow.

However if you want a JTM45 that will be no good for you.

The pricing on that kit you chose specifically is pretty high you should check out weber if you are in the US as its a lot cheaper and all that needs replacing really are the pots.

It does not come with instructions though.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

Hmm i just had a quick flick through the instructions for the tube depot kit.

And that is a LOT of work that you have to do for the price. I would want the chassis & everything to be fully prepped for that kind of money.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

It is an expensive kit, but could be very rewarding once it is completed. It does sound pretty nice on the demo after completion. If I had the electronic know how, I would do something like this.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I'm lazy, I'd pay the extra bones to get a pre built ceriatone. But at that price, it wouldn't really be much extra ($750 plus overseas shipping, or $900 with cab plus shipping).
 
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Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

the guy who invented fire said:
If you don't know your way around a tube amp a JTM-45 might be a big jump to start with...
Click to expand...

Starting out with a simple single-ended amp is a much better idea IMHO. Debugging a tube amp build can be very frustrating. Every guitarist needs a Tweed Princeton (5F2-A) anyway.

I have read only good things about Mission Amps kits. Bruce's 5E3 kit is a classic and probably the most complicated circuit that I'd try for starters.

AX84 builds are well documented too if you want a more modern single- ended circuit.

Cheers,
Chip
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I question there wisdom in making people stake the turrets..... but who is perfect.?

"This kit includes everything you'll need to complete your own 45W or 50W amp in four or five evenings" Good Heavens...!!! That has got to be one of the most misleading statements I have ever read.

All in all, it looks like a quality piece of gear. I understand people suggesting to start with a smaller amp, but why waste 300 dollars on a small amp you do not need or want.
If you decide to buy it, just take your time LOTS OF TIME. GO SLOW and enjoy the process and do not pass up the opportunity to read/learn about electricity/electronics along the way.
Take all the parts out of the kit (do not loose anything) and get familiar with it all. READ UP on anything you are puzzled with and ask questions on the forums. Solder and lead dress skills are VERY IMPORTANT. Much more important that what brand or color of caps come with the amp. Ceriatone has A LOT of good pictures of what an amp SHOULD look like. Metro also has some very good tutorials and pictures. I am sure The Tube Depot has good instruction and pictures as well.
Do not rush it. Do not know how much free time you have. If you work and have a family, wife, girlfriend, and other obligations; do not worry if it takes you a few months to build it. Just take your time and do a good job.
Make sure you have a good solder iron, solder that contains lead (Like Kester 60/40) good strippers and some decent needle nose pliers. A DMM with a continuity function will be a blessing.
Keep in mind that current flows in the chassis of a guitar amp. Treat it like a piece of wire. Anything that solders to the chassis must be an excellent connection. You do not want to spend 300 hours, just building a trouble-shooting nightmare.
Good Luck and Enjoy
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I've thought about doing something like this, but...

While I'm fairly happy about working on my guitars, and might well have a go at building/modding pedals at some time, I'm not sure I'm confident enough to play around with the kind of voltages you get inside a tube amp.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

Yeah I've built a couple of amps you want to start with something simple and inexpensive, in-case you break something for forget something, which I did and blew my power transformer.

a 5E3 kit would be good, I built a AX-84.com Hi-Octane amp, it sounds pretty awesome also.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I did a Metroamp JTM45 some years ago. It turned out great. It's a great amp too and its been stone reliable.

I just took my time doing things one step at a time. A big amp is the same as a little amp per each step, there's just more steps. I only had one problem pop up and George got right back to me with the solution. He said my mistake was pretty common and he knew exactly what I did when I described the problem. The main thing is to not get into a hurry and check your work as you go. It's like math I guess.

A good JTM45 is an awesome amp. I was just playing mine last night and it is always amazing in the tone and dynamic response. It responds to lightest touch but if you bear down it growls. JTM45s are more blues than rock. If your a rocker you might want to build a 1987 (50 watt plexi) clone instead.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

MODIFIED just for fun!

zzmoore said:
I question wisdom in people ..... but who is perfect.?

All in all, Just take your time LOTS OF TIME. GO SLOW and enjoy the process and do not pass up the opportunity along the way.

Take and get familiar with it, skills are VERY IMPORTANT.

Do not rush it. Do not know how much free time you have. If you work and have a family, wife, girlfriend, and other obligations; do not worry if it takes you a few months.

Just take your time and do a good job.

Make sure you have a good lead, good strippers and some decent nose, being able to function will be a blessing.

Keep in mind to treat it like a piece, Anything must be an excellent connection.

You do not want to spend 300 hours, just for a troubling nightmare.

Good Luck and Enjoy
Click to expand...

Now back to building an amp...
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

My suggestion is to look at Mojotone. They've got a JTM 45 that uses pretty good parts overall. Plus, I just like the way those guys over there treat me.
 
Re: Ever build an amp from a kit? JTM45 content...

I need to build an amp. I bought a kit from Mission Amps last September and haven't gotten around to building it. Yesterday morning my Peavey died, so now I need to build it.
 
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