Getting started with amp building/modding...

[Maximusgordon 2.0]

Hi everyone,
While i dont plan on building a 100w beast or anything like that. But i am really interested in getting started in amp tech stuff. I know a thing or too, but if i just started messing around i would probably just wind up shooting in the dark. Anyways, were is a good place to start? Any good Kits that walk you through step by step etc.

Thanks,
Max

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

Hi everyone,
While i dont plan on building a 100w beast or anything like that. But i am really interested in getting started in amp tech stuff. I know a thing or too, but if i just started messing around i would probably just wind up shooting in the dark. Anyways, were is a good place to start? Any good Kits that walk you through step by step etc.

Thanks,
Max

Scott got his start building my brother Bruce's tweed Deluxe kit. You'll end up with a killer little amp and Bruce will walk you through it. He's a great guy!

Bruce's kit is based on my own two original 50's tweed Deluxes and we compared his kit to my oldies and when the kit sounded as good as my originals Bruce started offering it.

I just gave him my Matchless SC-30 to reverse engineer last night, BTW. He wants to start offering something like it but with reverb!

http://www.missionamps.com

 

[Maximusgordon 2.0]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

Thanks Lew!

 

[Jeff Seal]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

.... kits are a great place to start, just try to learn exactly what each and every component does and experiment with differing values. Although it seems as though most people assume "all the great circuits" have been done, i have a tendecy to disagree...

However, keep in mind when it comes to almost anything associated with guitar amps and related gear...

the easiest way to make a small fortune, is to start with a large one!

Good luck....

Jeff Seal

 

[aleclee]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

www.ax84.com has some great schematics and info.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

www.18watt.com

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Getting started with amp building/modding...

Bruce's kits have a big plus in that they usually arrive complete. Nothing more of a pain than to have to keep email someone when you find a part missing. That happened to a friend of mine. Royal pain.

Bruce's 5E3 kit has pictures of most of the steps. As of a few years ago, there were no written steps. Just photos, but the photos are great.

There are also several good forums where you can ask advice. Ax84 was listed by Alec. 5E3 Tweed Forum and Weber Forums are also very good places to learn and ask questions.