Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
- Thread starter Adieu
- Start date
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Then how are companies selling complete amps for less? This WITH the retail markup, and with either expensive labor or shipping it over from China or wherever....
Then how are companies selling complete amps for less? This WITH the retail markup, and with either expensive labor or shipping it over from China or wherever....
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
I was kinda hoping for feedback in the lines of
"Built clone of Fender ---- , schematic from www.whatever.etc , cost $---, bought parts www.wherever.com"
Or
"Built clone of Marshall ----, $ ----, here's my blogpost about how i went about the whole thing http:/link....:"
Headshell/chassis definitely DIY, done those before too easy
I was kinda hoping for feedback in the lines of
"Built clone of Fender ---- , schematic from www.whatever.etc , cost $---, bought parts www.wherever.com"
Or
"Built clone of Marshall ----, $ ----, here's my blogpost about how i went about the whole thing http:/link....:"
Headshell/chassis definitely DIY, done those before too easy
justFred
Well-known member
Gtrjunior
Well-known member
Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Mass produced parts
Edit:
Where are you seeing complete amp kits for less than $500?
Mass produced parts
Edit:
Where are you seeing complete amp kits for less than $500?
Last edited:
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
I am slowly building a 50 watt Plexi. I purchased all the components from Valvestrom, except the PT, OT and choke. I picked those up from Marstran. Total for thos was close to 450(?).
You can order everything from Valvestorm except the PT, OT, choke and headcase. So with ordering the components from VS and the Marstran I have around 700 invested so far. When I am finished I will order the head shell for I think around 250.
You can check the build lists for the amps they have parts for below:
http://www.valvestorm.com/Build CheckLists
I am slowly building a 50 watt Plexi. I purchased all the components from Valvestrom, except the PT, OT and choke. I picked those up from Marstran. Total for thos was close to 450(?).
You can order everything from Valvestorm except the PT, OT, choke and headcase. So with ordering the components from VS and the Marstran I have around 700 invested so far. When I am finished I will order the head shell for I think around 250.
You can check the build lists for the amps they have parts for below:
http://www.valvestorm.com/Build CheckLists
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
When I looked into this, the costs ended up around 25%-50% of the list of the amp it was modeled on, anything from Fender Super Deluxe to Marshall Super 100s, but the range was still about $500-$1200. The only models that were cheaper were like tweed Fender Champ or Deluxe kits.
When I looked into this, the costs ended up around 25%-50% of the list of the amp it was modeled on, anything from Fender Super Deluxe to Marshall Super 100s, but the range was still about $500-$1200. The only models that were cheaper were like tweed Fender Champ or Deluxe kits.
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Uhm.... I've seen complete smaller amps for $100-200ish, and big-azz ones for 300-400
Of course, there IS always the China-operating-at-a-loss (to ramp up production and grab market share) theory.... but, still, other than tubes and transformers, amps aren't exactly loaded with mucho dinero components.
And those, too, have been known to have some cheap options
Uhm.... I've seen complete smaller amps for $100-200ish, and big-azz ones for 300-400
Of course, there IS always the China-operating-at-a-loss (to ramp up production and grab market share) theory.... but, still, other than tubes and transformers, amps aren't exactly loaded with mucho dinero components.
And those, too, have been known to have some cheap options
Last edited:
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Isn't the point of building your own amp to build something better and more durable than some Chinese made, thin PCB board based amp that's basically a throw away after the warranty is up? If you want cheap, buy cheap. Nothing wrong with much of the Bugera stuff while it lasts. Build it yourself and at the very least, you can fix it yourself. Forever.
Isn't the point of building your own amp to build something better and more durable than some Chinese made, thin PCB board based amp that's basically a throw away after the warranty is up? If you want cheap, buy cheap. Nothing wrong with much of the Bugera stuff while it lasts. Build it yourself and at the very least, you can fix it yourself. Forever.
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Not really, no :bigok:
Sometimes a project is just a project, in which case cost is a barrier, not a benefit
Plus I already got a Bugera anyway... that I split into a diy headshell and a diy mesa-inspired cab with proper speakers
Not really, no :bigok:
Sometimes a project is just a project, in which case cost is a barrier, not a benefit
Plus I already got a Bugera anyway... that I split into a diy headshell and a diy mesa-inspired cab with proper speakers
Last edited:
Gtrjunior
Well-known member
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Well, whatever.
Good luck with your project. Just remember, you get what you pay for.
Well, whatever.
Good luck with your project. Just remember, you get what you pay for.
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
DIY doesn't always follow that rule
DIY doesn't always follow that rule
Gtrjunior
Well-known member
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
You obviously have all the answers....clearly you don’t need any of us here.
Like I said....good luck. You’ll need it.
You obviously have all the answers....clearly you don’t need any of us here.
Like I said....good luck. You’ll need it.
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
That is why I am building my 50 watt Marshall Plexi clone. I want to learn more about the guts of an amp and since I built I should be able to fix it if something goes wrong.
I have a “cheap amp”, a Bugera 1969 Infinium, even though that damn thing rocks. I know if it breaks it goes back for warranty or I try to fix it myself. Funny thing is, my Marshall DSL40C has a cheap ass board and components in it also. If it breaks I will try to fix it or it will be trash also.
Let’s put it this way, I spent more on the PT, OT and choke for my Plexi clone than I did on either the Bugera or the Marshall.
So you can go cheap if you want. I posted above a place to get a quality “kit” if you want on.
That is why I am building my 50 watt Marshall Plexi clone. I want to learn more about the guts of an amp and since I built I should be able to fix it if something goes wrong.
I have a “cheap amp”, a Bugera 1969 Infinium, even though that damn thing rocks. I know if it breaks it goes back for warranty or I try to fix it myself. Funny thing is, my Marshall DSL40C has a cheap ass board and components in it also. If it breaks I will try to fix it or it will be trash also.
Let’s put it this way, I spent more on the PT, OT and choke for my Plexi clone than I did on either the Bugera or the Marshall.
So you can go cheap if you want. I posted above a place to get a quality “kit” if you want on.
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Sir yes sir,
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
...sir!
Sir yes sir,
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
I will not be uppity and aspire to surpass my economic station by attempting soldering projects for <$700.
...sir!
Dave Locher
New member
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
I think people are just trying to tell you that you can't buy all of the individual parts at retail to build the amp of your dreams for a couple hundred bucks.
Perhaps if you start with an old "donor" amp that you pick up really cheap it can be done. But if you buy all the parts new it is just not super-uber cheap. Each part has retail markup and it all adds up. Big companies buy their parts hundreds or thousands at a time and get them much, much cheaper than you or I can.
I think people are just trying to tell you that you can't buy all of the individual parts at retail to build the amp of your dreams for a couple hundred bucks.
Perhaps if you start with an old "donor" amp that you pick up really cheap it can be done. But if you buy all the parts new it is just not super-uber cheap. Each part has retail markup and it all adds up. Big companies buy their parts hundreds or thousands at a time and get them much, much cheaper than you or I can.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
If you want to build super cheap ..like I do, just check out a schematic, list out your required parts, get on ebay & pick up the parts you need from Chinese sellers. I probably bought 50 or so individual components (ie pcb's, switches, relays, resistors, caps, trannies, step-up/down power supplies, jacks, wire etc ..the list was endless for my solid state/tube hybrid. But I think the most expensive part, apart from the input tranny (about 60 bucks) I bought was $16.00! And they all have free shipping. So wait a couple of weeks & they're on your bench. Most of the components were were in the range of $2.00-5.00 (for 5-10 pcs) or less & they're exactly the same one's you will find in any decent amp. As I said, so far mine has cost a grand total of about $150-175 ..plus what the tranny cost.
A tube amp will likely cost a bit more because of the added OT/tubes/sockets. But the Chinese trannies get the job done pretty sweetly & are well built/beefy as ****. The one in your Bugera, for instance, is probably twice the size of those little dinky ones you see in vintage Fender's/Marshall's ...so I would'nt worry about them. Just check the seller's feedback/number of them sold. That should give you an idea of the quality..
If you want to build super cheap ..like I do, just check out a schematic, list out your required parts, get on ebay & pick up the parts you need from Chinese sellers. I probably bought 50 or so individual components (ie pcb's, switches, relays, resistors, caps, trannies, step-up/down power supplies, jacks, wire etc ..the list was endless for my solid state/tube hybrid. But I think the most expensive part, apart from the input tranny (about 60 bucks) I bought was $16.00! And they all have free shipping. So wait a couple of weeks & they're on your bench. Most of the components were were in the range of $2.00-5.00 (for 5-10 pcs) or less & they're exactly the same one's you will find in any decent amp. As I said, so far mine has cost a grand total of about $150-175 ..plus what the tranny cost.
A tube amp will likely cost a bit more because of the added OT/tubes/sockets. But the Chinese trannies get the job done pretty sweetly & are well built/beefy as ****. The one in your Bugera, for instance, is probably twice the size of those little dinky ones you see in vintage Fender's/Marshall's ...so I would'nt worry about them. Just check the seller's feedback/number of them sold. That should give you an idea of the quality..
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
I realize
Part of what I meant was some amps have more POTENTIOMETERS than other amps got COMPONENTS... total.
Also, while big companies can use cheaper and deeper discounted wholesale parts, hobbyists can scrounge and scavenge and salvage and repurpose
I realize
Part of what I meant was some amps have more POTENTIOMETERS than other amps got COMPONENTS... total.
Also, while big companies can use cheaper and deeper discounted wholesale parts, hobbyists can scrounge and scavenge and salvage and repurpose
che_guitarra
New member
Re: Has anyone priced out DIY-from-scratch tube amp copies?
Greatly depends on the amp you want to build, but, if you've not build one before, here a rough guide:
Power Transformer: $120
Output Transformer: $80
Tubes: $150
Random components (circuitboard, loading components, jacks, pilot lights, hookup wire, pots, knobs, tube sockets, nuts and bolts, etc): $150
Chassis: $80
Headshell: $100
Now, the things you don't think of:
The components you forgot in the first round of ordering: $XXX
Various postage and shipping costs: $XXX
The components you killed as your eagerness and cockiness exceeds your actual skill level: $XXX
The cost of taking the project to an audio tech of some kind to troubleshoot the unseen problem you can't diagnose: $XXX
I'm not trying to be rude in mentioning those last two. But if you've never built an amp before, consider yourself extremely lucky if everything goes to plan and it works perfectly from the first flick of the switch. It's very rare for a first time builder. This is why it's encouraged to build something every basic first (5F1, 5E3), then upscale from there.
If you want to build something more complicated than that as your first endeavour (and let's face it, every decent and widely useable amp is more complicated than that) then be prepared for a long turnaround time until completion (months, seasons), as you'll be living on forums waiting for replies to threads you started such as "why is this oscillating", "where is this feedback coming from", "why do I keep killing output tubes", "why can't I hear any sound", "why doesn't it sound like I expected". And most people answering your threads have likely only built a few amps themselves, so fast responses might be one thing, but accurate diagnosis is another. Just food for thought.
Greatly depends on the amp you want to build, but, if you've not build one before, here a rough guide:
Power Transformer: $120
Output Transformer: $80
Tubes: $150
Random components (circuitboard, loading components, jacks, pilot lights, hookup wire, pots, knobs, tube sockets, nuts and bolts, etc): $150
Chassis: $80
Headshell: $100
Now, the things you don't think of:
The components you forgot in the first round of ordering: $XXX
Various postage and shipping costs: $XXX
The components you killed as your eagerness and cockiness exceeds your actual skill level: $XXX
The cost of taking the project to an audio tech of some kind to troubleshoot the unseen problem you can't diagnose: $XXX
I'm not trying to be rude in mentioning those last two. But if you've never built an amp before, consider yourself extremely lucky if everything goes to plan and it works perfectly from the first flick of the switch. It's very rare for a first time builder. This is why it's encouraged to build something every basic first (5F1, 5E3), then upscale from there.
If you want to build something more complicated than that as your first endeavour (and let's face it, every decent and widely useable amp is more complicated than that) then be prepared for a long turnaround time until completion (months, seasons), as you'll be living on forums waiting for replies to threads you started such as "why is this oscillating", "where is this feedback coming from", "why do I keep killing output tubes", "why can't I hear any sound", "why doesn't it sound like I expected". And most people answering your threads have likely only built a few amps themselves, so fast responses might be one thing, but accurate diagnosis is another. Just food for thought.
