I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

[B Bent]

I am in the preliminary stages of deciding on an amp kit to build in early 2009. I feel like my electronics understanding is finally at a level that I would feel comfortable building an amp kit.

It would be easy to go out and by a Champ or a Tweed Deluxe kit, but I already found out the hard way that I am not the biggest Tweed fan around. I want something smallish, in the 12-20 watt range. I want something that can get super nasty on its on.(Keep in mind the nastiest I can get is a tube screamer into my Vibrolux with the gain cranked all the way up on the TS).

I also LOVE the tone I got from my BadCat Cub II. Right at the point of starting to breakup is where that amp really stood out. It was chimey and complex with a cool snap to it. I still can hear that tone in my head. :cool2:

I have two ideas, but both seem to have drawbacks considering what I want to achieve. The main thing that excites me is building the kit with my own two hands and soldering iron! For once the thrill of a new amp isn't what is driving as much. Plus these two tones below are the ones I feel just won't leave my mind.

1. Ceriatone Lightning Clone: This is basically in the same vein as the BadCat. I imagine that it would give me all the snap and chime and complex overdrive I could stand. I just wonder if it would be as nasty as I want. When I say nasty I am thinking in the same vein as AC/DC.

2. Ceriatone 20 Watt Lead: This is basically a clone of the Marshall 2061x. That amp doesn't have the Voxy chime, but can nail the kind of "super nasty" I described above.

I have no preference for or against Ceriatone so feel free to throw some other names in the pot. They just happen to be a kit maker with clones of these two amps that I dearly love.


What do you guys think?

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

I think I'm in the same boat as you bro! Been eyeballing the Ceriatone site for a couple days now and I still can't decide what I want to do first!

 

[B Bent]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

I think I'm in the same boat as you bro! Been eyeballing the Ceriatone site for a couple days now and I still can't decide what I want to do first!

Well, I have been eyeballing this whole idea for two or three years now. I just haven't felt comfortable until recently. Also I have not had amp gas since buying my Lux a couple of years ago.

I have more of a building gas, but figured I'd go for an amp that I would love. I would LOVE building a tweed, but would not enjoy the amp itself much after building it. Make sense?

 

[StillLearnin']

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Check out these guys too - I love dealing with and have for years...

http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/products.asp?id=44991

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Well, I have been eyeballing this whole idea for two or three years now. I just haven't felt comfortable until recently. Also I have not had amp gas since buying my Lux a couple of years ago.

I have more of a building gas, but figured I'd go for an amp that I would love. I would LOVE building a tweed, but would not enjoy the amp itself much after building it. Make sense?

Totally! I've wanted to build an amp for awhile. Did the pedals, pedal mods, guitar wiring etc...but I've wanted to step up to amps for awhile now. They just scare the crap out of me to be honest. I'm really w/ ya on the tweed. I completely skipped over those right off the bat. I was thinking about doing a blackface clone of the bandmaster. This one!

http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/AC5E7BandMaster/AC5E7BandMaster.htm

 

[scottish]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

this is something i am thinking about too. Im looking at the ceriatone site just now. In respect to the kits, when it says "assembled board", does that mean everything is already soldered on there? Also, i cant actually seem to find descriptions of the amps. I clicked on the creme brulee since the name was cool but it doesnt tell me anything about the amp.

 

[B Bent]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

^^^ I just emailed Nik with that same question bro. I'll let you know.

 

[glassman]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Totally! I've wanted to build an amp for awhile. Did the pedals, pedal mods, guitar wiring etc...but I've wanted to step up to amps for awhile now. They just scare the crap out of me to be honest. I'm really w/ ya on the tweed. I completely skipped over those right off the bat. I was thinking about doing a blackface clone of the bandmaster. This one!

http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/AC5E7BandMaster/AC5E7BandMaster.htm

That's not a BF circuit...looks tweed to me.

 

[glassman]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

this is something i am thinking about too. Im looking at the ceriatone site just now. In respect to the kits, when it says "assembled board", does that mean everything is already soldered on there? Also, i cant actually seem to find descriptions of the amps. I clicked on the creme brulee since the name was cool but it doesnt tell me anything about the amp.

Looks like a Vox AC15 circuit with a varitone added on to the tone circuit

 

[scottish]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Dont forget Mission amps too. They sell kits and im sure lew could hook us up with some info.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

The Creme Brulee is more or less the EF86 channel of a Matchless DC/SC/HC-30.

Assembled board means that the board is populated and soldered up and it also will have leads coming of that will go to your pots, jacks, tube sockets, etc.

Brent, the 5E7 Bandmaster IS a Tweed circiut, not at all a Blackface despite that the actual face of the amp in the picture is black...


Word of advise to those of you looking to build an amp...without at least the vary basic knowledge of reading a schematic and a layout diagram, the basics of amp building including biasing an amp, layout laws and forming caps and the bare minumum tools needed to built an amp including a volt meter, current limiter, etc this might not be the best idea.

Building a pedal or rewiring a guitar is a far cry from building an amp.

Simply populaing a board with parts and wiring the leads up correctly like you'd do in a Tubescremer for example is not all it takes to build an amp however the world right now is full of windbags that build an amp kit then have the nerve to sell it which leads the world to think it's the easiest thing in the world to do...is it really hard to build an amp...no, but if you can't at least read a schematic and layout you're likely setting yourself up to have a stack of money in an amp that won't hit a lick.

Last word of advise...building an amp is NOT the way to save money...

 

[kjrocks]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Party Pooper

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Party Pooper

Just trying to save some guys time and money...there is a reason that not everybody builds and sells amps, gutars and effects.

The last buddy of mine that asked me about building an amp got the same advise...he didn't listen and when it was over said and done he ended up having to ship the amp to a pro amp tech and pay almost as much as he had in the kit itself for replacement parts plus labor to get it up and running...

 

[Dr.Mavashi]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Let me know how it works out einsteins. If you are still alive, have your limbs in working order and post clips of those things, maybe I will pay you to build me my ultimate phalic dream amp. Voicing of Laney supergroup, gain on of SLO, and power section of Marshal Major.

 

[kjrocks]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Just trying to save some guys time and money...there is a reason that not everybody builds and sells amps, gutars and effects.

The last buddy of mine that asked me about building an amp got the same advise...he didn't listen and when it was over said and done he ended up having to ship the amp to a pro amp tech and pay almost as much as he had in the kit itself for replacement parts plus labor to get it up and running...

I should have added a
I'm with you, I'd never have it in me to get one done right.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Did you give up the radios already:?::question::scratchch

 

[B Bent]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

I should have added a
I'm with you, I'd never have it in me to get one done right.

I do have it in me to do it right. It ain't rocket science and I am VERY well aware now of the tools and many different aspects it takes to do this. I am not saying that I even have a clue about design and all that, but there again, this AINT rocket science. I mean, I am just (admittedly) wanting to do a "paint by numbers" kit just to get my feet wet. It's all about the fun, learning experience and satisfaction for me. Who wants to be an amp builder?!! Not I!

Did you give up the radios already:?::question::scratchch

No way, I am rebuilding two right now. I have gotten into it so much I feel like a student of some sorts. It's fun!!!!

 

[kjrocks]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

I have a feeling you're perfectly capable of taking this on and getting it done. I'm sure you'll learn a ton along the way too. I'm sure I would be throwing it against the wall at some point.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

The Creme Brulee is more or less the EF86 channel of a Matchless DC/SC/HC-30.

Assembled board means that the board is populated and soldered up and it also will have leads coming of that will go to your pots, jacks, tube sockets, etc.

Brent, the 5E7 Bandmaster IS a Tweed circiut, not at all a Blackface despite that the actual face of the amp in the picture is black...


Word of advise to those of you looking to build an amp...without at least the vary basic knowledge of reading a schematic and a layout diagram, the basics of amp building including biasing an amp, layout laws and forming caps and the bare minumum tools needed to built an amp including a volt meter, current limiter, etc this might not be the best idea.

Building a pedal or rewiring a guitar is a far cry from building an amp.

Simply populaing a board with parts and wiring the leads up correctly like you'd do in a Tubescremer for example is not all it takes to build an amp however the world right now is full of windbags that build an amp kit then have the nerve to sell it which leads the world to think it's the easiest thing in the world to do...is it really hard to build an amp...no, but if you can't at least read a schematic and layout you're likely setting yourself up to have a stack of money in an amp that won't hit a lick.

Last word of advise...building an amp is NOT the way to save money...

I'm not all that familiar w/ what the #'s mean on Fender amps. That's what I have you for lol! But I can read a schematic and I can solder very well. I do need to read up on Biasing, cap forming and a few other things. I ordered a couple books from stew mac to further my understanding of amps in general. I think I'll make it w/ all my limbs in tact

What, IYO, do you think a good first amp build would be? I've got a little giant coming and I'm going to do some modding on it first before I attempt this.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: I think I am finally there- I want to build an amp. Questions-

Why not build a 6V6 Plexi? Roughly 15 watts of output and it can do great nasty tones along with some very decent cleans all at volumes that won't damage your hearing. I'm sure there are detailed plans all over the net for it.

Congrats by the way in taking the leap. I think you will enjoy it tremendously.