View Full Version : Any recommendations for first time amp build?
gatorbrit
July 1st, 2010, 05:31 PM
I am reasonably handy, but I have never built an amp before. I'd like to build a really simple low wattage amp. Anybody have any recommendations of a "starter" kit or company that sells parts and plans for such a project?
Thanks
tunghaichuan
July 1st, 2010, 06:09 PM
I am reasonably handy, but I have never built an amp before. I'd like to build a really simple low wattage amp. Anybody have any recommendations of a "starter" kit or company that sells parts and plans for such a project?
I would suggest a 5F1 Tweed Champ kit. It is as simple as it gets; any simpler and it wouldn't be a guitar amp. Tubes are one 12AX7 preamp tube, one 6V6 output tube, and one 5Y3 rectifier tube.
Here are a few (assuming you're in North America):
http://store.marshamps.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28
http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/Tweed-Champ-Style-Amp-Kit/Tweed-Champ-Style-Amp-Kit_2
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/kits_50a.htm (second one down)
At the bottom of this page is a good run down of the tools you'll need.
http://www.allenamps.com/kits.php
Allen Amps sells kits as well, but you'd have to talk to them to find an appropriate level beginner's kit.
You also may consider looking for a 5F2-A Tweed Princeton. This is basically a 5F1 Champ with a tone control. The original Princeton had a 10" speaker vs. an 8" for the 5F1 Champ.
gatorbrit
July 1st, 2010, 06:29 PM
I'd seen this one, and a several of those that you suggest seem to be the same...
http://tubedepot.com/kit-tweedchamp.html
I'll check into it in more detail. But this looks doable!
THanks
tunghaichuan
July 1st, 2010, 06:35 PM
I'd seen this one, and a several of those that you suggest seem to be the same...
http://tubedepot.com/kit-tweedchamp.html
I'll check into it in more detail. But this looks doable!
If you look closely, the one above has a PCB (printed circuit board). Nothing inherently wrong with PCBs, but for a dead simple amp like the 5F1, an eyelet board is more authentic and much more forgiving when soldering. It is also easier to add mods to an eyelet board.
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