Any recommendations for first time amp build?

[gatorbrit]

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]

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]

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]

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.