Late to the party

[rduke]

I guess I'm really late to this party but I just fell into the world of DIY amp building.
I just ordered this!
http://www.tubedepot.com/kit-jtm45plus-head.html

I'll post updates as I progress.

 

[Cagey]

Nice! That's gonna be a lotta fun! I'll be looking forward to the build thread!

 

[AutoBat]

I like the pdfs.  That's the main thing keeping me from a Weber amp build, 'cause I'd have to have someone else do the grunt work (or electrocute myself)

 

[rduke]

I like the pdfs.  That's the main thing keeping me from a Weber amp build, 'cause I'd have to have someone else do the grunt work (or electrocute myself)

Yes, the instructions were what put this kit over Niks at Ceriatone for me.  That and the fact that the Tube Depot kits turret board is completely (as in drill the holes and set the turrets yourself) blank.  And that's the point of "DIYing" for me.

 

[Tempest]

I'm considering getting a Ceriatone, probably won't get like a full kit thing where I have to do a lot of assembly, but sometime down the road I'd like to build a kit, something a little simpler.

I'm excited to see how this turns out

 

[swarfrat]

It's really cool to fire up something you built. Especially fun if you had a role in the design. If I ever get Alzheimers they can probably just put me in a room full of legos and I'll be happy for the rest of my life. I got my faceplate from Ceriatone, the chassis off ebay. Right now the amp design is in major flux an I need to quit and just build something before I end up with Eniac for an amplifier.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Just finished building a Weber 5C3.  Once you have built a few different amps, the schematic and layout are really all you need.  You will encounter the common problems, and then teach yourself how to fix them.  After a while, you just run through a list of things that you know make problems.  Usually related to a grounding problem, or because wiring tube sockets can mess with your right hand/left hand visualization.  And then you look for another one to build, because things like a stand alone Fender Reverb tank is a very handy thing.  Now if I could find a source for Vinyl Chrome faux Alligator skin...
Patrick

 

[fdesalvo]

My first build was a 5E3 (Tweed Deluxe) - there is NO greater feeling than switching on your amp for the first time from behind a barricade using a 10' wooden stick.  :laughing7:

 

[ocguy106]

I recently ordered a Overtone Special kit. I will let everyone know how it turns out when I am done.

 

[fdesalvo]

^ambitious project!  You are in for one hell of a ride, but it's going to be so worth it.  I think this amp is a-freakin-mazing. 

 

[ocguy106]

yeah I wanted a challenge I just hope I don't end up with a 1k plus boat anchor.

 

[fdesalvo]

Hehe, just follow the schematic and layout and you will be fine.  Mind the lead dress on that pup, though!  If you route your wiring as illustrated, you should be just fine.  Good times!

 

[Patrick from Davis]

It can be a long experience that you feel like you either turn all of your hair grey, or cause the hairs to leave your head.  But, there are quite a few of us that have experience with this stuff around here.  Gather your detailed pictures and diagrams and you are sure to get some help.

And then, you can start to futz with the mods that are out there.  I warn you that it is almost never ending.  Sort of like Warmoth guitars...
Patrick

 

[Stratman44]

Very Intersting! how much did you order the kit for? i didnt see a price.

 

[mayfly]

yeah I wanted a challenge I just hope I don't end up with a 1k plus boat anchor.

Don't worry.  We can walk you through it if it goes haywire.  It's a pretty simple amp really - should be no problem.

 

[ocguy106]

yeah I wanted a challenge I just hope I don't end up with a 1k plus boat anchor.

Don't worry.  We can walk you through it if it goes haywire.  It's a pretty simple amp really - should be no problem.

Your post in paticular have inspired me to do it. I used to own a stero shop back in the day and know 12v inside and out and have done extensive wiring in the past. This will be my  most ambitious diy project but I am definitly looking forward to it.