Hi all,
Just wondering if anybody has any experience building amps...I'm looking at a long term project/hobby where I learn to build my own basic valve amps. I have zero knowledge of electronics (haha) but am keen and eager all the same.
I know there is a guy in London (Vyse?) who offers 3 day courses, has anybody got any experience of these?
I also saw that in the States, you can go on a residential course with Bruce Egnater himself. Oh to be a lottery winner without responsibilities...
I guess my question is where do I start? I imagine any electronics courses I could do at night-school etc would be geared towards modern technology, not the ancient valve set ups I'm after...
Is pedal-building a more realistic way to dip my toe in the water?
Chris
Comments
You do need a space where you can setup and leave it though, amps take time, and if you have to keep getting everything out and putting it away again it will be a right pain.
My first amp was a Mission amps 5E3 clone. I bought just the chassis kit, the quality was excellent. It worked first time too! I reckon I built that amp in three Sunday afternoons. It sounded great and I ended up trading it with a friend for a very nice amp, then ended up trading that for a Gibson Custom Shop '60 Les Paul TV Special! Winner ! But it isn't always the case that you'll make money out of it, I reckon I could have bought a ready built boutique amp for the price I paid for parts.
Rob.
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/p1eces/Amp Self-build/AmpPhone005.jpg
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/p1eces/Amp Self-build/AmpPhone016.jpg
http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt192/p1eces/Amp Self-build/Amp012.jpg
I followed the step by step instruction and it worked first time.
In fact it was SO straightforward, I was a bit disappointed as I actually learned f*@# all about how amps work!
If you dont already have decent tools, factor in the cost of setting yourself up with some good quaility ones, though a cheap £20 DMM will probably be OK. Soldering iron especially, dont get a £3 Aldi special. Needle nose pliers, side cutters, wire stripper, small (¼" drive) socket set, amongst many other things.
The tolex has gone very bubbly now, sadly. I'll recover it if I ever get the time....