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Post by rockwillreign on Aug 21, 2008 22:57:10 GMT -5
i was thinking about trying to build a tube amp...anybody have suggestions or know a site that can help (parts, wiring, etc.)
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Post by newey on Aug 21, 2008 23:45:11 GMT -5
RWR-
Plenty of options there, from kits to complete DIY. Check out our links page, there are several suppliers thereabouts.
I don't know how well-versed you are with this sort of thing, but you should be aware that some test equipment is going to be needed, and testing your build involves working on fairly high voltage bits, so safety is the watchword.
If you've never done this before (I haven't), most sites recommend starting with a fairly basic 5-watt "Champ" style project. Such designs are all over that web thingy.
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Post by rockwillreign on Aug 22, 2008 11:15:07 GMT -5
ok great thanks
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Post by ChrisK on Aug 22, 2008 15:05:21 GMT -5
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Post by pollyshero on Sept 7, 2008 0:38:10 GMT -5
It's a little late, but I was wondering...
If you're "thinking about it", you obviously have something in particular in mind. What are you after? High-wattage paint peeler? "Club size" for gigs? Low watt practice/recording amp?
You may read some of my posts regarding amp repair (appropriately titled AAAUUUGGGHH!!!), and get the idea that I'm not someone you might want to listen to - but I've decided the best way to learn more about how they work is to start building from scratch.
In the present, I'm preparing to build an 8-10 watt practice/recording amp loosley based on the famed Fender 5E3 Deluxe. Parts are stockpiled, cabinet is in process, chassis will be hand-bent in my garage...
I'd be willing to share info/experience/build notes if you're interested.
I'm already planning the next build (Marshall 18 watt clone).
Reply here or feel free to PM me if you want.
Good luck.
PH
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Post by newey on Sept 7, 2008 19:12:13 GMT -5
PH- Good to see you back! It's been awhile!  Please keep us updated on your amp build. If one was in mind of a from-scratch build the AX84 website that ChrisK linked to above is a good source for information. |
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Post by pollyshero on Oct 15, 2008 1:42:17 GMT -5
As promised... I've started my very first amp build and would like to share. Nothing real exciting is happening at the moment - I'm progressing slowly but surely. I've begun almost at what most would consider the tail end of the project - cab first. You can watch my progress here: twostrokeamplifierbuild.blogspot.com/Enjoy (or not) the "war story" at the beginning. Feel free to leave comments. Hugs and kisses, PH EDIT***Having some minor technical difficulties with the blog site - I'll fix the pics so that when you click on them you'll get a larger view. Later, |
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Post by pollyshero on Oct 22, 2008 23:09:38 GMT -5
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Post by pollyshero on Dec 6, 2008 0:05:16 GMT -5
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westside
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
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Post by westside on Dec 16, 2008 15:45:43 GMT -5
PH:
Very cool! Now you've got me thinking... Thanks for the info.
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Post by simes on Jun 24, 2009 7:22:49 GMT -5
I've just come across this www.madamp.biz/ company, who seem to be very competitive. I'm considering their M15Mk1 kit, which sells for EUR 219 EXW at their distributor's site in Germany. Cheaper than any of the other 18W-type kits I've seen, and looks to be more versatile too. |
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Post by D2o on Jun 24, 2009 14:20:33 GMT -5
GN2 member Dunkelfalke once did a bit of research on those madamps and, I believe, spoke favourably about the possibilities ... I can't seem to find the post to know if he ever did anything about it.
D2o
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Post by lunaalta on Jun 24, 2009 16:36:43 GMT -5
Well done pollyshero,
Excellent work and an amazing reporting job.
What's next......?
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Post by simes on Jul 3, 2009 7:35:26 GMT -5
Well, I ordered the Madamp M15Mk1 and received the documents by e-mail.
One thing I notice is that they warn against powering up without a speaker or a dummy load connected. Can anyone point me to a circuit for including such a dummy load in a way that it is automatically engaged when nothing is plugged into the speaker jack?
Cheers,
Simes
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Post by newey on Jul 3, 2009 9:50:14 GMT -5
Simes- Although these are external to the amp, here's some schematics from Aiken Amps. If you are just worried about accidentally powering the amp up w/o a speaker connected, there's no real need to build a dummy load into the amp. Just use a 1/4" plug as the input to the dummy load instead of a jack, and keep it plugged into the amp except when you are connecting the speaker. When you disconnect the speaker, plug in the load. You could, of course, build it into the amp, but this adds more circuitry. While modern amps often use some type of protection circuitry, people went without for many years. It might also be possible to use a TRS jack for the speaker out and wire it so that the amp won't power up unless something is plugged into the jack. |
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Post by sumgai on Jul 3, 2009 14:15:56 GMT -5
simes, In general, you can run a transistor amp without a load for some time, with no damage - not so for a tube amp. In general, you can run a tube amp into a short circuit for a short time, with no damage - not so for a transistor amp. Fender uses a jack that switches the output to chassis ground when there was no speaker plugged in. (See here for an example. Scroll to the far right of the schematic.) This was not meant to be a permanent condition, by any means. After all, how could you expect to hear anything without a speaker? It was meant for those cases where the speaker cable was accidentally pulled out, to save the tubes from going into cardiac arrest. (Not to mention other valuable parts of the circuitry.) This jack isn't a TRS, it's a switching jack, like this one:  Interestingly enough, you can also procur this switching arrangement in a TRS setup - the Tip and the Ring can each open their own separate contacts. Even more complicated switching arrangements can be had, up to and including the truly bizarre, your call.  But to answer your original question - if it's a tube amp, simply imitate Fender. If it's a transistor amp, you're good to go. Dummy loads are truly necessary whenever doing a bias adjustment, or a power-lever check. Outside of that, they're good for soaking up excess power, i.e. reducing the actual power delivered to the speakers when playing at low levels, yet needing "that tone" that only comes when the tubes are driven to excessive power conditions. THD's Hot Plate comes to mind, among others. HTH sumgai |
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Please keep us updated on your amp build.
