Pics of my Latest Build

[boots]

So many of you talented craftsmen do such beautiful work, I am embarrassed to post pics of my own builds. But I can't remain a gut-shot virgin forever. I want to invite you all to critique my work. I think I can take it. It will make me a better amp builder. When I look at the pics of my lead dress and soldering, I realize I'm not there yet!

This is an AX84 HO I built for my nephew. Not one of my best cabinets, but the amp sounds great. Two 12AX7's and a 6BQ5. The OT was salvaged from an old Sony reel to reel (sounds a lot sweeter than another AX84 I built using a Hammond OT).

[Blackburn]

Cool build! Very clean. I love the rustic looking cab/faceplate you have going on there, especially with the wood burned text. Very nice!

[Phil_S]

I one of the amateurs here. IMO, you have a very nice looking build there. Everything looks tidy and well organized. If it doesn't hum, it's a good build.

As for your solder joints, they get better with practice. I didn't give it a micro inspection, but what I see at a glance looks like it will hold up. There is a certain talent one develops over time to get just the right heat, just the right touch with the solder and the perfect looking joint. I think you've seen pictures posted here and there of work done by supposed pro's who don't exhibit 10% of your skill level.

Nice job. Enjoy it. And thank you for sharing.

[Teleguy61]

Nice.

[cbass]

Hell looks better than my work . hey if it doesn't hum and it sounds good and doesn't catch fire I'm happy.

[Cantplay]

Looks good.

I see you do some of the stupid stuff I do too, like facing all the resistors the same way.

John

[Leo_Gnardo]

Good lookin' amp, outside & in! Interesting the way you have filter caps distributed along the board, not all bunched up in one corner. I'll bet it sounds a treat.

[NickC]

Good lookin' amp, outside & in! Interesting the way you have filter caps distributed along the board, not all bunched up in one corner..........

Looks great!

I'll second Leo's observation about the filter caps; I really like that idea and execution a LOT! Nice!

[M Fowler]

Looks good to me both the amp and cabinet.

[briane]

yeah - those hammond OT's taste like a grilled cheese sandwich cooked in the microwave sounds!

[jelle]

Nice build!!!

[Phil_S]

I'm a big fan of placing the caps like you did. It avoids long runs of B+ wiring and it allows you to easily ground the filter cap with the stage it supplies. Nice execution on that.

[matt h]

(deleted)

[brentm]

Sweet build man!!!

I love the Strat Plus too...

[boots]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

I can't take the credit for the cap placement - that was AX84's layout. It makes a lot of sense though. The only thing I changed from the AX84 layout was I moved the guitar input to the rear panel to shorten the distance from the input jack to the tube socket. I also omitted the fizz cap.

It's a pretty foolproof design, and honestly, it is my go-to amp for everyday playing. I am addicted to the sound of it. The master volume makes it possible for me to play guitar every day without bothering the family.