I am a loooongtime lurker who never really has much to add ( as I am so busy reading back threads for all the info). But I do have a question( I tried to search it and I could never word it correct so I apologize if this has been posted before )
As someone who is getting ready to start a first build soon, would the $$$ I saved by parting something together be worth the hassle? Or is it worth it to just buy a Tweed Champ or deluxe kit from Weber or similar, so as to avoid messing anything up from the start?
I don't want to pay too much and some have told me that the parts in the Weber kits ( which are reasonably priced I think) are kinda cruddy.
Is this all juts BS and I should just get the Weber kit and learn with it ? Or should I build my own?
Thanx in advance !
Question on first builds
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Question on first builds
I'm also leaning towards a Champ, or Deluxe kit as a first build. After some searching there are more than a few outfits that have kits with better components than Weber. Mission, Mojotone, STF, SDG just to name a few. Nik has a good kit from what I hear, but shipping is stiff. Then there is AX84.com too.
"I fought the Tone . . . and the Tone won"
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grangeramp
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 9:31 pm
Re: Question on first builds
I'm new here (started out here looking around for TW info), and I hate for my first post to be an endorsement, but for the money you cannot go wrong with Weber. They are including Carling switches and Neutrik (Switchcraft type) jacks, as well as up'd their filter caps to 500Vs, and their customer service is second to none. I've bought from Metro, Ceriatone, Mission, Mojo, and for my money, with all things considered, Weber wins hands down. Those "better" parts are going to cost you more, and IMO the affect on tone is negligible. If you ever have problems with ANY of the parts (not just resistors or switches, but OT and PT, etc.) Ben will send replacements, and they can customize your order as well (i.e custom faceplates, different cab colors, etc.) Not a lot of the others will do that.
They're just weeks away from offering an SVT-influenced 300 watt bass amp kit. Find another company who's doing that.
p.s. They also ship FedEx, not UPS.
They're just weeks away from offering an SVT-influenced 300 watt bass amp kit. Find another company who's doing that.
p.s. They also ship FedEx, not UPS.
Re: Question on first builds
If Fischer and Dumble had waited for kits to be available we wouldn't have Trainwrecks and Dumbles!
Howie and Ken both had the skills to begin with. Had they fallen just a little short who knows what would have happened. Kits are a good option if you're a little shakey in some areas.
I'm not in the kit business although I built five wide panel Champ cabinets while attempting to reconcile dimensions from a blueprint, a tracing from a real 5C1 and input on chassis dimensions. I'm going to bend up a custom chassis to fit the surplus cabinets. Merry Christmas Amp Garage noobs! I'm going to modify the circuit so it uses a 12AX7 instead of the original and more difficult to find 6SK7. It's an easy build, make it look like the layout drawing and you're there.
http://www.turretboards.com/layouts_sch ... layout.gif
Howie and Ken both had the skills to begin with. Had they fallen just a little short who knows what would have happened. Kits are a good option if you're a little shakey in some areas.
I'm not in the kit business although I built five wide panel Champ cabinets while attempting to reconcile dimensions from a blueprint, a tracing from a real 5C1 and input on chassis dimensions. I'm going to bend up a custom chassis to fit the surplus cabinets. Merry Christmas Amp Garage noobs! I'm going to modify the circuit so it uses a 12AX7 instead of the original and more difficult to find 6SK7. It's an easy build, make it look like the layout drawing and you're there.
http://www.turretboards.com/layouts_sch ... layout.gif
Last edited by muchxs on Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Question on first builds
+1 for Mission Amps 5E3 kits. Highest quality components (transformers, chassis, etc.). Highly recommended. Great cabinets.
For the time that you will invest in your build, it's worth getting good components that will reward your efforts with a great sound that you can play for the rest of your life.
http://missionamps.com/
For the time that you will invest in your build, it's worth getting good components that will reward your efforts with a great sound that you can play for the rest of your life.
http://missionamps.com/
Re: Question on first builds
Yeah you won't save much sourcing the parts because of all the shipping costs since you can't really buy everything you need at one place.
Plus the stress of ordering and knowing what to order.
I built a Brown Note D'Lite 44 as my first amp and couldn't be happier.
I ordered it when Moss (owner) was offering a discount and got both the kit and a cab for around $850.
Not sure if is still offering a discount to Amp Garage members but it may be worth asking.
I suppose if you built a champ you could source your own parts as there aren't that many but a kit is nice if you don't have a great deal of component knowledge.
Plus the stress of ordering and knowing what to order.
I built a Brown Note D'Lite 44 as my first amp and couldn't be happier.
I ordered it when Moss (owner) was offering a discount and got both the kit and a cab for around $850.
Not sure if is still offering a discount to Amp Garage members but it may be worth asking.
I suppose if you built a champ you could source your own parts as there aren't that many but a kit is nice if you don't have a great deal of component knowledge.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Question on first builds
A 5C1 / 5F1 juxtaposition could be the ultimate in simplicity. There isn't much in there for a tube circuit. That's why Fender can sell their reissue at an attractive price. Eight resistors, eight capacitors, a couple tubes and the rectifier tube isn't even necessary. It's an interesting circuit because I can put them together in minimal time with minimal effort using parts I have on hand.
Even though I can put together a D'Lite on a budget using parts I have on hand I'd have second thoughts about putting a couple of them together for stocking stuffers. A little SE is just the thing for my penniless ampless friends!
Even though I can put together a D'Lite on a budget using parts I have on hand I'd have second thoughts about putting a couple of them together for stocking stuffers. A little SE is just the thing for my penniless ampless friends!
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Andy Le Blanc
- Posts: 2582
- Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:16 am
- Location: central Maine
Re: Question on first builds
why kits?..... you can get into it with a soldering iron and a box of junk....
is it a perception thing?.....
is it a perception thing?.....
lazymaryamps
Re: Question on first builds
I always recommend kits to first time builders.
No math to mess with, really...and it teaches the basics. After that...get parts and look at schematics.
That's the stage I'm at.
No math to mess with, really...and it teaches the basics. After that...get parts and look at schematics.
That's the stage I'm at.
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Andy Le Blanc
- Posts: 2582
- Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:16 am
- Location: central Maine
Re: Question on first builds
makes sence...... but there a frugal practicallity to be observed too
IF YOUR BROKE YOU CAN STILL GET INTO IT......DONT BE TURNED OFF IF
YOU CANT AFFORD A KIT.....
IF YOUR BROKE YOU CAN STILL GET INTO IT......DONT BE TURNED OFF IF
YOU CANT AFFORD A KIT.....
lazymaryamps
Re: Question on first builds
http://www.littledawgamps.com/
I've emailed Jim at Little Dawg in the past.
I don't believe he offers a kit.
But he is one nice guy and sells an honest product at reasonable prices.
I've emailed Jim at Little Dawg in the past.
I don't believe he offers a kit.
But he is one nice guy and sells an honest product at reasonable prices.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
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Carlin Mitchell
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:41 pm
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Question on first builds
Merry Christmas Amp Garage noobs! I'm going to modify the circuit so it uses a 12AX7 instead of the original and more difficult to find 6SK7. It's an easy build, make it look like the layout drawing and you're there.
Hey all ! As another new guy here... I've been searching almost all the sites out there on DIY, first time amp builds and this is by far the most helpful. I'm working on a champ as we speak. Can somebody explain the difference between the champ 5C and 5F? I have a generic chassis bent and drilled for marshall sockets (cuz they were cheap) and a small cabinet to hold it all. I'm about to commit to buying tubes and am wondering what the..dare I say cheapest way to go is ? Is the 6SK7 worth finding for a first amp ? I still have not found a transformer but am excited to at least get the power cord, switch, and fuse mounted.
Hey all ! As another new guy here... I've been searching almost all the sites out there on DIY, first time amp builds and this is by far the most helpful. I'm working on a champ as we speak. Can somebody explain the difference between the champ 5C and 5F? I have a generic chassis bent and drilled for marshall sockets (cuz they were cheap) and a small cabinet to hold it all. I'm about to commit to buying tubes and am wondering what the..dare I say cheapest way to go is ? Is the 6SK7 worth finding for a first amp ? I still have not found a transformer but am excited to at least get the power cord, switch, and fuse mounted.