Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Will.darden on January 17, 2022, 06:34:35 pm
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Recently came into a lot of fun parts donated by two organs, one solid state (Magnavox 1A-20) and one tube (Hammond H112). I already have a Hammond I enjoy, so no need to save them as organs. I also have an additional Hammond AO-43 I intend to use as a donor for a future build.
I have chassis and transformers to spare (both organs are complete), but I recognize that the amp I want is a combination of some custom builds I've seen: (Forrest Cook's Lil' Tiger - http://solorb.com/elect/musiccirc/liltiger1/ (http://solorb.com/elect/musiccirc/liltiger1/), Kley DeJong's AO-43 build https://www.tdpri.com/threads/yet-another-hammond-organ-conversion-ao-43-to-el84-thang.1053452/ (https://www.tdpri.com/threads/yet-another-hammond-organ-conversion-ao-43-to-el84-thang.1053452/), and Steve's Supro build https://sluckeyamps.com/supro/supro.htm (https://sluckeyamps.com/supro/supro.htm)) and the design of said amp is just out of my reach at this point since I'm just starting out.
I'm thinking a simpler project with less power (and consequently less likely to kill me) might be a good place to start. Which leads to my three questions (at least the three I didn't see answered in the FAQ).
1. What are some good, simple amp projects (up to 100V) that I could work on to build my skills prior to building and tweaking my dream amp? Thinking a simple wah/fuzz (low voltage) followed by a tube compressor (see the EHX black finger) before moving on to a simple '59 Champ build. Thoughts?
2. Since I'm not a trained electrical engineer (yet competent with things like both house wiring and computer / electronics builds), I don't have a background in designing the amp I want at the end of the day. What are some good basic resources for me to get started on understanding how to design amp circuits or adapt sections of other amp circuits to my build?
3. If you could go back to the beginning of your journey into building amps, what's the one piece of advice you wish you'd had then?
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Hello there!
Start with something really simple!
But before anything else
WARNING: A tube amplifier circuit contains lethal high voltage even when unplugged (https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Amp_Safety.htm)
A Fender Champ is something to start with, really simple and good for learning how a tube amp works.
Follow known working schematics and specially layouts, they are the way they are for a reason.
Read a lot about it ! Here (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=23286.msg250136#msg250136) is a good start!
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Hello and welcome. Rob Robinette's website has a bunch of good information to help you understand how a tube amplifier works, as well as learning about vacuum tubes, and a ton of other stuff. I like the way he explains things. Not to difficult to get your mind wrapped around. I would suggest starting with learning how a vacuum tube works. I'm sure others will chime in with more opinions, and really I'm new to the idea of amp building also, but have at least a little background with electricity, and building things.
G.