Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: bartman on November 28, 2025, 02:30:09 pm
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Hey all,
Any thoughts on this $600 kit?
The layout itself scares me...
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It would be nice if you posted a link.
EDIT... I visited the webpage. Cute little amp. The layout looks very logical to me. Very similar to the way I would do it. Small chassis, but so what. Nothing scary.
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Its an old thread, but the only one I found on this kit, I just finished building one, worked on first start, amp sounds good and its relatively noise free. instructions were mostly clear, but I don't think I would have been successful if this was my first or second build, I had to know what I was doing at times to follow the instructions correctly.
the layout was a challenge, and you better have a steady hand and like working on cramped spaces, but it is so satisfying to fit such a loud amp in what's basically an oversized pedal enclosure. It was a difficult build but not frustrating at all...
I was hoping I could fit an FX loop in there somehow, but I don't think its humanly possible, space its utilized fully...
I'll post some pictures later if there is any interest...
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So for curious people like me, here is the link.
https://www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projects/electronic-kits/amplifier-kits/valve-factory-18-amp-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOooAhM-7Enckb8irMUDgnODE4ecaPnc8UrM7103umdug-fqYjXly (https://www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projects/electronic-kits/amplifier-kits/valve-factory-18-amp-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOooAhM-7Enckb8irMUDgnODE4ecaPnc8UrM7103umdug-fqYjXly)
It's a familiar circuit - think single channel non-trem Princeton. The kit is apparently not available right now.
But one can download the instructions which include a schematic and layout. The instructions look very good and would be useful to anyone building their first (or second, third) amp. Good info on safety and assembly/soldering techniques. Agree that it would be an easier build in a larger chassis.
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It's a familiar circuit - think single channel non-trem Princeton. The kit is apparently not available right now.
Hardly. Princeton does not employ a Long Tail - This has less gain than a Princeton, the tone processing is in a different stage; so not same topology.
Best Fender analogy would be a BF Deluxe without the T/B stack, trem and reverb.
--Pete
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Very interesting schematic with enough tweaks that it is hard to see it analogous to other amps. I bet it is LOUD! Maybe I need just one more build :icon_biggrin:
No way it would be in that tiny enclosure though. That is not my idea of fun. I laughed at the body language of the builder shown in Stew Macs listing. I don't think they are enjoying trying to solder without melting nearby wires and components. Now that's truth in advertising!
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It was challenging, but not painfully so, it was a very rewarding build and yes it's loud!