Opinions wanted: 18 Watt Stout or Tweed Overdrive Special

[knotscott]

Hi all - I've been planning out my 2nd amp build as a winter project, and thought I had settled on the 18 Watt Stout (love what I'm hearing in the clips), but now am wondering if the Tweed OD Special would be better (love what I'm hearing there too!).  Here's the background...I don't play, but have built two solid body electric guitars and one Champ type 5w tube amp for two of my sons (20 and 23 YO).   Neither is overly accomplished as a player yet. and neither plays their guitar for public gigs at this point,  but the older one sings in a rock band that plays occasional local bar venues, so he may play some guitar at a gig at some point in the future.  Was planning to use mainly parts I already have....I've got a suitable chassis available, an appropriate power transformer for each amp (300-0-300 & 330-0-330 respectively), all the pots, most of the caps and resistors, all of the tubes and the multi-cap for the Stout, and most of the tubes for the Tweed OD...still need to purchase the correct output transformer for each (overall cost is always a consideration but it should be reasonably close either way).  The amp will likely be mated to single or double twelves.  

I realize it's subjective, but would value more experienced opinions about which of these builds makes the most sense given the above info.  What are the pros and cons of each, etc.

TIA!

[tubenit]

What type of music do they like?

I would have them listen to soundclips and ask them if they have a preference of what sounds better to their ears.

I don't think one is "better" than another. It's just a preference thing, IMO.

I will say the Tweed Overdrive is a pretty versatile amp & does well cutting thru mix playing with a band.  I don't have 18watt experience to compare with it. However, many of the forum guys have made great comments about how well the 18watt works for them in a live band situation. And I think Hoffman's 18watt stout soundclips are excellent.

With respect, Tubenit

[stingray_65]

Hi Knot,

I think the TOS is an EXTREMELY versatile amp. Wonderful voicing where ever you turn any of its multitudinous knobs.

It is however a high gain amp and unless you've got the experience, you should build it just as it was designed,

Doug's 18W stout is a classic too. unmistakable Marshall in it's voicing. And its a rather forgiving build.

If your Son plays in a cover band, The TOS will have him covered without having to drag around a pedal board the size of a Buick.

Either amp ANY guitarist would love.

Maybe you could ask him? (your kid) Sit him down, have a Father son moment, listen to some clips, listen to his opinions,  drop a few catch phrases like Cathode Biased, or tweed tone stack so you can sound smart,(my kids know better, but they humor me)

[shortfuse]

After I finish my Firefly this week I will be picking between these 2 for a 2nd build also before I get into the higher wattage amps.  I will probably end up building both because now that I am hooked on this sport (it is an Olympic sport correct) that I am going to try to have as many amps as I have pedals so my wife has something real good to complain about at family dinners. 
It seems to me the Stout would be the easier build and the TOS would be more versatile as stated previously.  I think Stingray’s suggestion is best if you don’t care one way or the other, talk to them and let them decide you can’t go wrong either way. 

[knotscott]

Thanks for the input gang.  I'm liking the idea that the 18 watter is a bit simpler to build, and since it was nearly a done deal, I'm leaning back in the direction of the Stout.  I'm sure the boys will be thrilled with either one.   When in doubt, I can always be both! 

Stingray_65 - my neighbor has white '65 convertible with red leather interior that he bought new 45 years ago.  It's mint, all original, cataloged, and he still has the original window sticker (mounted on a display board).  He really babies that car, and he kicks butt in most of the shows he enters it in.  I get to co-pilot once in a while, but he never offers to let me behind the wheel! 

[Tone Junkie]

Knotscott I think the stout would probably be a better second build, then build the TOS the TOS is probably the most versitile amp I have ever played , every one I have showed it to and allowed to play it just raves about it. Bill