Advice on a do it yourself kit.

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hiwatt25
Junior tube assistant
Posts: 1
(2/3/04 10:49 am)
  Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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Hey,

I think I'm finally ready to tackle building my own tube amp and I could some input on which "kit" would be appropriate for a new guy like me. I've read and I think I understand the following texts.

1) Understanding Electricity and Electronics
2) RCA Receiving Tube Manual RC-30
3) Tube Audio Design by Bruce Rosenblit.

The first bit of advice I was given was to hone my soldering skills by building cords. So, I've built many many Balanced XLR and Unbalance 1/4" cables for practice. I've got a nice spot set aside in my garage and I feel confident that I'm ready to begin.

Is a kit the right wat to go? Ideally, I'd love to build a hoffman AC-30 but it may be a bit much to tackle right out of the gate.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
dominotheory
Posts: 6
(2/3/04 11:54 am)
  RE: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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I started with a simple 5F1 kit, a 5E3 shouldn't be that difficult either. I haven't looked at an AC-30 schematic so I don't know how difficult it is.

You might want to start with a complete kit though, all the parts are there and you can even get a cabinet if you want one. You can always sell it when completed and start another project.


 
Searing
Junior tube assistant
Posts: 69
(2/3/04 1:12 pm)
  Re: RE: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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Go for it!
I was the same way. I had a reissue Fender twin and I wanted to put Doug's AB763 board into it. I called all kinds of techs and folk, and was concerned about the money (or my wifes reaction to spending the money on such a thing) So one night I just ripped the PCB right out of the reissue and had to put in the board because I had a gig in two weeks. It worked great! Sounded awsome! It all makes sense if you just take it slow and utilize this great forum! Believe in yourself!
Chris
 
GroundhogKen
Forum Moderator
Posts: 2238
(2/3/04 1:21 pm)
  Re: RE: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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I don't exactly recommend Chris's Do or Die approach, but I think any of the Hoffman layouts are do-able by a first timer--especially if you have some electronics knowledge.

The trick is to work slowly and carefully, checking you work as you go. Anytime you reach a milestone set the project aside and check it when you come back later with a fresh brain.

It's a little tricky to find a power transformer for an AC30.


Ken
 
bluesbear
Hey get your own solder
Posts: 322
(2/3/04 2:27 pm)
  Re: RE: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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My first amp was a kit from Dave Allen Amps. It was an Old Flame, which is basically a black face Fender with a 3 knob reverb. I didn't have any trouble but it wasn't my first electronics adventure. I haven't tried any of Doug's layouts, mostly because I enjoy designing the circuits myself. Dave has some very nice and WAY easier kits than the one I built; they're all great sounding, and they come with chassis and cabinet. There are others, also, Mission Amps for one. If you're not sure of yourself, do a kit first time out. You can do one on you own later. You will be doing another, I'd bet on it!

www.allenamps.com/
www.missionamps.com/

Good luck and have fun!
Dave
 
wayneosdias
Senior tube assistant
Posts: 229
(2/4/04 1:45 am)
  asdf
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 Check out the 18w site, graydon of GDS is getting pt/ot's made for a 36watter, more or less the same tube compliment.

wayme
 
slides
Junior tube assistant
Posts: 4
(2/4/04 5:06 am)
  Re: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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Is it difficoult to find an AC30 PT?
I've heard that Hammond Manufacturing sells one.
The item was 370HX maybe.....
Is it true, or it is a bad notice?
 
jc
I only work on Fender's
Posts: 672
(2/4/04 7:40 pm)
  Re: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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370HX is good if you need overseas and US voltages (it is switchable), otherwise the 270HX would be for US only.
 
hiwatt25
Junior tube assistant
Posts: 1
(2/5/04 10:49 am)
  Re: Advice on a do it yourself kit.
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Just a quick thank you to all those that have responded to my question. Thanks for the insight.

Joe
 
 
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