AB763 built incrementally - question

[jbrrrrr]

I'm making the jump from doing things like a Valve Jr. Plexi SE and pedal builds to contemplating starting on an amp build.

My end goal for this project is to build something like an AB763 Vibroverb, including reverb and tremolo, in a tweed cabinet I have lying around that's built for a 1x15" speaker.  Probably chopping that down to one channel, and willing to sacrifice either reverb or trem if necessary to realistically fit.

I realize that this is a fairly big first complete amp build to undertake, so instead of building a kit for a smaller project that will require a speaker, cabinet, and transformers that I ultimately will probably not end up wanting for something else later, I'm curious if building this incrementally is a reasonable idea.

First phase would be designing the circuit with all of the final stage components plotted out as best as possible, then building the amp without reverb or trem and leaving empty holes in the chassis for the future pots and tubes.  Play it, tinker with it, tune it, etc.  Then at a later date, incrementally build out the remaining features. 

Seems like I'd have a better chance of being successful with this total project in this manner, and I'm not bothered with having a half-finished amp for a period as long as it's playable.  Any risks I'm not forecasting?

Thanks in advance for the sanity check!

[glass54]

hi jbr....
You might want to consider using the Hoffman single channel AB763 turret board (has potential for the final "full build").
Its a great (learning) project, would serve your immediate needs and lots of our colleagues have experience with this build ie lots of support available.
You could incorporate  Sluckeys "Trem-O-Nator" at a later date, when the main amp is finished.
My thoughts 
Regards
Mirek

[tdvt]

hi jbr....
You might want to consider using the Hoffman single channel AB763 turret board (has potential for the final "full build").
Its a great (learning) project, would serve your immediate needs and lots of our colleagues have experience with this build ie lots of support available.
You could incorporate  Sluckeys "Trem-O-Nator" at a later date, when the main amp is finished.
My thoughts 
Regards
Mirek

I would concur.

Doug's documentation is very complete & addresses a lot of additional issues that you might encounter out there on your own.

In fact, the Hoffman AB763 single-channel was the first "big" amp I built, after a few Champ-ish builds.

I would encourage you to try to go straight through the build, once you jump in, as I have found there are so many easy-to-forget details when starting & stopping, you spend a lot of time re-orienting yourself as to what things are & where you left off.

[jbrrrrr]

Thanks for the feedback - I like the idea of using the single channel AB763 board and I had a feeling there might be a potential for creating more confusion by leaving pieces unfinished in stages, so I'll take a crack at getting the whole build happening at the start.

[Beezerboy]

yep, Hoffman's 763 single channel is a rockin amp. mine sounds friggin great. I built it for a 15" speaker, and it's wonderful, but that makes it BIG