Amp Kits
Hi Skip
I have got the idea in my head that it might be an enjoyable project to build my own amplifier. How realistic is it to think that I might learn what I need to know from a book and successfully make something from a kit? I am a cabinet maker by trade but I suspect the cabinet is the easy (and less dangerous) bit. If it is feasible is there a book you could recommend? Thank you.
Thanks, that is a really useful article.
Hello Evets. If you're not already aware of this podcast, check it out... Skip and Jason talk about kits in the early episodes https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/the-truth-about-tube-amps-ep.-1/
Thank you David, I haven't come across this podcast before. I look forward to boring my wife with a summary of each episode.
Joel
Hah, good plan Joel
Well that is a big question, but my first response would be "hell yeah"! Start checking out kits for small amps like the Champ and call me. Most of the current books will leave you depressed instead of inspired, but a great place to start is "The Electric Guitar Amplifier Handbook" by Jack Darr. It is a vintage book that has been re-issued and is available at amplifiedparts.com
Thanks Skip, I'll look that book up. And thank you for the offer of advice too.
I'm based in the UK so I'd be looking for a parts/kit supplier here ideally. I had the vague idea that it might be good to buy the structural parts (apart from the cab itself) and then source good quality components.
Hello Skip
Can I ask if you think a 1950's Fender Princeton would be a suitable project to learn on from a technical point of view? And would it be fun/not too challenging for an inexperienced player like me to play through?
Thanks
Joel
Hello Joel- Thanks for writing. A vintage(!) or re-issue tweed Princeton would be a great place to start. That is the smallest, simplest amp out there that really sounds good. The tone control will get nice and dark, which is a big help for harp.
https://www.mojotone.com/support/knowledge/Mojotone-Amp-Kit-Building-Primer