Amp Model
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 Memphis 16 PR1x1000 Amp Brand New 2012 Model  US $145.00
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 Fender Cyber Twin Head w Footswitch Tube Pre Amp Digital Effects Amp Modeling US $579.95
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 Acoustic Model 450 Bass Amp 70s or 80s US $155.00
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 QSC Power Amp Model RMX 1450 US $225.00
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 Skil Plunge Router Model 1823 185 Amp US $29.99
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 MARANTZ Model 14 amp faceplates US $60.00
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 Line 6 Line6 Spider IV 15 Guitar Amp Models Effects FX US $75.00
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 Kalamazoo Model 2 amp US $164.50
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 Fender Model 25R Electric Guitar AMP US $92.47
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 kenmore vacuum progressive 120 amps model 116 cl blue used US $85.00
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If you have decided to take the plunge and build your own guitar tube amp, please let me share my early projects/mistakes with you to help get you going in the right direction. But first, be sure you really want to build your own:
- You should be fairly handy around electronics already, and aware of the dangers inherent in high voltage tube electronics and the precautions to take when working on tube amps
- You shouldn't have the expectation that you will save money... unless your time is worth nothing at all you can probably do better purchasing a completed amplifier, even from the kit vendors, but certainly on the open market as used
All said, though, there is a lot of satisfaction in completing and playing an amplifier you built yourself and having the license to further modify/tweak/voice your creation to perfection... so let's get started:
Stumbling Through My first Few Projects
My first project started as an AM radio, it had occured to me that this chassis and most of the components was quite suitable for an octal-tube-based Fender Champ-like single-ended amplifier and I wanted to hear the difference in tone between real tubes and the tube modeling in my Roland Cube amp... After studying some good tube amp books (see resources) I settled upon a plan and:
- I fought with the old transformers (insulation turning to dust when you flexed the leads), used tube-sockets, noisy potentiometers and poor physical layout (working with the old radio chassis didn't provide optimum placement of the major components for a tube guitar amplifier)
- Found out that true point-to-point wiring isn't the best choice for experimenting
- I couldn't find a non-microphonic old-stock pentode tube
- The tone sucked... with hindsight I believe it was due to the underwhelming, un-branded, tiny output transformer, but I'll probably never go back to check
- Bottom-line, I learned a lot but it didn't answer my fundamental questions about tube-tone because I didn't end up with an iconic amplifier as a reference at the end of the project
I spent some frustrating evenings redesigning and reworking my first effort and then for my second major project I broke down and bought a kit that promised a clone of a vintage Champ amplifier. Major findings included:
- Saving a few pennies here and there on components isn't satisfying when you end up investing a lot of time building the project and aspects of the end result look cheap (e.g. a plastic replacement for a 'proper' metal construction jeweled pilot light) or worse... sacrifice tone (e.g. cheap electrolytic capacitors)
- I've grown a bit leary of un-branded chinese transformers that may not have even been hi-pot tested let alone certified by a safety agency; and who knows what laminations, etc. are used in the audio transformer?
- Tiny chassis and cabinets aren't the best choice for adding additional functionality to the stock circuit and very frustrating to work with
- 8″ speakers and small cabinets suck tone... this amplifier sounds great when you plug it into a proper speaker & cabinet combination
Your First DIY Guitar Tube Amp Project
With the above experiences in mind it is time to summarize some considerations for the first project:
- Simple project but not under-featured... something that will be satisfying and playable
- Physically large for easy access, simplified assembly and room to modify
- Well documented, well supported... not necessarily with user's manuals and step-by-step construction guides, but rather by a community with active forums, or extensive web documentation, etc.
- A complete kit of parts, no difficult sourcing of components
- Good quality parts with the potential to upgrade them if desired... but moderation rules... you may want good value over extravagant components to minimize your downside if your project doesn't come out well or you lose interest.
- Standard sized chassis for easy sourcing of cabinets, or cabinets available from the kit supplier, or a desire, determination and ability to build (and finish) your own cabinetry
With the above given due consideration my third time was the charm!
I recommend you search out a reputable supplier of tube-amp kits, and pick a model that suits both your taste in tone and a satisfying set of features for your first DIY Guitar Tube Amp!
Mark Roberts blogs on DIY tube electronics at TubeNexus.com. He is avidly involved in guitar electronics as a hobby and dabbles in boutique effects pedals as a business with Cause & Effect Pedals.
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Artist & Model $2.99 Artist & Model Vinyl Sticker Artist and Model |
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In Store Vintage Vintage Kay Model 704 Amp $149.99 In Store Vintage VINTAGE KAY MODEL 704 AMP |
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Used Westbury By Univox Model 250 Gtr Amp $174.99 In Store Used USED WESTBURY BY UNIVOX MODEL 250 GTR AMP |
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Vintage Washburn (Lyon Amp; Healy) Model 1915 $1350 In Store Used VINTAGE WASHBURN (LYON amp; HEALY) MODEL 1915 @825 |
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Used Acoustic Model 117 Guitar Amp $119.99 In Store Used USED ACOUSTIC MODEL 117 GUITAR AMP |
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Railroad Model Craftsman $34.99 Building & running model railroads. |
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Universal / Rechargable Battery-12 Volt, 18 Amp For Model 294391 / UB12180ALT7 $42.75 Universal - Rechargable Battery-12 Volt, 18 Amp For Model 294391 - UB12180ALT7 |
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Power-Sonic / Rechargable Battery-12 Volt, 18 Amp For Model 294391 / PS-12180NBEBALT5 $47.95 Power-Sonic - Rechargable Battery-12 Volt, 18 Amp For Model 294391 - PS-12180NBEBALT5 |
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In Store Vintage Vintage Danelectro Model 132 Corporal Combo Tube Amp $449.99 In Store Vintage VINTAGE DANELECTRO MODEL 132 CORPORAL COMBO TUBE AMP |
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In Store Vintage Vintage Danelectro Viscount Model 142 Amp $399.99 In Store Vintage VINTAGE DANELECTRO VISCOUNT MODEL 142 AMP |
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Used Qsc Model 1400 Pwr Amp (Usa Made) $119.99 In Store Used USED QSC MODEL 1400 PWR AMP (USA MADE) |
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Used Gene Leis Model 708 Gtr Amp Rel022912 $149.99 In Store Used USED GENE LEIS MODEL 708 GTR AMP REL022912 |
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Tour Grade Elevated Model Amp Stand - Black $54.99 Direct sound where you want it with this amp stand that features a foldable design to make transportation easy. |
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International TD-15 with Blade & Umbrella 1/50 Diecast Model by First Gear $40.99 Brand new 150 scalediecast car model of International TD-15 with Blade amp; Umbrella... |
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1979 Chrysler Lebaron Town & Country Cream Diecast Car Model 1/24 Die Cast Car by Motormax $12.99 Brand new 124 scalediecast model of 1979 Chrysler Lebaron Town amp; Country die cast... |
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1979 Chrysler Lebaron Town & Country Blue Diecast Car Model 1/24 Die Cast Car by Motormax $12.99 Brand new 124 scalediecast model of 1979 Chrysler Lebaron Town amp; Country die cast... |
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1966 TV Series Batcycle & Sidecar Diecast Car Model 1/12 Elite Edition Die Cast Car by Hotwheels $69.99 Brand new 112 scalediecast car model of Elite1966 TV Series Batcycle amp;... |
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Used Marshall Silver Jubilee Model 3560 25/50 Bass Amp 7.5 234 051012 $499.99 In Store Used USED MARSHALL SILVER JUBILEE MODEL 3560 25/50 BASS AMP 7.5 234 051012 |
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In Store Vintage Vintage 1960S Silvertone Model 1457 2Pu Amp/Case/Guitar 8.5 $749.99 In Store Vintage VINTAGE 1960S SILVERTONE MODEL 1457 2PU AMP/CASE/GUITAR 8.5 |
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Morse Starrett Blade & Pin for Model 1. Each $17.84 Manufacturer: Morse Starrett. Each. Applications = Wire Cutter Wt. = 2 oz Customers also search for: Discount Blade & Pin for Model 1, Buy Blade & Pin for Model 1, Wholesale Blade & Pin for Model 1, 105, Cable and Wire Rope Cutter Accessories |
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Melissa amp; Doug 165 Shape Model and Mold $29.37 Our modeling dough comes in four colorful tubs with molding lids and a patterned wheel press. The kit includes five easygrip wooden stamping cubes and three rolling pins with unique patterns |
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Vintage Washburn (Lyon & Healy) Model 1915 $1350 In Store Used VINTAGE WASHBURN (LYON amp; HEALY) MODEL 1915 @825 |
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Ferrari F1 F2008 Constructors Champions Kimi Raikkonen & Felipe Massa Diecast Model Cars 1/43 1 of 5000 Made by Hotwheels $59.99 Ferrari F1 F2008 Constructors Champions Kimi Raikkonen amp; Felipe Massa Diecast Model Cars 1/43 1 of... |
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Porsche 917K 1971 Sebring Winner Diecast Car Model 1/43 3 Elford & Larrousse Die Cast Car by Autoart $37.99 Porsche 917K 1971 Sebring Winner 1/43 Diecast Model Car. Elford amp; Larrousse. Comes in plastic display... |
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1968 Ford Mustang 390 Green & 1968 Dodge Charger 440 Black Diecast Model Cars Set "Bullitt" 1/64 by Greenlight $13.99 1968 Ford Mustang 390 Green amp; 1968 Dodge Charger 440 Black Diecast Model Cars Set quot;Bullittquot;... |
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KB Covers Portuguese Keyboard Cover for MacBook, MacBook Air & MacBook Pro (Unibody, Black Keys) Model #: POR-M-CB introduc... $20.71 KB Covers Portuguese Keyboard Cover for MacBook, MacBook Air & MacBook Pro (Unibody, Black Keys) Model #: POR-M-CB introduc... |
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KB Covers Dvorak Keyboard Cover for MacBook, MacBook Air & MacBook Pro (Unibody, Black Keys) - Clear w/Black Buttons Model #... $20.71 KB Covers Dvorak Keyboard Cover for MacBook, MacBook Air & MacBook Pro (Unibody, Black Keys) - Clear w/Black Buttons Model #... |
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Model $6 Model - Plies |
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Rockburn 15W Amp $39.99 Free delivery by post. EAN/Barcode 5060091494664. Please note that this product is excluded from our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee - this does not affect your statutory rights. Volume and equaliser controls. Model BC-15. High quality 15W bass practice amp. Perfect for practicing in your home. Headphone socket. By Technote. |
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Pocket Amp - Mini Headphones $12.99 The pocket amp allows you to experience the sound expected from a normal sized amp in a small personal device that is easy to carry around with you. Model GP-2000. Free delivery by post. Distortion effects. Earphones included. EAN/Barcode 5060091493650. Please note that this product is excluded from our 30 Day Money Back Guarantee - this does not affect your statutory rights. Volume control wheel. |
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International TD-25 Crawler with Hitch Blade & Umbrella 1/50 Diecast Model by First Gear $53.99 Brand new 150 scalediecast car model of International TD-25Crawler with Hitch... |
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International TD-15 Crawler with Hitch & Umbrella 1/50 by First Gear $34.99 Brand new 150 scalediecast model of International TD-15 Crawler with Hitch amp;... |
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PROTECT COMPUTER PRODUCTS IM437104 IBM Custom Keyboard Cover Model Number $26.99 IBM custom keyboard cover model number KB 8923Primary InformationProduct Typeamp;nbsp;:amp;nbsp;amp;nbsp;Keyboard coveramp;nbsp;UNSPSC CodeUNSPSC Codeamp;nbsp;:amp;nbsp;amp;nbsp;43211600amp;nbsp; |
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Model 27 012 OOO: Geneva Shower Arm & Flange - Chrome $96 -Tubular brass -1/2" male threads -Code Compliance: ASME/ANSI A112.18.1M |
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Model 27 011 OOO: Seabury Shower Arm & Flange - Chrome $79 -Tubular brass -1/2" male threads -Code Compliance: ASME/ANSI A112.18.1M |
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Mack AC Pacific Highway 101 Stake Truck With Boxes & Dolly Diecast Car Model 1/34 by First Gear $47.99 Brand new 134 scalediecast model of Mack AC Pacific Highway 101 Stake Truck With... |
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Komatsu GD655 Motor Grader with V-Plow & Wing 1/50 Diecast Model Car by First Gear $65.99 Brand new 150 scalediecast model car of Komatsu GD655 Motor Grader wtih V-Plow... |
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Komatsu D51 PX Crawler with Blade & Ripper 1/50 Diecast Car Model by First Gear $56.99 Brand new 150 scalediecast model car of Komatsu D51 PX Crawler with Blade... |
