filthy amp build

guidothepimmp

hey guys.. want to build an amp.. or try to anyways.. that is brutal overdrivewise

not for metal per se but just a straight up.. raunchy.. nicely saturated drive tone like a splawn..

ive looked around and to have one made for me isnt an option.. too expensive..

so where should i start wiring diagrams wise.. where do i get circuit boards etc..

im told i should look at soldanos too..

where would you start?

Tonedef

Do you have a particular amp model in mind? Maybe you can googol the intarnets for that particular circuit diagram and take it from there...

MikeM

A good book.

If you can find a pcb for the amp you want it'll make your life much easier. But just a hint. If you want a cheap amp, go to a music store and buy one. Building an amp is an expensive process.

Tonedef

As for making your own PCB, you can buy fibreglass circuitboard wafers (either with copper cladding or without) from places like AP electronics.

If you buy the pre-cladded type, you'll have to mask and etch the desired circuit layout onto it. For this you'll need some 2D CAD software and either access to a vinyl printing machine (lots of small run-from-the garage outfits out there) or circuit board etching film.

You can also get away with using something like lexan and making your own traces using lengths of wire. No reason why it won't work but I've got no idea of the sort of internal temperatures generated by amps (I'm assuming you want valve?). Getting the plain, pre-made wafers is the simplest and safest route. (But will look messy if anybody wants to peek at your innards).

For a first go at it, that's what I would do.

guidothepimmp

hmm..

no i dont want a cheap option. im aware itll be expensive but for me it makes a big difference dropping 15k on an amp in one visit or spending 15k assembling parts and goodies in a staggered manner over a few months..

actually gonna go look for a book good thought.

TD.. developed big gas for a splawn nitro.. but dont need 100w.

would love to try a 20-30w amp with kind of sound..

MikeM

Then that's easy enough. Find a sound you want, then research what makes it sound that way and apply it to your own design. A pair of 6L6s will get you where you want to be.

Also, AX84.com. Read their articles and look at their hi-gain shematics etc.

Gearhead

If you get your turrets at RS Components and perspex locally, making a turret board is not only easier but also cheaper than pcb. On top of that, most existing designs will be intended for and documented as turret board. Lastly it just looks better ?
I'd have to second that AX84 is a good source, but then there are loads of really nice sources to be found. If you don't want to learn about amps as much as you want to have one, stick with the AX84 or download schematics from www.tubefreak.com

guidothepimmp

thanks Mike and Gear.. handy sites those.

im liking the turret board idea

Manfred-Klose

Do you have any experience reading circuit diagrams?

if so just surf the internet for all the schematics you can find(not all of them are correct, you'll find out sooner of later)
and study them to see what makes them tick.

If not, valve amps can KILL YOU!!!!!! be careful, read up on safety stuff.
try something basic like a simple pre amp circuit with one valve and build up you knowledge from there onwards.
something like this maby :
http://www.beavisaudio.com/projects/ValveCaster/

ive looked around and to have one made for me isnt an option.. too expensive..

it takes alot of time and the parts is expensive plus shipping costs.

regardless of anything its still gonna be expensive to make yourself.

guidothepimmp

thanks Manfred..

will check that out