My Amp project

FRALIN-FAN

It started off innocently enough? Thought I would build a small practice amp (all valve) and that would be that. LOL

Soldering the components was tough at first as it is the first time I really tried to solder anything. Result came out OK.

It seems that I have saddled a monster. I first built the Ampmaster kit (British Overdrive) and played this through my Albion speaker. 5W my a$$. This little baby is LOUD, BRILLIANT CLEAN and SINGS on full OD with the PURE PAF Humbuckers in my ESP LTD.

Of course I wanted to round it off and decided to get speakers and build a cabinet as well (2x12). After many, many issues with shipping etc etc. I got hold of two Jensen P12Q -8 ohms. They arrived today. In the end a very good friend arranged the airfreight f.o.c from the States which means I probably have the cheapest Alnico speakers in the country!?

I now really only need one speaker so I might sell the one (still in the box.) We'll see where this build takes me....

The only way of really motivating myself would to start a build-thread. (And this is it!) I am traveling like crazy in the next few weeks so I do not expect too much progress up to December. Here are a few small pics to whet the appetite.

Wood for the amp enclosure will be Surian Cedar.
Cabinet will probably be Cherry wood. I intend to leave it uncovered, just varnished.

Reinhard

Cool man, keep the pics coming 8)

flatfourfan

hell I wouldn't varnish that, just get a sealer and if you're leaving it uncovered (the best way), then any thoughts as to some fancy joinery to show off?

Gearhead

Welcome to the Hotel California {..} you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
When does your guitar build start?

Attila

Yaaa whats wrong with this look - not mine by the way

I built the Ampmaker Double 6 from scratch, had the transfromers wound locally, a big box of valves were dropped of at my office (free), chassis was cut and drilled by a mate of mine (free) bought some passives all in all cost me around R 800 - all in all not a bad amp - a bit too sparkley but it does have a boost circuit - :woohoo:

makepeace

Wow Attila that looks like an awesome amp.. I really have fallen for the raw wood exterior.. Happen to know what they used for the cab there?

Oh and fralin fan, +1 on fancy joinery ?.

Good luck and update on progress ?

Attila

sorry I forgot to mention it is Sapele - African Mahogany as well

makepeace

Cool thanks, looks lekker. Will definitely be looking into something like that for my next project! Marine ply is a bit vuil for amp cabs, esp uncovered..

bluesman

Attila, That is a cool amp. Wish I coud hear it. I'm currently working on an old Fender Pro clone, using 6SC7's, 5U4 and I think I'm gping to try 807's for the output. May also add a reverb using a 6BM8 triode/pentode to drive it. I punched the chassis yesterday. I'm damned curious about the 807 tone. If what I read about the mid 50's 807 type Standel amps is true, they are unique, but I have a hard time believing that a 25 watt amp grabs $30k (yup it's real). The amp is frequently described as rockabilly, yeahahhhhh!

FRALIN-FAN

Never thought I would WANT to buy wood-working tools. ? BUt you might just have twisted this rubber arm enough to explore the "fancy joinery" route.

Off to Zambia tomorrow. Hope to start on the Head unit enclosure this coming weekend..

Rgds

PS: I really LOVE the combo you built Attila. It is simply gorgeous! ANy idea where I can find handles like that locally?

Attila

No no gents I did NOT build that, It was built by Jean GODBOUT in Canada , who makes everything out of wood, right up to pickup bobbins, Rose Wood Tele, etc etc

Check out http://jeangodbout.com/princeton/reverb-amp.html

Nice chap we have exchanged a few emails so far.

Leather handles - best is to go to a crafters/ Flea market cosy up to one of the belt come saddle makers and ask them to make you one. its not a complicated afair,

bottledtone

Its not a leather handle, it was known as a "dog bone", they are rubber.. Strong rubber. I don't have brown like the pic but I do have a few black ones. I got them for my cheaper amp range, and leather I leave for my higher end "boutique" stuff.

flatfourfan

Oh yeah.............that link has some nice pics............this is my fav.

Ps, I've done tongue and groove joints with a jicksaw and files on a few occassions, takes ages, but is very much doable.

Attila

@FFF - If you buy your wood from Timber city (expensive) they will cut the T&G joints for you or they will charge you a fee to do so - normally they are very helpful

flatfourfan

Attila wrote: @FFF - If you buy your wood from Timber city (expensive) they will cut the T&G joints for you or they will charge you a fee to do so - normally they are very helpful

Cool, sometimes it's worth weighing up the cost of someone cutting it for you, than spending a day in a garage sweating because you're about to mess up a nice block of wood......lol.

Attila

Ohhh by the way I think thats a "finger joint" ...my bad

bottledtone

Attila wrote: Ohhh by the way I think thats a "finger joint" ...my bad

Which in SA is known as a "box joint"

FRALIN-FAN

I like the box joint a lot, but I have decided to complete the head unit with butt-joints and "invisible" dowels. The box has now been glued and I have started sanding it. The Surian Cedar is quite "soft" and not too hard to work with. I'll post a few pics later...

I might consider doing the cabinet with box joints...It just depends how much time I WANT to spend building rather than playing ?

Rgds

FRALIN-FAN

First coat of eggshell... About 4 coats to go ☹

I have used this product before and it leaves a very nice matte finish. Looks quite glossy on the pics as the varnish is still wet. (and diluted with 10% Turps..)

I plan to leave the back open, but if there is any reason whys this might be a bad idea, I am open to suggestions...?

Rgds

makepeace

Looking good!

As a side note: wow Attila, thanks so much for that link! That has got to be one of the coolest and most meticulous clone builds I've ever laid eyes on. Thanked