My Amp project

FRALIN-FAN · 2011-11-09T14:51:40+00:00

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 f...

My Amp project

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

cipher

Looks awesome!! Any ideas where to find a good kit for a 1st-time builder in SA that's not too expensive?

ezietsman

cipher wrote: Looks awesome!! Any ideas where to find a good kit for a 1st-time builder in SA that's not too expensive?

Contact Karel Mars, he sells 18 watt kits.

cipher

I have contacted him, asks about R3k for 5W kit. Do you know of any other guys that sell kits?

FRALIN-FAN

I have bought from Ampmaker in the UK. I consider his prices to be reasonable and the kit really easy to build. (This is also my first amp. build.)

I paid 196.69 POUNDS at the time for the 5W kit and this INCLUDED SHIPPING. I had to fork out another 300 sefefrikan runt for customs.

www.ampmaker.com

I have now completed my head unit enclosure. Here are the two pics.

I plan to fix a bronze name plate (etched) with the name of the amp to complete it.

I have also started my Cabinet-making process. I have decided to stick to the "invisible" dowel method. Though not as pretty as a finger joint or some other fancy woodwork, it is easy and looks ok.

Will post pics around next week when I have time to work on it again..

Rgds

makepeace

Starting to get somewhere fralin fan! Looking very decent.

cipher wrote: I have contacted him, asks about R3k for 5W kit. Do you know of any other guys that sell kits?

IMO, that's fairly priced. I bought a 5E3 kit from Karel a while back. Building your own amp is hardly cheaper than retail unless you really know what you're doing and the cost of your time (lots of it) is fairly insignificant.

For a monetary reference (you don't seem to have one):

http://torresengineering.stores.yahoo.net/maktubam.html
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/kits_50a.htm#5F2A
http://www.missionamps.com/kits.shtml
http://triodeelectronics.com/ampsandgear.html
http://www.mojotone.com/amp-kits

My suggestion, however, would be to put the kit together yourself. Once you've decided what you want to do and have the schematics and layouts, you can easily see what you need. Then its just a matter of placing an order with one of the many suppliers of parts (mostly overseas).

You can generally get everything you need from one supplier.

Good ones are tubedepot, mojo, tubestore, weber, antique electronic supply etc.

Gearhead

Don't build yourself what is on offer off the shelf, unless it is for learning purposes. Gearheadism 8)

cipher

Thanks for all the replies. I'll check out the links.