Suggestions for a first build DIY 10-15W tube amp

Johnny-B

I've now made all the effects pedals I can use and have built two guitars from kits so I would like to give it a shot at building a low power tube amp. I have a background in electronic engineering but with transistors, not tubes. I play church worship band with a Tele, a Les Paul and an ES-335. Presently, I'm using a Blackstar HT-5 combo that I use as monitor and mic through the house system. I would like to build a combo.
Considerations would be ease of build and availability of components, local if possible.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should build?

Gearhead

Either an 18W Plexi clone or a Deluxe Reverb clone at 14W. Maybe an AC15. Or... something that switches between them 8)

rikus

Gearhead wrote: Deluxe Reverb clone at 14W.

This sounds interesting, but wouldn't that be a Princeton (apologies if this is a stupid question)...

Gearhead

Rikus wrote:
Gearhead wrote: Deluxe Reverb clone at 14W.
This sounds interesting, but wouldn't that be a Princeton (apologies if this is a stupid question)...

I am just saying I would rather have a Deluxe Reverb than a Princeton and if 10-15W is the range I would prefer to go single pair 6V6 at the same voltage, enabling power tube switching with the output stage of the other amps mentioned.

ezietsman

I'm with Gearhead on this. The 18 watters are the best amps in the world, however, they are a bit in-your-face, think Beano Album. Another option would be a Fender 5E3 (tweed deluxe), it will be a lot easier and cheaper to build than the Deluxe Reverb, only pushes about 12 Watt with a NOS rectifier with a pair of 6V6 tubes, gives smoof overdrive and cleans up beautifully. My source of info: I have built both and love them to bits.

5E3 build: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/amps-speakers-and-valves/new-(f3nd3r)-amp-kit-day!/
18 watt build: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/amps-speakers-and-valves/one-small-step-at-a-time-or-my-18-watt-marshall-build/

Also, the 18 watt amp, without attenuation or power tube voltage regulation is stupidly loud, even with Greenbacks. The 5E3 not quite so much, if you use the Jensen style speaker, mine is a Weber 12A125A.

Johnny-B

ez wrote: I'm with Gearhead on this. The 18 watters are the best amps in the world, however, they are a bit in-your-face, think Beano Album. Another option would be a Fender 5E3 (tweed deluxe), it will be a lot easier and cheaper to build than the Deluxe Reverb, only pushes about 12 Watt with a NOS rectifier with a pair of 6V6 tubes, gives smoof overdrive and cleans up beautifully. My source of info: I have built both and love them to bits.

5E3 build: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/amps-speakers-and-valves/new-(f3nd3r)-amp-kit-day!/
18 watt build: http://www.guitarforum.co.za/amps-speakers-and-valves/one-small-step-at-a-time-or-my-18-watt-marshall-build/

Also, the 18 watt amp, without attenuation or power tube voltage regulation is stupidly loud, even with Greenbacks. The 5E3 not quite so much, if you use the Jensen style speaker, mine is a Weber 12A125A.

Has anyone looked at the BYOC Tweed Royal? http://buildyourownclone.com/amps-cabs/tweedroyal.html It's switchable between the following specs
- 5F1 Champ
- 5F2a Princeton
- 5F10 Harvard
- 5E3 Deluxe

I think the biggest problem would be shipping it from the USA.
What do you think?

lapdawg

My vote is for the 18w Plexi. Like EX, I have the 5E3 & the 18W(with VVR). I could live without the 5E3. I think the 18W has something special.