darren1
right i have a solid state Ibanez amp, is it possible to convert it to a valve amp and what would i need to do to it.
it has a rather large chassis so im not that worried about space also would it be wise to remove the OD channel in order to facillitate the space for the valves
MikeM
This has been asked before. Basically it's just not worth it.. Different transformers, space for tube sockets, might as well just make a new one.
Attila
Not so Fast Mike,
a few threads ago I posted an argument which went along the lines that one could import a tube kit including tubes, OT, PT, Caps wire resistors, jacks etc from someone like Cereatone without the Iron, box and speaker for not so much money (model dependent)
MikeM
So what's he keeping from the donor Ibanez amp? The cab + speaker?
darren1
so if i got the kit i would basically be able to build a tube preamp??
i played a tube preamp through a solid state a while back but didnt give such a nice tone
Attila
yep ....and that fancy cable which plugs into the wall
I dont know what speaker it has in there. but speaking to JP he sez many people build amps then go looking for speakers.... when matching the two should be done in the build ..... so it makes sence to use wot you got..
No Darren you would tos the solid state stuff all together
darren1
right so it looks like the best thing to do would be to build a completely new amp from the ground up.
i take it i would have to do a circuitry or electrical course before embarking on this project.
does anyone know where i could find some info regarding building amps, iv subscribed to the tubedepot channel on youtube so still busy going through thier vids
Attila
or take a course with Karel Mars .....a member of thei forum you can www his name
vic
darren1 wrote:
right so it looks like the best thing to do would be to build a completely new amp from the ground up.
i take it i would have to do a circuitry or electrical course before embarking on this project.
does anyone know where i could find some info regarding building amps, iv subscribed to the tubedepot channel on youtube so still busy going through thier vids
Darren...save yourself a lot of time and trouble...sell your SS amp and buy a valve amp. There are plenty around.
Skywalker
Attila wrote:
or take a course with Karel Mars .....a member of thei forum you can www his name
+1
Good call 8)
vic
Skywalker wrote:
Attila wrote:
or take a course with Karel Mars .....a member of thei forum you can www his name
+1
Good call 8)
Karel is great and living in Paarl....Darren lives in Joburg... ☹ and he'll have to have Karel watching over his shoulder in the beginning .... ???
Gearhead
The way I understand the story, Karel makes part of his money off of importing the kits he can help you build. So @darren1: go look up the pricing on his kits and compare to prices of Champs etc; I'm sure you can make a choice there. If you want to know how your amp works, go get the kit and take the workshop. If you want to play your amp tomorrow, go get a new one. Second hand would also be an option.
MikeM
I'd be tempted to say that it'd probably be cheaper to get a 2nd hand amp to build one yourself.. Look for a Peavey jobby..
TomCat
At the risk of sounding like Matta here, unless you have an understanding of electricity and electronics, embarking on a tube amp project when you are a tube noob is very risky. The high high voltages in a tube amp can kill you... ?
However....if you do understand and accept the risks involved then a kit is probably the easiest way to go and a Champ is probably the best starting point as the amp is very simple electronically....
I would also recommend you hook up with someone who understands tube amps and maybe have them work with you on your first build to check that all is in order....especially before that first switch-on....
MikeM
Very very valid. I built my amp after many months of research, but still managed to hit myself once with 400v dc and tripped the lights twice bridging the 220ac and earth. It's not fun and really dangerous.
TomCat
MikeM wrote:
Very very valid. I built my amp after many months of research, but still managed to hit myself once with 400v dc and tripped the lights twice bridging the 220ac and earth. It's not fun and really dangerous.
Not to mention the involuntary change of underpants.... :-[
MikeM
That's TOTALLY voluntary, it's what happens just before that that's involuntary ?
TomCat
MikeM wrote:
That's TOTALLY voluntary, it's what happens just before that that's involuntary ?
LOL........ ? ?.
Gearhead
I still say OP needs to understand there's more to 400V DC on your body than cr@pping yer pants. It is lethal. So far I've managed not to get shocked (Eddy Floyd required).
TomCat
Absolutely +1 there Gearhead....These voltages are not to be laughed at....
However, when things do go wrong....and they often do...you develop anew respect for tube amps and what they are capable of.....
My scariest was 1000vDC off a multimeter calibrator.......Thought my world was coming to and end.....then it tripped and released me....very scary though...
