tiny valve amps

bottledtone

Hi there guys. I'm a amp builder from nelspruit.
I build custom amps, and been wondering if you think
There is a market for small valve amps in the 1 watt range.
I actually like playing a quarter watt I built.
It uses the pentode section of a 6an8a valve.
Having two young kids has made me look in the
lower power amp range.

aja

I really like the idea of a low power head in the form of a (large) pedal - plug into a cabinet to use as a normal amp or use the preamp section alone to spruce up a SS amp.

Whatcha think?

nicovlogg

How about posting some pics or videos?

guitarboy2828

nicovlogg wrote: How about posting some pics or videos?

+1! I'd be VERY keen on a small tube amp.. 1/4 watt may be a bit too small.. but a 1 watt amp would suit me just PERFECT! ?

inflames

Jip, pics would be cool!

bottledtone

On my phone mostly, but when I'm on a computer
again I will post my stuff.
Aja, have considered a pedal form, and then you
could actually take the signal of the output with
a load connected and a line out into another amp.
That way you get output distortion, not just preamp.

dt

ja +1 from me - nice for Harmonica, I also have small kids so playing too loud isn't ideal.
Do you have an idea of what kind of price you would sell a 1 watt amp for ?

bottledtone

Hi dt.
Wondered if harp players would be interested. Planning on a 10watt for someone soon.
It would have to be modded to harp specs though. Coupling caps huge, etc.
Haven't priced anything yet, and wondering about the head vs pedal option.
Problem is that there is a floor of expenses you hit. Eg. Transformer prices
and enclosure prices don't really charge.
I don't build to make a killing, it a passion of mine.
I will look into this if there is even some sort of market.

Thanks for the responses guys.

Attila

I would be interested to know wot yer thinkin bout

bottledtone

Kinda thinking of a 1 watt tiny terror.
Call it a Naartjie!!

Attila

sounds like a lemon to me - :-[

IceCreamMan

bottledtone wrote: Kinda thinking of a 1 watt tiny terror.
Call it a Naartjie!!

bottledtone

Attila: wot you suppose then?
SE is easier than PP. Which are you guys leaning toward.
I've been playing my little SE. I'm happy, but I've been
asked for tiny terror type amps.

makepeace

methinks atilla was joking :?

i for one think a 1 watter in the style of the tiny terror would be super cool. although, it has been said elsewhere on the forum that PP is better for guitar tone :-\

i've been looking for a small amp for practice and low vol playing, so i might be up for one ?

dt

Let us know how the 10watt goes for the harp player - some pics would be cool

Gearhead

Methinks I'm the only one who is preaching PP is better for guitar than SE. More than one forumite is happy with their SE guitar amp, so why bother? Not everyone likes crossover distortion.
Going SE saves one or two triodes, meaning smaller amp; no two ways about that.

Attila

Bottie I woz joking ........ see

What I was thinking of, is a Mctube II LIKE circuit which uses Wall-wart transformers check out http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/mctube.htm the designer was Fred Nachbaur who is no longer with us.

Before you jump all over me and say .." ja but.... its a Overdrive/Distortion Tube Stomp-box" I understand this but I was looking at the simplicity of it all which makes it attractive

Features:

High internal gain; Av = 2400 max. (over 65 dB)
0:1 attenuator at output (-20 dB)
2-stage design
Independent gain control at output of each stage
Simple, low-cost power supply
(using parts from two 12V "wall-warts")
Very low B+ current demand (under 500 µA total)
Low hum and noise
(< 5mV. at max. gain; equivalent input < 2µV)
Designed for 12AX7, but usable with any similar twin triodes
Integrated bypass switch
Readily customisable by changing component values to suit

SE amps are IMHO the best especialy when you can swap out all the tubes at will ....without rebiasing ...such as the Emery amps.

bottledtone

No stress 8)
Actually built a mctube about ten years ago, twaz my first valve experience. later i've done a 12volt pedal, and a 50volt. 50volt worked too well, still with plenty gain (since the intention was to warm up an accoustic signal). The 12volt uses a 12au7 and colours the sound nicely. Gives a bit of string dynamics to a SS amp.
i don't have pics of my 1watt, cuase it an open chassis that i use for experimental projects.
[img]http://

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hope this works for the pics,had to get my son in there.

bottledtone

So it uploaded, yay.
Just to say, the 30 watt black amp SLH30 is 5 years old.It came in for a service the other day.Problem with toggle switch. It has been a working amp in my church all this time. The 60 watt blue amp JN60, is a three channel amp with valve reverb 2 x EL34 and 6 x 12ax7. it was once a combo, but recently cut into head, and then i built the Oregan pine closed back cab.

guitarboy2828

Bottledtone, if you wouldn't mind PM'ing me prices of what you'd charge for some of these amps? They look very cool and I'm very interested ?