new member and circuit pwb mounts

[dobrodewed]

I worked on tube amps in the 1960s. After a long carrier in electronics, just started converting old amps to guitar amps. My first purchase was a Egnator rebel 20, because it was dead and cheap. When I repaired it, I didn't like how the tube sockets, pots, plastic 1/4 jacks etc were all mounted to the circuit board. I prefer chassis mounts and point to point. I thought if I converted it, it would be a nice amp. Has anyone gone this route? I could also just use the tubes and make one or two amps. I'm 70 now and don't expect a long carrier of amp building, so may want to concentrate on only the best designs if I'm scratch building. I do like repurposing and giving new life to old amps. I read about Dumble and wonder if that's the build to do? There are so many Fender amps, Trainwreck etc. What are anyones thoughts? Is there a perfect amp or are they only perfect for one person? Maybe building vintage? You can build a Champ pretty reasonably. Is 10 reasonable priced amps better than 1 great amp at much more cost? I could basically build a Champ as a Christmas gift, but a Dumble would be a lot more. What to do, what to do? Thanks Duano

[pompeiisneaks]

I worked on tube amps in the 1960s. After a long carrier in electronics, just started converting old amps to guitar amps. My first purchase was a Egnator rebel 20, because it was dead and cheap. When I repaired it, I didn't like how the tube sockets, pots, plastic 1/4 jacks etc were all mounted to the circuit board. I prefer chassis mounts and point to point. I thought if I converted it, it would be a nice amp. Has anyone gone this route? I could also just use the tubes and make one or two amps. I'm 70 now and don't expect a long carrier of amp building, so may want to concentrate on only the best designs if I'm scratch building. I do like repurposing and giving new life to old amps. I read about Dumble and wonder if that's the build to do? There are so many Fender amps, Trainwreck etc. What are anyones thoughts? Is there a perfect amp or are they only perfect for one person? Maybe building vintage? You can build a Champ pretty reasonably. Is 10 reasonable priced amps better than 1 great amp at much more cost? I could basically build a Champ as a Christmas gift, but a Dumble would be a lot more. What to do, what to do? Thanks Duano

This is a very complicated question with no easy answer.

I'd say that the 'right' amp is different for every single person. This is part of what Dumble does, is builds the amp to the person. I doubt there is ever one single amp that does everything a person needs, but if you do find the 'right' amp it will do most everything you need. Which amp that is, depends on a massive amount of variables all that are personal, so you'd have to figure that out yourself. You can look at what amps a specific guitar player you love used, and use that as a starting point. I too like gutting amps and building something new/better in them, so I get the idea for sure. If you can post the types of musicians or music you like some here probably can point you to some circuits that would be in that vein.

Welcome to the forums!

~Phil

[sluckey]

I'm 70 years old too. Everything I do that is amp related is purely for the enjoyment of the process. I'm not interested in becoming a rock star, and I ain't chasing tone, and I don't need to sell amps for income. It's all fun!

Having said that, I have about 20 amps in my bedroom. Wanna buy some?