I want to build an amp and not die.

[petermelton]

New here. First post.
Any pointers? I've never built one. Only pedals. I can follow a schematic. I want an express style amp. Is there a lot to the not dying part? Should I just leave this idea alone and just buy one? Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
Peter

[rsalinger]

The TW Express is a VERY difficult first build... oscillation problems, stability, noise issues... hiss... The "High Voltages Can Kill You" warning is for real.

It is generally suggested that first-time builders try something much simpler.

Some of the early Fender Tweeds make EXCELLENT first projects. They are Great sounding amps, in their own right... with fewer build issues... Not to mention that they are easier to trouble-shoot.

Cheers and good-luck,
Rob

[RevD]

Do a lot of research, a lot of reading and until you know how to discharge a amp's power capacitors don't even think about playing with a live circuit. When you get to that point, put your weak hand into your back pocket and probe the circuit with a wooden chopstick or digital meter probe with only one hand. Never work with both hands in the chassis you know what is between both arms in the middle (roughly) of your chest? Your heart. You know what they restart hearts with? Electricity. It'll work the other way too and stop hearts. Never work on it when tired, drunk, stoned or frustrated, they don't mix with high voltage very well. Enough said? Be careful and good luck.

Regards,

Don

Ps: And agreed, a simpler circuit with less gain is highly recommended before jumping into something that's on the verge of out of control like a express.

[azatplayer]

I can attest to the soldering while under the influence thing, not a great idea. Electric burns take a long time to heal, and they smell bad.

[Jack Hester]

Try a 5C1 Fender Champ and a 5C2 Princeton. Champ has only a volume control, and not as bright. Princeton has a different pre-amp tube, tone control, and is brighter than the Champ. Both builds are virtually identical, and have about the same degree of difficulty to build (read that as easy). Both use all octals. A later 5F1 Champ is very bright, as well as the Princeton. Same degree of difficulty, and use 12AX7 pre-amp.

Jack

[vibratoking]

To be clear, an Express build is not any more likely to kill you as a simple 5E3 or any other 'simple' build. High power that can kill is present in every tube amp. Current matters. Your heart doesn't really care what voltage generated the current that stopped it.

If you understand schematics and you understand the nature of electricity, then you should know enough to be safe. If have to rely on others to tell you what is safe, then you don't know enough. The fact that you asked the question leads me to believe that you don't know enough to ensure your safety. While I understand all the warnings that are issued about high voltage/current, I am not personally aware of anyone that has died while inside a guitar amp. That doesn't mean it hasn't or won't happen. I am not trying to minimize the situation. Certainly guys around here can show you permanent scars and lot's of stories about being hit hard while in an amp.

If you don't feel comfortable, this is a great place to buy a good amp. Lot's of guys here build them and then sell them at very reasonable prices in order to feed their addiction.

[soma_hero]

The trouble with the express is that the wiring is very sensitive and if you don't have wires in the exact place (like +/- 1cm) you can a howling mess.

Construction difficulty won't be any different between the express and a fender tweed. Try a Rocket, they're solid amps.

Read up on discharging filter capacitors, and how to fire up an amp for the first time using a voltage limiter and I think you'll be fine. They're intimidating at first, but use common sense and don't do anything with the power on and the caps charged and you'll be good.

[LeftyStrat]

Where are you located? I'm sure if there is someone one the board close to you they would be happy to mentor.

[RevD]

Granted, a express won't kill you any deader than a Tweed deluxe (or shock you horribly, whichever it happens to be, the first time you see a spark jump off a cap and hear the crack I can almost assure you, you'll be changing your drawers, and are WAY more careful, least that was my experience). As mentioned the problem is just the sensitivity of the circuit and its susceptibility to oscillation makes it a difficult circuit for a beginner to get working without a lot of frustration. I say this having not even built one yet, but it doesn't take but a little looking around on multiple page posts where someone is trying to figure why it's squeeling when you try to turn it up. I have no doubt even having built a few amps successfully that I'd have the same issue, another deal is having enough different preamp tubes to try to find one thats low noise and what sounds best in what position etc, I've seen plenty of post to that effect as well. I'm sure I'll build one eventually, but its not the sort of amp you throw together and its done, go out and gig with it from what I've observed here?

I know many say a single ended amp is the best for beginners, perhaps so, I'd feel pretty safe with a tweed deluxe for example, plus at 12-15 watts it makes a nice practice amp even at rehearsals (if your drummer isn't a maniac). The only issue with tweeds is typically a awful small chassis to work in which can be a little daunting. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Regards,

Don

[FuzzFreak]

Never work on it when tired, drunk, stoned or frustrated, they don't mix with high voltage very well. Enough said? Be careful and good luck.

Regards,

Don

Ps: And agreed, a simpler circuit with less gain is highly recommended before jumping into something that's on the verge of out of control like a express.

Dont smoke anything, or the voltage from the complex gain will fry your brain

Just make sure know where your power supply is, and where your B+ lines run. Your body is conductive, so don't make it a part of the circuit. It won't kill you unless you allow it to. If you lack the confidence it will only work against your favor. Building an amp is a lot like interacting with a woman. Take that for what it's worth.

BTW, a good amount of the amp builders we know and love are/were stoners. Just saying.

[RevD]

Not a critique, I wasn't always an altar-boy...

Regards,

D.

[petermelton]

Ok. Thank you for all the advice. I'll be doing some reading and probably attempting a princeton circuit then. I want a princeton anyways, I do a good about of jazz gigs. I'm located in Huntington Beach. Very near amp guru Joe Morgan. He's a friend but so busy I don't want to bother him. But boy do I want his amps! I'm a somewhat poor college student so provided I stay alive I figure it'll be cheaper to build them.

[M Fowler]

Peter,

If you want to build a Princeton Reverb I assume, I would get a kit from www.mojotone.com rather then spinning wheels gathering all the parts.

Maybe Joe Morgan could order it at dealer pricing for you.

Mark

[Zippy]

New here. First post.
Any pointers? I've never built one. Only pedals. I can follow a schematic. I want an express style amp. Is there a lot to the not dying part? Should I just leave this idea alone and just buy one? Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
Peter

Have you considered taking a basic electronics course at a local community college? Many will have a laboratory component where you learn and apply basic electrical safety on the bench top.

Or, you could do as I did and join the Navy! Nah. You don't need to go there.

[M Fowler]

Or, you could do as I did and join the Navy! Nah. You don't need to go there. Rolling Eyes

Dam Squid.

Did you know that a squid is a lower form of Marine life


Mark






U.S. Marines Rock!