First Amp Build Questions

[Mattlee0037]

Hey guys, I've been doing a lot of research lately and I always am finding links to this site. I just wanted to get some input for a first build. I have soldering skills, I can follow layouts, I've built up pedals before, but obviously building tube amps is a little different! I was planning on buying the turret board, chassis, and faceplates from ceriatone, and sourcing the transformers cabinet tubes and speaker(s) from somewhere else. I just wanted to know if the "dizzy 30" (Matchless DC30 Clone) was too ambitious for a first build, and if I should start off with the lightning or the spitfire (15 watt Matchless Amps). Also, sorry if this is the wrong forum I wasn't sure which place to post it!

Regards,

Matt

[ampmike]

Welcome bro,5e3 sold in a few places was a good starter for me,I still am not where I would like to be but my son got through it it and it's a little beast.you can check with mojo or I can save you a few bucks on one,good luck Matt,you can't just build one

[cbass]

You probaly want to start with something simple and well documented.A 5e3 would be a great choice

http://store.marshamps.com/product_info ... 9l7j50ko45

[ampmike]

Yea I did a Marsh-mojo twin reverb,Mike did send a build guide as well as a layout.He is a nice guy and at the time I even got to talk on the phone for help.Just had to give him headsup and set up a phone time.In the past I got many parts from him,great guy!!!

[Mattlee0037]

Yeah I know you cant just build one Ive already planned my next four pedal builds XD and thanks for the help guys! Is the 5e3 comprable in difficulty to the spitfire? If it is Id prefer the clean headroom of the spitfire. Does anyone know how Nik from Ceriatone is about helping with builds? At the place where I intern we actually do amp building seminars with mojo kits (although I was planning this for summer when I'll be home from college) So if the spitfire is too complex that would be an easy albeit less preferred route!

[martin manning]

Estimate complexity by counting tubes: That makes a Fender Champ a 3, a 5E3 Deluxe a 5, and a Twin Reverb a 10. The Spitfire and Lightning would be 5 and 6 respectively.

I hear Nik is a prince of a guy ;^), but there is a whole roomful of guys who can help you with your build right here.

[cbass]

Well to me the buildin pedals is more difficult in someways than building amps.
I'm sure you could handle the spitfire.I just like fender amps

[ampmike]

Mark Fowler will probably chime in I think he has done about every amp on the planet and Im sure he has done a few Spitfires,Yo Mark!!!

[martin manning]

Well to me the buildin pedals is more difficult in someways than building amps.

... but you're not likely to get a painful shock or die from 9VDC!

[Mattlee0037]

Thanks for all the help with everything guys! If anyone has ever built a similar circuit share your experiences! Tips, Tricks, Beginners mistakes to avoid are all helpful. Also, from what I heard you shouldn't skimp on transformers. So would Westlabs be a good place to get those? I'm very excited to start my build! Now I only have to finish this semester alive and sell off some gear......

[Colossal]

Also, from what I heard you shouldn't skimp on transformers. So would Westlabs be a good place to get those? I'm very excited to start my build! Now I only have to finish this semester alive and sell off some gear......

You heard right about transformers. With an amp, you are also listening to the power supply and that starts with quality iron. Don't be tempted to cheap out and go with offshore iron. Besides being un-American both in quality and spirit, the tone and precision are often marginal at best.

If you are set on a Matchless style clone, you could check out Dave West's transformers. There are others that will fit the bill as well.

Take your time, enjoy the process of learning about and saving for your build. No reason you can't pull off a fairly complicated build for your first attempt, but it takes discipline and patience. Study schematics (!), don't give in to just soldering by numbers off a layout. Layouts are often rife with errors that many a newb will just blindly copy.

Start selling off that gear now!

[Mattlee0037]

Just posted some gear on Craigslist! I tried emailing the guy at transformer supply and design (claims his father handwound the matchless transformers) but I never got a reply from him, so I will probably end up getting them from Westlabs. Mercury Magnetics prices were even higher than Westlabs though. Is there really enough difference in sound quality to constitute the price difference in them?

Also, if I do come across a schematic error how will I know it's an error?

[Colossal]

Mercury Magnetics prices were even higher than Westlabs though. Is there really enough difference in sound quality to constitute the price difference in them?

Mercury's posted prices are suggested retail and you should not pay that. You can email them to ask for a reseller with whom you can work with otherwise you would pay the higher, posted rate if you order direct. They make very high quality transformers. You're not going to get a transformer from them with sloppy, drippy end bell paint shellacked with varnish with years of dirt and insect bits in it, and bent, thin legs showing up in a wad of newspaper.

As far as tone goes, that is very subjective and experienced builders often form very strong opinions about which components they select. You will do well with Mercury, Edcor, and Magnetic Components transformers. I would include Heyboer as many professionals and hobbyists use and swear by them but there have been enough complaints about humming Heyboers in recent months that I am concerned about their quality control. This is my opinion only so take it with a grain of salt. I am not suggesting they sound bad, only that I personally weight tone and quality of manufacture almost equally.

Also, if I do come across a schematic error how will I know it's an error?

Diligent and rigorous study and comparison of every schematic for that amp you can find. Compare every part. Learn to identify what each part is called (e.g. input grid leak resistor, plate load resistor (anode), cathode resistor, coupling capacitor, etc) and its function.

You can also post a schematic for an amp you might intend to build and ask "hey, is this a known/trusted schematic?"

[cbass]

Well to me the buildin pedals is more difficult in someways than building amps.

... but you're not likely to get a painful shock or die from 9VDC!

Good point.I was reffering more to the size.I got bit a few weeks ago for the first time from an amp.I wouldn't recommend it

[Mattlee0037]

Ok thanks that was very helpful! I'll have to check the prices on the 'iron' lol. Also it sounds like you may have had a very bad experience with a transformer before?
I'll definitely be seeking out help once I finally get the cash, and in the meantime reading a lot here!