Ensure your scope probe can handle the DC voltage you will be measuring. I use one with a 2kV rating. No problems so far.neil.ferguson wrote:I have a scope, which I have used many times, but never on a tube amp. can someone advise on best practice for this, where best to connect earth etc.
What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
-
neil.ferguson
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 12:39 pm
- Location: Scotland
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
Thanks xk49w good point, i will double check.xk49w wrote:Ensure your scope probe can handle the DC voltage you will be measuring. I use one with a 2kV rating. No problems so far.neil.ferguson wrote:I have a scope, which I have used many times, but never on a tube amp. can someone advise on best practice for this, where best to connect earth etc.
Update: I have just purchased a 57 Tweed Deluxe Kit and should receive it today. Looking forward to getting stuck in
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
To begin with, you really only need the simple stuff mentioned in the first few posts, unless you are going to fabricate the chassis yourself and make your own cabinet.
Having said that, a set of assorted chassis punches is always really handy for punching socket holes in sheetmetal chassis. You need at least 2 different sizes for the tube sockets, and other sizes for fuse holders, switches and bayonet lamp mounts.
A multimeter that can measure capacitances is really handy.
Having said that, a set of assorted chassis punches is always really handy for punching socket holes in sheetmetal chassis. You need at least 2 different sizes for the tube sockets, and other sizes for fuse holders, switches and bayonet lamp mounts.
A multimeter that can measure capacitances is really handy.
He who dies with the most tubes... wins
-
johnnyreece
- Posts: 1072
- Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:05 am
- Location: New Castle, IN
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
As someone who was in your shoes not long ago, a tweed deluxe is a GREAT first amp. I wish I was here at the garage when I started! You've already got a leg up on me! 
-
vibratoking
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:55 pm
- Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
Besides the basic equipment already mentioned, you need patience and thoroughness. That Tweed deluxe might be the best amp you ever build, regardless of how technically savvy you become. Enjoy the experience.
-
TNblueshawk
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Mon May 13, 2013 7:08 pm
- Location: Nashville, TN
Re: What do I need to build Guitar tube amp?
I think I'll chime in here from a different perspective being new on this forum. You are light years ahead of me in technical knowledge it sounds like from your previous life so like riding a bike it might come back to you. Me, the only thing that comes back to me are occasional memories of childhood sicne I have zero background in electronics of any kind.
I started in the pedal building world. Maybe have built 50 or so give or take and am starting to morph into amps. This is all for myself with a sale here and there on pedals. I did have a good resource on questions with a few amp dudes on some pedal forums but mostly I read, read and when I got tired of reading I read some more before jumping onto the amp forums.
I went with a Champ kit modeled after BYOC's but purchased from Triode first about a year for poops and giggles and to simply see what I thought. Built it as a head, built my own speaker cab for fun etc... I've just finished sourcing an 18wTMB that I'll start soon.
Dave Hunter's amp book was real helpful to me in terms of spoon feeding me what some basic stuff does. He uses the Princeton layout but it clicked in my head...well....somewhat. As soon as I think I have something down I read something else and realize I don't.
Anyway rather than ramble on my point is I would start with a small wattage amp mainly for troubleshooting reasons should it not fire similar to people saying start with a fuzz pedal instead of a delay for if it doesn't fire troubleshooting can be a beast of an issue. Being a bedroom hack I'll likely stick to 30w and under but who knows. Maybe I'll buy 10 acres of TN farmland and then can crank out 50-100w without the cops coming over to listen.
Good luck and read. Aiken's site was huge as well as The Valve Wizards although I understand less than 1% of it
I'll keep reading and if I'm not careful I'll double that and make it 2%!
Safety was the first thing I was aware of, read over and over and will not take lightly.
I started in the pedal building world. Maybe have built 50 or so give or take and am starting to morph into amps. This is all for myself with a sale here and there on pedals. I did have a good resource on questions with a few amp dudes on some pedal forums but mostly I read, read and when I got tired of reading I read some more before jumping onto the amp forums.
I went with a Champ kit modeled after BYOC's but purchased from Triode first about a year for poops and giggles and to simply see what I thought. Built it as a head, built my own speaker cab for fun etc... I've just finished sourcing an 18wTMB that I'll start soon.
Dave Hunter's amp book was real helpful to me in terms of spoon feeding me what some basic stuff does. He uses the Princeton layout but it clicked in my head...well....somewhat. As soon as I think I have something down I read something else and realize I don't.
Anyway rather than ramble on my point is I would start with a small wattage amp mainly for troubleshooting reasons should it not fire similar to people saying start with a fuzz pedal instead of a delay for if it doesn't fire troubleshooting can be a beast of an issue. Being a bedroom hack I'll likely stick to 30w and under but who knows. Maybe I'll buy 10 acres of TN farmland and then can crank out 50-100w without the cops coming over to listen.
Good luck and read. Aiken's site was huge as well as The Valve Wizards although I understand less than 1% of it
I'll keep reading and if I'm not careful I'll double that and make it 2%! Safety was the first thing I was aware of, read over and over and will not take lightly.