Where are the amp builds?

[TUBEDUDE]

I guess medical issues are more prevalent amongst this group, as this hobby seems to be populated by seasoned veterans. I just got out of the hospital myself, after a week for diverticulitis and microperferations of the colon. At 60, i am feeling my mortality. I feel the spirit of the bayonet, so to speak, to finish 5 half finished builds that have lingered far to long. I do hope we get some younger blood in here to carry the flame. I'd hate for this resource and knowledge base to fade away. Much love, faith and good will to all getting by with serious medical issues. Solder on!

[gktamps]

I know what you mean, Mark. Seems like fewer builds and more troubleshooting lately. Sorry to hear a number of us are having medical issues, and wish you all speedy recovery and improvement!

I am still checking in here regularly but my work schedule has been 12-20 hours a day, leaving no energy to build amps, even on weekends. But, I've been picking up some parts for the next builds, which I hope to start when work calms down after September, and I want to build a HiWatt style amp, another Marshall style, and another TW. Picked up a JM Signature style chassis from Taylor, so will be putting the parts together for that one in a couple of months.

Cheers,

Greg

[telentubes]

I have all of the big parts for either a 102 or a JM Signature (2 chassis, MC Twin iron, pots, boards, sockets, etc.) Need a few resistors and caps. Leaning towards the 102... but have zero time these days for building. It will have to wait til fall/winter. I'm happy to say that I have made time to play my guitar for an hour or more daily, mostly the new LP through the Small Special.

[johnnyreece]

Hey, I just posted up a 50L6 amp a month or so ago.

I promise, I've got at least one more build in me...RJ hooked me up with transformers for the 6Y6 Express. I've had some commitments this summer that are keeping me pretty busy, but that's coming to an end soon. I need to catch up on some honey-do stuff after that, but it's coming. Stay tuned.

[M Fowler]

Sorry to hear about all the guys with illness, I wish you all the best.

You other guys with projects in the works I will patiently wait for your posts so I have some good entertainment.

Not very often but once in a while I get energy and less foggy mind to continue some work on amps.

I had to ask another local builder to take over a repair job for me, that was sad but he said yes so my sadness was short lived.

I enjoy surfing the net and taking care of my blind dog Griffin we are such a sad couple.

[Aaron]

I've been trying to build. But, between touring and recording, time has been very limited this year.
Saying that, I've just ordered 4 new chassis'

Wish you guys a speedy recovery.

Thanks,
Aaron

[stelligan]

I guess I have become a lurker. I am still building - just not posting pictures because I SUCK.....

Current build is a JTM45 in a bassman chassis stuck inside a low power twin cab. Next up, CE chassis build for a 102ish in a 1 x 12 combo.

If they look purty and sound good, I'll post some pics. It would be much better if y'all imagine them as the stellar picture perfect builds that they won't be....

Sorry to hear of the health problems. Y'all get well soon!

[Teleguy61]

I'm sorry to hear of your health issues Mark, and everyone else also,
the passage of time is a b*tch. I count myself as very fortunate to be in good health.
Build output is down, the last one is a normal channel only 6G6-B Bassman,
with Mag Comp txs from Gomez Amps. In a combo with single 12, and it rips.
I have too many amps by far now, and will probably sell one or more to make room for future builds.
TAG is still the go-to for facts and experience.

[Phil_S]

I"m a hobby builder. I'm north of a dozen amps now and not sure what to do with all of them. I just loaned the 5B6 to my friend's daughter (a working musician) and I'm hoping she'll offer to take it off my hands. As pleased as I am with that one, I have no where to use that much power/volume. While it's impossible to have one of everything, I've got a good variety of tonal options. The incentive to keep building is dampened by saturation, not by lack of desire. I've got the makings of several projects. Eventually I'll do something, but can't be sure when!

I suspect ebbs and flows are par for the course and this type of forum.

[katopan]

Noticed the same thing and it's multi-forum wide. As a few have said I think people have built up a collection and wonder how they can build another when they don't have space. Time pressure comes and goes too.

[dorrisant]

Sorry about all the health issues guys...

I have about 5 builds going most of the time anymore. Right now I have a Fender Frontman conversion to an Xits X10 preamp feeding a Marshall JTM145 type 1-5w power section (12AU7 or 12BH7).

Also, I have a Crate Blue DooDoo 1x12 that I gutted and started to convert to a #124 ODS. I need to source some parts here.

I have an old RCA Victor record player that I'm converting to a combo amp. This will have a 6AQ5 single ended power section (Silvertone 4784 chassis with 5Y3)and whatever I decide to build with the remaining 12AX7s.

Then there is an old rusty PA chassis here with a Dynaco 470 OT on it. I'd like to build a Pedal Mule type thing... I need to get a PT and a choke for that one... Help rj!?!

I also have a Hoso56T build into a Gibson GA20 Rvt chassis that absolutely rocks. It needs me to find the time to finish the combo cab... Soon.

A couple of weeks ago I traded an old MIM Strat I had built up for a few unfinished amp projects. A SS Vox 1x12 combo that had stock BJr iron and a sad attempt at an 18 watt circuit , a Peavey Triumph 60 chassis with TXs and it somehow fits in a GB 1x12 cab. Nothing was in good enough shape to finish, all are good for parts and rebuilds. Now I have to sort through a truckload of old tubes (mostly NOS) that I picked up yesterday.

Sorry I have let you down, Mark. I promise I will try to contribute more build posts in the very near future. I can't recall how many times I have been inspired by one of your build posts. I thank you for that.

[kkregsg]

My justification, er excuse, er reason, yeah, that's the ticket, is severalfold. I too have been participating in healthcare roulette, gathering evermore titanium replacement parts. I think after my next operation I get a free set of steak knives! If the spot price goes up, I told my wife to sell me and run with the money.

Secondly, I'd like to be a Renaisance Man, as an amp builder, but too often I'm just Baroque.

And lastly, I go through lazy spurts. Not pretty, but there's the ugly truth.

Better health to us all, and thanks to Mark for his generous help over time.

[Synchu]

Hope everyone gets and stays in good health! Much more important than anything else.

Between a very demanding and long hours day job, some side business, 2 little kids, getting a second MSc degree and finding time to play the damn things, I built and purchased, I tend to think that I am doing quite well - can improve as always though:)
Besides I really don't have much physical space left - thinking of building few floor to ceiling racks to store the amps - now my "studio/workshop" room lookes like a mad scientist trash space, though I am not a scientist ...

I am an excellent watcher though and love to look at others builds.

Niki

[stretch2011]

Well I hope everyone gets better.
I myself have been busy with a 6v6 tweed bassman that I'm deciding to go to 5881's.
I still need to get the power supply for the matchless going.
Lastly I have most of the parts to get a fender reverb unit going.
I'm 22 and staying busy. The younger population is here.

[boots]

I've got a 2x EL34 project collecting dust on the bench until winter comes around again. I had the heater wiring finished, then got busy with yard and garden work, as well as the day job that eats most of my amp building time.

For you guys with the unusual tube projects (6Y6, 12BH7, 6AQ5), talk to me. I have a bunch of oddball tubes I will never use and could easily be talked out of them. Most of them are US or Euro types.