Amp Building question

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

So after doing some research. I feel that building an AX84 is the one to build? Sound reasonable?

How much should I anticapte on spending?

BTW- Thanks for your help guys

[mcrracer]

IF you take your time and do a little more research you will find that it is possible to build your first amp for $100 or less. This would take some time to look here and there and weigh out your purchasing decisions. Most guys are not willing to put that kind of time in and rush out to buy something and grossly overspend ...in my opinion.
If money is no object then you can do whatever catches your eye. It depends on whether you feel you have to have a "kit" or if through research you feel you can source your own parts. There are a number of parts sources and prices vary widely. Then you must also consider shipping cost which can eat up your savings if you're not careful. There are many circuits which would be appropriate and useful as a first build that would give you an amp that would work for practice, recording and gigs. This site, SEWatt, 18Watt, AX84, Hoffman and others all offer extensive help and circuit ideas for the beginner as well as the more experienced builders. It is however up to you.

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

mcrracer-
From what I can tell (and I still dont know shit) one could go a couple of ways.

1. Buy a AX84 kit. http://shop.dobermanamps.com/product-p/kit-sel.htm I believe this would the cheapest and most spoonfed starter amp? In the end you would have an amp that -"Features
5 Watts- Like watching a really loud football game"... To me that is Anemic, but hey, for $250 or so you can make your own amp and learn something?

2. Buy a Ceriatone kit for up to $1200 or so. http://ceriatone.com/productSubPages/Ov ... 00Kits.htm
This is a complicated non first time amp, but you get a real high quality product once finished?

I understand there are probably way more kits out there, but am I at least on the right path here?

I cant help but feel for all of my trouble and effort, I would want a really nice amp. I would love to build a Soldano clone, or like kind. I tried to register on the Soldano fourm but cannot.(web errors)
On the other hand, unless there is a spoonfed kit for said Soldano clone I best not attempt.
I need "Meet Mr. Tube, he goes right here. Now solder this to Mr. Tube.

As far as spending $200-$300 on something. I have little issue with that. $1200 on the other hand, I would need something killer for that scratch.

Maybe, I am mistaken in what I have been seeing and reading. but it is really starting to seem that Making your own amp to save money is foolish as you can go to guitar center and buy something for $250 that even has effects.

[M Fowler]

Maybe, I am mistaken in what I have been seeing and reading. but it is really starting to seem that Making your own amp to save money is foolish as you can go to guitar center and buy something for $250 that even has effects.

Yes and no. I can build some amps way under what is being sold.

Other amps I get way more money into and could just as well have bought one but what fun is that.

Same thing with these build your own clone stomp pedals. An Electro-harmonix LPB2 booster pedal kit is $42-$45 per kit when the real deal sells for $38 at my local music store.

I must be alone in the not liking the Ax84 kits.

[dynaman]

You should be able to get a decent kit for just a few hundred bucks. I wouldn't recommend wasting time and money on trying a Soldano/Bogner type of amp your first time around.

Check out Weber. They have lots of neat kits for cheap. Their parts quality has been debated over a zillion times but I think they still give decent bang for your buck. Again, I don't think it would be wise to try even Weber's Soldano knock-off.

Triode Electronics offers kits too.

[wicker]

Depends what you look for, but you could really look to Marvel site:
http://marvelamps.com/
I don't know what about shipping, just send him a message and get more info.

[dr. who]

Try out brownnote. The bluemonkey series has everything that you've mentioned I think.

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

that 18w Marvel sounds pretty darn nice.Has that nice marshall ac/dc grind to it. Sounds nice clean too.

The Dumble Ceraitone sound awesome, But I have yet to see anyone really rock one.

[mcrracer]

Brown note has a horrible reputation for taking forever to ship after they get your money. Do a search for more info here and on 18 watt I don't know him, never dealt with him but I have read the horror stories. I can't recomend a kit from personal experience because I have never bought one nor would I ever buy a kit. A 5 watt amp on a 4-12 cab is a gig worthy amp and is louder than you may think The 18 watt Marshall style amps are louder than many people need. Do you have any experience playing on tube guitar amps? Where do you live? Maybe one of us lives close to you and could assist you in your build. I used to sell kits and offer several hours of my time for free to help guys get their amps built and EVERY TIME I gave in and sold someone an amp far beyond their capabilities because they just insisted on XYZ amp because it would be more "useful" to them it ended up as I had to fix all of their problems and basically build the amp for them. I aint a gonna do that any more. A 5 watt amp would do you a better service in learning in my opinion. Or if you just have to have something more powerful then an 18 watt style of amp and there are many to choose from. There have been cases where a new person insisted and completed a more complicated amp. It can be done. But the bottom line is how much money, time and help you can get. Yes you can also come here for help but it helps to know something about what you are trying to do.

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

Do a search for more info here and on 18 watt I don't know him, never dealt with him but I have read the horror stories. .

The 18w amp I was referring to was this one http://marvelamps.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AdJg3nZ81I
I am having a hard time figuring out how much it costs. There is a A kit B kit and C Kit. I dont know if you just need the b kit or if you need the A as well.
Anyway if you view the video that is type of thing I am looking for. Not sure if there is something else to look at Since I am at the mercy of what googe shows me.
If this is a company to aviod, I wil take note.

[M Fowler]

From the starting a business thread: A question was posted about Marvel amps.

I checked out your web site. Your Komplete Atom 18w is

647 Polish zlotys = 226.5328 US dollars (says Google)

is that right? How much is shipping to US?

[Drumslinger]

If and when you decide to move forward on your build. "BE CAREFUL AS YOU WILL BE DEALING WITH HIGH VOLTAGES".

http://www.aikenamps.com/SafetyTips.html

[Marvel]

If this is a company to aviod, I wil take note.

No, this ISN'T a company to avoid.

The kit prices (excluding cabinets) are as follows:

Atom 5W $175.00
Atom 18W $225.00

BUT shipping from Europe to the US is another $100 and you'll probably have to pay some import duty fees or taxes.

The way around this is to get only the PCB and chassis from me. All other parts, including transformers, are easily available in the US.

And it's always best to contact me directly at info@marvelamps.com

Regards, Marcin

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

Thanks Marcin- Email sent.

[jsmith_334@hotmail.com]

Okay, since you have all been so patient with me (which is very much appreciated.) I have a some other questions:

1. some say I can build an amp on the cheap -$100-200 +/-
What makes an Amp like a Dumble clone so expensive? Is it Components? I'm sure there are more, but $1000 more? -I'm perplexed.

(warning: this next one is going to be really dumb.)

2. are tubes interchangeable? eq. If I have an amp with an "X" tube in it, can I replace that with a "Y" for a different sound or effect? Is this part of the craft that keeps your head spinning at night in search of perfect tone?

3. Can you cannibalize old tv's radio's ect for parts?
Where is good place to get parts?