Noob....Looking to try to build...

[Normster]

It's the tubes, the circuit components, the transformers, the speakers, speaker cab, and even the layout that makes an amp sound the way it does. You don't say what type of amp you have, but it's probably wise to stick with the manufacturer's recommendation for tube type. Amp circuits are designed around very specific tube parameters. Especially if you're talking about EL84s, there are only a couple of substitutes available such as 6BQ5 (equivalent) and some Russian military surplus types whose designator I've completely forgotten. While tube types are pretty constrained, tube brands are wide open for experimentation.

The problem with modifying most new production tube amps is that they're made for economy of manufacture, not serviceability. That's yet another reason why so many people are willing to go through the time and effort to build their own using "primative" methods like eyelets or turrets. Printed circuit boards are very easy to manufacture, but a real PITA to service. For example, there are some experienced amp techs on this forum who have anxiety attacks when they see Classic 30's.

Anyway, it sounds like you're on the right track with a 5E3 kit. There are several reputable suppliers of Fender style kits. A few that come to mind are:

Mission Amps - Great kits, reasonable prices
http://www.missionamps.com/5E3kit.shtml

Allen Amps - A little pricier, but still good stuff
http://www.allenamps.com/kits.php

Mojo Amps - Looks expensive, but you get everything
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/item.a ... id=5550002

Good luck and welcome to our opium den.

[JamesO]

It's probably both. What kind of amp do you have? Vox?

[spaceace1122]

my amp is a Crate Palomino V32H with matching Cab

i am gonna do a bunch of looking around before i commit to buying a kit...it is probably going to be a while before I can get one anyways, figure with that time, why not do a bunch of research

[Structo]

What brand of EL84's do you have in the Palomino?

How long have you played with that amp.

That amp gets a lot of good reviews, so it's a great platform that you can probably improve upon just by trying different tubes.

A lot of guys like the JJ EL84's.

http://www.eurotubes.com/index.htm

[spaceace1122]

it came stock with sovtek tubes....if i am not mistaken those are the bottom of the line tubes right?

i heard a guy at guitar center asking about jj tubes one day and i looked them up, thought about getting some

and should one really be relying on the OD channel for good distortion? i know about the tube break-up and awesome sound you can get, but doesn't that means running your amp at its maximum , and for 30W, that mother is loud.

if i remember right, i bought the amp is jan or feb of this year. so not really played with it that long.

how does the brand of tube make a difference when they are the same model? they should be the exact same right?

[rfgordon]

Spaceace,

I fully appreciate that the prospect of shelling out lots of lunch money for something you have to build is daunting. That's kind of the place you get to after you've built a few simpler machines.

Here's my recommendation, cuz it's what I did.

1. Get lots of books on amps and electronics. Go thru the online NEETS courses: http://www.tpub.com/neets/ I read Gerald Weber's three books three times each before it really clicked for me--and I had electronics training from the Army 25 years ago! (The biggest epiphany for me was finally grasping that some wires carry AC (signal) and DC (amp power) at the same time for different purposes.)

2. Get inexpensive transformers by buying a 1960s tube mono receiver (like a Newcomb or the Harmon Kardon DA-30 Commander) on ebay.

3. Get parts/chassis/boards from a helpful place, like Ken Watts at turretboards.com

4. Choose a simple circuit and build the amp. Cut the holes in the chassis--the whole enchilada.

5. Come to the forum with your questions.

No matter how simple you start--tweed champ or one of the AX84 designs, you need to be prepared for this: once you build one amp that works (almost any tube amp, built properly, will sound great!) you'll be hooked. You'll build more amps--your friends will want you to build amps for them, too.

Be warned--there is no rehab program for amp-building addiction. I know, cuz my wife searched the globe for one....

[angelodp]

Spaceace, do the right thing and go with something that is doable and tried and true. The Brown Note kit and all the info that is available here will get you into a world class amp. I built one as my first build and knew very little about electronics ( I am still just scratching the surface ) but there are so many great people here that are willing to help with advice, ideas, diagrams etc that its a godsend to have in you back pocket. And..... I can say that I now have an amp that would have cost me at least double perhaps more than the 1300 I put into it ( three way foot switch and dumbleator included ). The long and the short is you are in the right place just follow the great advice you are getting and in one month you will have the best damn amp you have ever heard.
BTW I bought the $650 kit and ponied up for a Reason Cab... you say you can build your own cab so you are very close to a " go for it " price. Listen to the Brown Note clips... these amps Rock big time.

Ok enough of my making a commercial here.


Cheers and happy soldering

[angelodp]

double post... sorry

[djroge1]

A lot of what you guys have written has helped me. Thanks!