Where to start?

[Brebar]

I think you found a very bad place to start. This is for very experienced techs.

[edo]

The one in the pictures? I was wondering if i could use something out of it.

[ChopSauce]

I'm not experienced tech so - in your situation - I'd check to see if the tubes are common ones (EL84, 12AX7, EF86, 6V6, etc) and if they're not, I wouldn't be sure what to do with the transformers, latter which being the main reason for buying that sort of thing.

As a sequel, I'd dismantle the thing entierely to build something else - typically the clone of a vintage Vox with euro stuff, Fender tweed with US devices, for example -

[Phil_S]

Whether that is a good first project depends on you. My first project began by picking up part of a non-working Heathkit TV sitting on the curb for trash pickup. I got a good power transformer and output transformer. I made something like a 5F1 Fender Champ with it. It was a true adventure. I knew basically nothing. Some kind people at another forum gave me a great deal of guidance and showed a lot of patience. Without them, I had no chance at all. I had to rework the chassis, and figure out or learn many things, including how to solder properly. It took me a long time to finish it. I didn't allow myself to think about failure as an option. I also tried hard to keep the budget under control, with the main problem being about $10 postage for each order and, as I recall, I got it done with two orders. By any measure, this was a simple amp to build, but a very challenging project because I didn't have the skills, experience, or knowledge required. I remember shaking like a leaf on a tree the first time I needed to probe a live chassis for voltage readings. (Clip on probes and the on/off switch helped me get around that.)

Ask yourself, are you up to making a layout drawing, drilling a blank chassis or modifying the existing one, making a complete bill of materials needed, finding a supplier with reasonable prices and everything you need, and then executing a self-made plan that may be flawed? Are you sure you can spot the difference between a 100Ω resistor, a 10KΩ and a 100KΩ resistor? (Not so funny story, I managed to use a 100KΩ where I needed 10KΩ and the amp didn't work right, though no actual harm done.) When you start it up, are you going to be able to trouble shoot the hiss and hum that results for poor lead dress and/or layout? A kit with drawings and maybe some directions will help you bypass all of this, increase your chances of success, and you'll finish the project in much less time.

This is why I say it depends on you. The simple truth is that most people are far better off buying a kit for a first build, and get something with a low parts count. With what I know today, I can't believe that I attempted what I did. I don't recommend it.

[edo]

Thank you!

Have a nice day.

[bepone]

Hello everyone, as i said in another post, i'm new to this world and i find it very fascinating. I want to find out more and build my own head (in a year?).
Where to start? Is there any good book about the electronics of guitar amps? Or some good materials on the web that covers the basis you could point at?
I made the wiring of my tele but i just followed a 50's wiring scheme i found, i know little about theory.
Considering building an amp seems like totally different thing, i want to learn as mush as i can doing this.

Thank you very much!

Have a nice day.
Edo

fender champ is perfect start, simple, easy, not expensive and good

[edo]

Thank you Sir.

If i may OT: my only amp is a Marshall JCM 600 that can no longer carry on with the original valves.
I think just one ecc83 out of 4 is really fine and none of the el34s.
I've seen in some thread that this particular model is not that easy to bias (not comfortable i mean).
Could you tell me please from the schematic which valve is for what and if i should check if the transformer works fine before swapping valves and how to do so?

Thank you!
Have a nice day.