So after much umming and ahhing about pedals and whatever, ive decided to be brave and do something new and scary and maybe even learn something in the process. So im going to build a valve amp, life-threatening-voltages and all.
I’ve built plenty of pedal kits, so i know which end of a soldering iron is which, but have never done anything much with amps and would like to learn, so here we are. My only previous amp-related experience is limited to an attempted mod on an Epi Valve Jr which i never got working, and a simple attenuator which actually did work very well, so i’m hoping it's closer to the latter than the former.
Having been (quite sensibly) warned off doing anything too complex, i’m looking at Fender Tweed circuits, with a 5e3 the most likely candidate, and I’ll most likely add a power scaling option in there too, since I live in an apartment and don’t want to get evicted!
After much reading I’m keen on the Trinity kits, as they seem to be at the top end in terms of quality of components, documentation and online support! As I say, I think a 5e3 seems the best candidate as both a simple, classic circuit, but also an end result I can see myself enjoying.
Watch this space... and please do give any advice and/encouragement!!
EDIT: Build stuff starts here :
http://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/2116380/#Comment_2116380
Comments
I built a 5E3 and managed to survive - I did however do it under the watchful glance of Barry Vyse and am glad I did so.
Good luck and safety first!
Si
Is there a UK distributor for Trinity amp kits ?
MrsF was slightly alarmed at the suggestion of "life endangering voltages", but seemed more concerned that I might burn the building down rather than that I may put myself in any danger. So that's nice
Not sure what to do on speakers. Thomann will ship me a Celestion Blue for vaguely non-stupid prices, so that might be the best route. Meant to be good in this amp, and I'm 99% sure I'd use it in future anyway - would v much like to try my Badcat through one as well.
Is that the TINY factory?
What do people think about speakers for 5e3? Celestion Blue probably the obvious choice?
If i got another kit I'd probably go modulus now, Mike's a nice guy and it's over here, i bought individual components from him since then to scratch build
(formerly customkits)
(formerly customkits)
Lego tractor for scale:
TWEED!
Max wants in the box already. I've told him it's not happening till the weekend at the earliest.
Today I opened everything up properly. The cabinet is really nicely made, and lacquered to a really nice colour.
All the gubbins were supplied inside the cab. Everything is here except the speaker, which is coming separately.
First step was to check I actually have everything, and read all the instructions (they're here, and they're very comprehensive, if anyone is interested!)