Hi
I was idly looking for an amp building course and came across Vyse Amps. They sell amps and also do courses that allow you to learn and build your own.
Now, I don't have any experience in this area but I've always thought it would be good/nice to have an amp that you've built yourself. Also, following on from the 'small valve head' thread, that got me thinking about the possibility of building a head instead of just buying one.
So 2 questions really:
1 Has anyone got any experience of the amps that Vyse make and sell?
2 Has anyone been on their course (or any others)?
The link to their site is here -
http://vyseamps.com/index.html - just out of interest.
Cheers
Comments
Its angry, it’s knarly, at times it’s barley tameable. It’s the loudest small box 1x12 I’ve ever heard in my life, on either channel you get nothing below 2 on the volume and by 3 it’s as loud as it goes. A complete one trick pony.
Its also hands down the finest amp ever. It has a sprinkling of magic that no other amp I’ve ever played can get anywhere near and within it’s one trick, there are some beautiful nuances and it knocks the spots off any boutique build or Fender CS 5e3 I’ve ever heard.
good amps!
Some months ago I had the idea of a complete rebuild but my eyesight is not good enough any more. I used it with a 1 * 12" cabinet but it has limited clean headroom, distortion sets in early and at fairly low volume. So if that is your sound, go for it.
I have no experience of the BYO amplifier courses run by Vyse.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
No prior experience like yourself and |'m still sorting out some other parts before starting but will update how it all goes as and when..
Out of interest, what made you pick that kit? Actually, I don't think I can find that one on the site.
I've been in and around electronics for almost 30yrs in the trade.. Looking at these prices to build valve amps or transistors amps and think gee whiz so high prices.
Mmm if folks have a good skill level they can gain form reading and asking other tech's.
There is no great magic to it and those who charge huge money for a 10watt amp is just over the top.
Yes valve's amps are interesting projects when hand wired with strip tag boards.
It's a wonderful sounding thing, and for all that time has completely killed my amp GAS. Sadly it needs a service now and is in storage due to a new baby taking up all my playing time, but i'm certainly going to keep it for when I can use it again. I've not heard a better sounding Fender amp.
Am going to find out in the best way possible I can think of and have Barry build me something else. He’s been completely amazing so far, researching, answering questions and guiding me through my options to make sure I get just the amp I want.
(2x12AX7 power valves, 1x6V6 output and a GZ34 rectifier valve, combo with V30 12" Celestion).
Also bought the cabinet (flat pack) and tolex.
I had absolutely zero experience in electronics other than a bit of soldering on guitars.
Barry was really very helpful and very patient on the phone (and I called him quite a lot).
I had an issue with the transformer on the build at one point and Barry was over in Manchester visiting his daughter (He lives in Kent) and he made a trip over to my house near Oldham to take a look and help me out.
I'm still using the amp now - it's excellent and Barry is a top bloke.
I'd say go for it, you wont regret it.