I want to build an amp! Initially I was thinking of a simple 5f1 Champ-a-like kit like the Ampmaker one, but what I really want is something as close to the original circuit, and original looks, as possible - that kit is diode rectified and the chassis is designed to be suspended horizontally instead of vertically like the tweed champs.
I know the 5f2a Princeton circuit is almost the same as the 5f1 Champ, but adds a simple tone control and I reckon that is exactly what I want. So what I am looking for is a kit that comes with decent instructions, a good chromed and screen printed chassis and maybe a cabinet. The cab is easier to source though - maybe AF Custom Cabs?
I can see kits from Mojotone and Weber in the States, but although I know building a kit isn't particularly cost effective way of getting a new amp, paying a few hundred on shipping and duty is just daft - if it can be avoided.
I've been reading up on valve amps and my understanding is improving, and I'm sure hands on experience will help this. I'm pretty practical and have built a couple of pedals on vero so soldering skills are okay, and can follow a schematic but would prefer decent instructions with pictures as well to help keep me safe!
I'm aware of the dangers that lurk in amps, even when unplugged so will take the utmost care - I hate being electrocuted!
So anyone suggest where to source something like this in the UK?
Comments
Mojo Tone have one, but the States again. I'm sure you'd be able to get just the chassis. though be careful with transformers. The chassis are usually drilled for specific transformer(s) they supply with the kit. Im having to mod the Weber chassis a bit for my build.
http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/amp-kits-tweed-style/Mojotone-Tweed-Princeton-Style-Amplifier-Kit#.U2LG3_5OW9I
Think that's right - http://vyseamps.com/about-us.htm
This is the route I took last year when I built my 5E7. I spent a lot of time researching the build and sourced my components from a fair few sources. I got some good advice off the 'elders' of this forum too.
Using this approach makes you really think about what you are building and helps you learn much more about the subject, as opposed to a building by numbers approach.
Plus it's a lot more fun and you can build it over time as funds allow.
It cost me about £800 all in for my build... as opposed to having to pay over £2K to fender for their reissue.If you decide to go this route, PM me and I can send you details of all the suppliers I used and some tips for the build.
never built an amp but can heartily recommend ringing Barry Vyse. Extremely friendly and tremendously knowledgeable bloke who worked on my old Fenders
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Well, I have had plenty advice, thanks guys, particularly Patrick for all the helpful links, and I've done plenty of thinking and have concluded that my best option may be a compromise - as it usually is.
I'm just waiting on a shipping quote but am thinking that I will get this 5f2a kit...
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/kits_50a.htm#5F2A
...and use that as the basis for my build.
The kit includes everything, including a chassis and speaker, and I've upgraded to an aged tweed TV Front cab. Cost before shipping is about £300 as they have 10% off just now. If shipping is reasonable, even allowing for import costs that seems quite a good deal. I fully expect some of the components won't be best quality but I'll take your advice on what I'd be wise to upgrade. Although the parts are supplied as a kit, there are no instructions - just a schematic and layout, so you will be getting a lot of questions.
to deal with.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein