But can I build this amp???

[Mayhawk]

This question is a continuation of my previous post (ie. who's selling kits and parts?), but more to the point...........

I have been playing 30+ years and mostly Fenders. But over the past few years I have been really going for the brit sound, the thicker highs, the bristling complex harmonics, the aggression, etc. I was using a Bluespearl Deluxe clone built by Robert Hudson and being quite happy with it, asked him about a Vox clone..........we settled on an AC15 circuit in a marshall-style head cab that is paired with 2x10 celestions. And I love it! Add a tele and GO! (Alas, Robert Hudson is ????.......Dudley Cra...er...Robert Hudson, phone home wherever you are.....)

Well, I need a spare or another amp at least as good as this, and I am quite taken by the Marshall 18/20 watt models. Quite simply may be the best amps ever made, or at least in the top five (inc. AC30, Superleads, Bassman, Deluxe............hey, here's a thread waiting to start....). But I cannot afford the old Lead/PA 20's and certainly not the 18 watters (who can?).............so I have been looking to someone to build me a head (or combo). And then I discovered 18watt.com!!!! This is the place!!!

But can I build this amp???? Let's see....I have a college education, I hold down a job, I used to make my own cables with Beldon 8412 back in my hungry days, and I have heard that electricity can hurt you. But can I make an 18 watt Marshall combo (or head)???

Do I need special instruments? What about reading schematics?? And the cabinetry and tolex...................do I need vocational schooling??? Or do I just let someone do it for me?? (saw some of Ron Ott's work...... yep this would be nice!)

Did I say this was "to the point?" Well, anyone of you's can tackle this?

I am,

Forever lost in Toneland, by way of Exit 1969 James Page Parkway

[ampkits]

Hey Mayhawk,

If you got thru college, then I think you can do it. But you can't get drunk like at frat parties and then start soldering and testing - this is where you'd get bit by the electricity

Seriously, it aint that complex. Of course, it can get complex when you wanna know the how and why of things (like circuit design and mods), but to build, it's quite ok. I understand that for some ppl, 18W is their first.

This site has all the info needed, including how things are wired. Maybe you can read up just a bit on tubes (what the pins are), how pots and jacks are wired, etc. But then you can ask questions here.

If I were you, and not so sure if I wanna spend quite substantial of money, here are things I can do to bring myself to some level of confidence:

1. Start with a simpler circuit - like a tweed champ. Just do the chassis, without the cabinetry. You dont have to use nice parts, just get some PT and OT lower cost from sovtek, or scrounge for suitable items.

Once done, connect to suitable speaker from a friend's champ, or any speaker.

If you like how it sounds, and works fine, then maybe you build the cab and put together the whole thing.

OR,


2. Get a tube junk. An old PA, or whatever..they can be had for even 10-20 bucks.

Trace the circuit (you have to learn a bit here), and make it into a "layout style" drawing.

Disassemble everything. Leave for 2 days.

Come back, put it together again. This would really make you learn I guess, esp on soldering.

Hope this helps!

Thanks,

Nik

[Gabi]

Nik: I didn't even finished college and I made one! hehe..

Mayhawk: I think you are qualified... I made one last year (I would boast with my website but the website is down )
Also the nice thing is that there are already made kits too. Check already put together boards from www.ceriatone.com (that's Nik), www.gdsamps.com for chassis, irons, plexi panels and so on (Graydon sells complete head or combo kits), Paul Ruby http://www.rubyamplification.com (for boards ) www.swansoncabinets.com for alredy made cabs, or Sean Phinney ( sphin@grnco.net ).

Also if you are would like to build everything from scratch, as I did, you can:

- buy components from www.angela.com, www.tubesandmore.com, www.mouser.com,
- depending if you would like to make the cab yourself, go with the Baltic Birch Ply 9 (1/2") from you local hardwood store...
- Buy tolex and cosmetics from www.partsisparts.com (marshall parts distributor)...
- Bend chassis at a metal shop for a case of Corona Beer...
- Build footswith from a porch lamp part.
- Get help from the 18 Watt members...
- Download layouts, schematics,
- Ask questions,
- Once done, make pictures and send them in. We'll make a an album for you here on the site.
- Send soundbites in (mp3 files) if you want.
- Stay away from high voltages (even after you've disconected the amp - the electrolitics can be charged for days!)

One warning if you want to do the cab yourself: WATCH YOUR FINGERS!!!! One reason beside the fact that tolexing a cabinet is an art that I am not gifted with, cabinetry, or using powertools in general are hazardous. I decided that I will try to save my complete set of fingers to play my guitar, so I rather will pay someone else to do that. And believe me, there are gifted cabinet makers on this forum (cited above)...

Explore the links, forum threads also. They are a valuable source of info...

Take care,
Gabi.