So what if I want to build a LARGE amp?

[TubesIntrigueMe]

Hi, I'm a newbie, and I believe I got bit by the amp building bug.

I checked into what supplies would cost and quickly figured out that I didn't feel like dropping that kind of money, considering the extremely poor guitar player I am, I wouldn't have a good use for it.

SO...I called a friend of mine who wants a tube amp badly to see if he would like to help. He said he's broke, so I called another buddy who is an avid bass player. He said that he would only be interested if it were 70-100watts. (He has a fondness for massive amps, having had a SWR 150watt and then a Bassman 100)

So...my idea was to basically build a double or triplicate of a 36 watter. Am I crazy? Has it been done? I figure it CAN be done, but does someone have a layout/schematic/parts list for some such animal? Any advice or suggestions? I assume this would take a 4x12 setup, or could I do a 2x12?
Thanks
K

[rjgtr]

I second the Metro amp suggestion. However, for your bass player friend, you should build a Blackface or Silverface Bassman type circuit. But instead of 6L6s, use over sized transformers and use 6550s. That would be absolutely clean at decent playing volumes and just crushing. A pair of Marshall 100 watt transformers would probably work fine and you'll get 150+ watts.

[Broz]

rjgtr,
What do you think about the Metroamp Superbass kit for a bass amp? I have been poking around for ideas on bass amps and will think about your 6550 suggestion, but how do you think that would that compare with the 100 watt Superbass? Thanks,
Broz

[rjgtr]

Personally, I'd prefer the Superbass with EL34s. I would say, go ahead and build the Superbass. With just a little modification to the bias circuit (1 resistor) you can put 6550s in it and see if that is more to your liking.

BTW, the Superbass is a great guitar amp too. Duane Allman and Jeff Beck were known to use the 50 watt version.