Alex...
Gread thread here...
I can only speak for myself. As Richie (Plexi) point it out, I handmade all the parts myself and in one way it was a hit. I learned a lot, etc., and here are the conclusions I got to:
1. If I ever gona make this amp again, I'll order the parts from Graydon (at least the chassis/trannys/faceplate. Why? Well, just because I don't want to go again through going to the "Spirits and Such" store, to buy a Corona beer box, then bring that to the aluminum gutter company about 30 min from here to bend my chassis, that I have to drill it, punch it (note that chassis punchers are quite expensive - about $30-40 a piece, and here you'll need 2 different ones, one for the tube sockets, and one for the big filter can).
2. I would NOT want to spend time trying to match every component (right knob to the right pot, and such) virtually and spend more time finding the best price/quality parts places where I can buy them...
3. As much as I enjoy woodworking, I wouldn't want to spend time on building the cabinet, (and not to speak of the tolexing art!!!) especially that I'll probably would like to play my guitar with a complete set of ten fingers
It was a great learning experience and it was my very first amp but to be honest as said before, if I would build it again, I would order at least the chassis/trannies/faceplate/cabinet and add my personal mojo touch on the electronic components (rez, caps, tubes) part...
It is so much easier to have everything in a kit that has a really nice documentation where everything is explained, layed out etc., especially for a person who never did this before.
I don't want to discourage those who really want to go in it and do everything themselves, as they will gain great experience, and a great amp (see people like Lynn Cowden's aka Fierce Carrot, Brian, Nico, etc.). Does that mean that you'll possibly run into certain difficulties as redplating, tremolo or other problems? It might well be so.
It happened to me too. But it was becouse I forgot to solder a wire here, and another there, etc.
Having so many helpful people here on the forum, I would feel secure that things will get solved if somehow you'll run into some problems...
Whoa! I neve write this long! I have to get back to work
Take care,
Gabi.