Learning Amp Maintenance, Repair, preparing to build a kit

[getbent]

I did search on this and didn't find what I'm looking for. I would like to learn how to troubleshoot and repair my amps, I'd like to learn what makes my amps work, enough theory to be able to work safely...

Eventually, I'd like to build some kits and eventually build my own amps... I've made it through two byoc pedals just fine, I've wired up guitar and bass pickups etc... but I feel pretty clueless.

Is Tom Mitchells video/book set a good choice or can you recommend a good place to start? Thanks. Oh, please, if you can recommend something easy to order rather than hunting used book stores for old manuals.... thanks again.

[JohnnyCrash]

Tom Mitchell's book was a real disappointment - to me.

Now, I use it only for the color coding of resistors, but with the interweb finding color codes is easy.

gentbent, PM me your mailing address, I'll mail you some books I got.

I found old 50s tube instructional books on eBay. I don't need them anymore. They're WAY BASIC, but it's a good overall introductional "warm up" set.

A member on 18watt.com mailed me another overview book for free... I'll share the wealth and send you that one as well... those 3 books aren't "tomes" by any means, but it's a start.

Dig around online for "RCA Tube Manual" for PDF versions. That's pretty usefull once you understand what plates/anodes, cathodes, grids are.

I'd recommend electronics books, then audio electronics books... that'll give you a solid foundation.

My first recommendation would be to just jump right in... the tweed Champ is everyone's first amp...

Let me explain something to you:

1. I am an idiot.

2. I built a tweed Champ as a head unit with a variable impedance output transformer (multi-tapped) and a switch for cathode biasing either a 6V6 or a 6L6 or an EL34.

This required learning how to spec transformers (which the guys on 18watt.com were a great help for), and doing things NOT stock or from a kit.

I even bought and drilled/punched my own chassis myself, drilled the turretboards, staked the turrets, and learned crude woodworking to build the cabs (which you see in my gallery - hey, don't laugh too hard at my "skills" HAHA).

If I can do it, ANYONE can!

Keep your TDPRI screen name and go sign up on 18watt.com... that's a great place to find cool people to help you.

[JohnnyCrash]

Let me know when you get your logon info for 18watt.com...

[CancerLeoCam]

..Dave Funk book. Though it might blow you away with all the info at first, you will keep coming back to it. Gluck man.

[getbent]

I applied at 18watt.com... I'd grazed over there...

Also, I'll get the Dave Funk book as well.

[maestrovert]

www.ax84.com
might be helpful to you also....

[JohnnyCrash]

Originally Posted by maestrovert

www.ax84.com
might be helpful to you also....

I almost built an AX84 design (Hi Octane)... they have a ton of low watt amp designs.

They have some larger wattage stuff as well.

The quality of the people on 18watt.com though is just awesome... whatever you can ask they can answer. Lately things are a bit tense there though.

getbent, you can just harass me in emails or PMs and if it's something beyond my range, we'll hit up the forum or a book.

[maestrovert]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCrash

The quality of the people on 18watt.com though is just awesome... whatever you can ask they can answer.

Agreed !!
i'm also a member of the www.18watt.com site, same handle too....

jump in GetBent, the water's fine !

[getbent]

Go figure... the short bus has arrived at 18watt.com

I have the same nick ... i'll start poking around there tonight after I get some actual work done.... and the giant game is on too.... perfect surfing environment!

thanks again for the encouragement fellers... I picked up another little Alamo amp to dink around on once I get my sea legs.... then I'll tackle a kit... I want to build a supro thunderbolt combo...