I wanna build an amp, but i need some suggestions/help

Hi guys, i've built a few partscasters, now its time for something a little different - i wanna try an amp!.

What do i want? I'm not too sure. The main focus though is something that is relatively simple (ie straightforward) to build. I don't have a huge knowledge of electronics etc, but i'm a school teacher, so i can probably lean on some fellow staff members to help me out (and u guys!) should the need arise.

I'm only after something 'smallish' - maybe 30watts? But i'm not really sure where to go from there and could do with some pointers in a few different directions from you guys.

The other thing i have to consider is that fact that i am in Australia (like Trev in his similar post) so buying complete cabinets etc is very cost prohibitive.

So guys, can ya help? Whaddya thunk?

Cheers
Nathan.

Tweed Champ. That's what I'm doing.

www.ax84.com is a good resource.

The only amp I ever Helped build was from a schematic in a book called "electric circuit handbook" by a guy with a surname "markus"...was a great sounding amp, if I remember correctly the text accompanying it mentioned it was from an old mullard design.
I would get the diagram/copy of the circuit for you but Ive since had a falling out with that friend.
I have incidentally searched everywhere for that book too, great circuit ideas for just about anything in it.
anyway, hope the above website serves you well.

The Tweed Champ is always a good "starter amp".

Once you get started, you'll be hooked... and happy you're hooked. All of the sudden you can afford your dream amps - some assembly required, of course.

Currently, I'm building a few amps from AX84's site, plus a "low watt" Tweed Twin, and a JCM800 50watt.

I just recently finished a Fender Reverb Unit clone that was a bit cramped in the chassis, but fun and the best sounding reverb on the planet.

GuideBook of electronic circuits ( over 3600 modern electronic circuits) - John Markus
Uh, yeah, seeing as though It was published in 74' we'll see how "modern" they are ;)
Jeez, Amazon is gettin alot of business from me these days! 8)

Tweed Champ is the logical starting place if you have no previous experience, but stepping up from a Champ to a 5E3 Deluxe isn't that much more of an ordeal.

Since you're in Australia, shipping from Malaysia shouldn't be too bad, so look at www.ceriatone.com for some nifty kits.

I built one of their Marshall 18-watt clone kits, and it's a blast.

Thanks for the heads up guys, i've done a bit of searching and found some kits by Torres Engineering, and the Ceria Tone one looks interesting too. TIme t sit down and read all the details etc

Thanks guys!

Hello

I use the following web sites for parts

Hoffman
http://www.hoffmanamps.com/index.html

Antique Electronic
https://secure.tubesandmore.com/

Retro Sound
http://www.retrosound.com.au/

Check out this Australian builder
http://www.reynolds-valveart.com.au/

I do not have a web page or sell any thing I just create amps that have tone to the bone bro !

Schematics can easily be found on the net a Schematics heaven.

I hope this helps

Regards


Paul

...a Gomez "G Reverb" clone. I hear they suck. I hear even Goodwill won't accept them. They have it on the list of non-acceptable charitable items -right next to heavily used underwear, lingerie and toothbrushes.