5e3 kits....for beginners??

[bossaholic]

I just bought a really nice (and cheap) 5e3 Tweed cab off CL and want to make my own amp.

Looking at Boothill kits per recommendations from the TDPRI, but when I looked at their site, they warn that the kits are for experienced amp builders.

I am not completely ignorant to working with electricity, BUT I have never done something so complex before. Is this something for a careful first timer or should I go another route to complete my amp?

[TNO]

If you are detail oriented it's no big deal. You populate the board. You wire the pots and jacks. You wire the tube sockets and transformers. I'm simplifying, but not by much.

[charisjapan]

Originally Posted by bossaholic

I just bought a really nice (and cheap) 5e3 Tweed cab off CL and want to make my own amp.

Looking at Boothill kits per recommendations from the TDPRI, but when I looked at their site, they warn that the kits are for experienced amp builders.

I am not completely ignorant to working with electricity, BUT I have never done anything so complex before. Is this something for a careful first timer or should I go another route to complete my amp?

Hey Boss,

If you can handle a soldering iron reasonably well, read this book Dave Hunter's Amp Book and flip back and forth for references, have the patience to accept that this may take more than a few evenings to throw together, and be willing to search the internet for at least 3 of the main 5E3 layouts and try to connect how they interact with Fender's original schematic drawing... you'll do fine!

It's what I did!

Boot Hill supplies a hard copy of the Weber layout, the original Fender layout is easily found, Ceriatone has a 'tweaked' layout, and Triode Electronics has a pretty, full-color layout on their homepage. These show (approximately) where the parts reside in the chassis. The schematic is a bit more complicated, but if you 'connect-the-dots' between it and the various layouts, AND use Hunter's book as a reference for the why, AND post anything you can't understand here, you WILL be able to have a really nice Tweed amp.

Here's the usual warning... Once you plug the amp in the first time, potentially lethal voltage and amperage are easily 'touchable,' even after you switch off and unplug. Only one hand near the chassis at a time, period. When folks say "One hand behind your back!" they are dead serious.

Take the time to read through several 5E3 build threads, and pay attention to some of the woes us noobs went through (mine, too!). Virtually all of them have a happy ending, and you can learn from other's mistakes. There are a few builds as yet unresolved, but they will eventually be hearing those marvelous tweed tones.

Have fun, be safe.

charisjapan

[Telenut62]

Only one hand near the chassis at a time, period. When folks say "One hand behind your back!" they are dead serious.

No pun intended

[charisjapan]

Originally Posted by Telenut62

No pun intended

Well, maybe slightly intended.

When I first got the notion to build an amp (after several dud cheapo 'semi-tube' and even 'all-tube' amps), I lurked here and a few othe places. At one site (not here, I think) a fellow was posting about needing two hands to hold parts to replace, and got several severe warnings from fellow forumers, but he was pretty adamant that he knew what he was doing, it wasn't that dangerous, etc. Then nothing for several days... The other guys wrote and asked if he was OK, but no replies. (gulp!) I don't know if he was just miffed that everyone was asking him to be cautious, or .... y'know!

Before I even dived into DIY amps, I had second thoughts!! But I figured I only have one life to give for my tone, so here I am!

charisjapan

[picknpluck]

I built a Boot Hill 5E3 with no previous experience and it turned out great. Just go slow, be anal about your solder connections and your lead dress, and pay attention to detail. This forum is also a great resource. Take the plunge--you'll be glad you did.

[hackworth1]

You did a great job, picknpluck. I concur that this forum is an excellent resource for builders. There are many enthusiastic hobbyists and afficionados whom are generous with their time and expertise. They are happy to help others. IME and IMHO, the best way for a new builder to build an amp kit is to post their build progress with pictures and questions on this site as they go along.

[pryde]

Well the best amp build for a beginner is one that comes with expert guidance and advice. This you will find with Dave at Boothill amps (Hackworth on this forum) and also the great people here.

Here is an option for you:

-Boothill Amps 5e3 Kit
-5E3 Transformer set from Triode Electronics
-Get all tubes from Triode or other online dealer
-Weber Alnico Sig 12 speaker (can be purchased online at a few places)

Just get the parts in, start a new build thread on the forum and you will be alright. My own and several other builds already done here with above parts, there are plenty of pictures and knowledge right here. Good luck

[blueshawk100]

I have also just completed a Boothill 5E3 amp kit, with a little previous experience. Everything they have said is right. Take your time, enjoy the process. If you get frustrated, tired, etc, just stop and pick it up in a day or two.

I don't think that this has been said though. With the Boothill kit you get high quality parts that fit together with minimal fuss, and helps to ensure a good outcome.

I'll say this. When you get it done, you have a beautiful looking chassis/controls and (assuming that you follow the pictures posted and recommendations for the ground bus and wire twisting) a quiet (low noise/hum) great sounding amp.

This amp is probably better than the original in terms of part quality and it is probably better than the new reproductions Fxxxxx is making for a very high price. The Boothill chassis kit is IMHO a true value at the price he is asking.