Building my first amp...

[knuckleberryfinn]

I just decided that I am going to build myself a Vibroverb clone. However, having never done anything like this before in my life (electricity, as far as I'm concerned, is a form of magic) I am going to build myself a Champ first. I am habitually cautious, and a meticulous researcher, so I doubt I'll kill myself. My question is: where do I get parts from? Wood and tolex and all that stuff I can get, but the innards are confusing. How do I know if a kit is high quality? Can anyone recommend a kit available in the UK? Should I buy the parts separately? If so, where from? Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

[jakeolly]

Bluebell audio up in Scotland were great for me when I did my first amp, definitely an expert and a nice bloke too

[jpfamps]

There are plenty of companies selling kits; you can buy accurate reproductions of classic amps (including the Vibroverb, by the way I assume you mean a BF Vibroverb), or other designs.

If you are simply interested in getting started I would recommend a kit from Ampmaker. (www.ampmaker.com).

These kits are good value for money, and more importantly have very clear instructions, which you can download from the Ampmaker website.

Many other kits have derisory instructions, or even no instructions at all!

Once you've got your first amp under your belt and got a better understanding about what's required in making a more complex amp such as the Vibroverb.

[ESBlonde]

+1 for ampmaker, he is in fact our very own Loverocker of this parish and a bloody nice bloke actually.

[misterg]

Another +1 for Ampmaker.

Well priced stuff, and extremely helpful.

Something like this would be a good start:

http://www.ampmaker.com/store/WF-55-...style-amp.html

Bluebell Audio also helpful (but don't do kits) and seem to be the UK source for Hammond transformers:

http://www.bluebellaudio.com/

IME, the hardest (and most expensive) parts to source are the transformers.

I bookmarked these people a while ago, but haven't bought anything from them:

http://livinginthepast-audioweb.co.u...p=transformers

There's also Tubetown in Germany (who I haven't used):

http://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/ind...ing-Parts.html

and Das Musikding (who I have ordered from several times):

http://www.musikding.de/Kits/Madamp-Kits:::52_103.html

'Normal' electronics places for the bits and bobs (CPC/RS/Maplin, etc. but I like Rapid: http://www.rapidonline.com/ )

If you want a start, I would heartily recommend Barry (Ampmaker)'s kit.


Andy

[knuckleberryfinn]

Ampmaker it is, then. I am already getting excited about ridiculous cab designs and speaker configurations. Cheers everyone.