The roadblocks I hit before my first amp kit build were tremendous. I had questions about every step in the process. What if I couldn’t get it to work? Can I just connect all the grounds together? Can I get away with using cheaper tubes, or do I need low noise? I wanted to build a 5E3 style Tweed guitar amp, but in my head this kit build was doomed lol. Are these familiar thoughts on your first amp build?
The desire to build an amp kit stemmed from the desire to design an amp. I believed the process of building a kit would answer questions for me. What are your reasons for wanting to build a kit? Placing a component where it needs to be in relation to a layout and schematic is the gateway to understanding the circuit. Building a kit really brought everything into focus, and everything started to make sense. Now I can physically see the signal path.
Your first amp kit is the same as any other first. You probably won’t be at pro level. My first build didn’t work when I first plugged a guitar into it. Nothing came out the speaker. I went over my schematic a million times and retraced my layout. Then I had a stroke of luck when I wiggled the speaker jack and heard the amp crackled to life. A speaker wire was not making contact. I had crimped the spade connector to the insulation of the wire, and I was now over the moon that everything worked!
After my first couple of builds I started looking up modifications. Soon I was able to build whatever I wanted just from a schematic. 20 years later I can design a basic push pull in my head, repair amps for my friends, and offer trouble shooting advise in some situations. Not bad for highschooler electronics:)
Just like anything else in life, you can’t get in your own way. Your first amp kit could be more rewarding than anticipated. Guitar amps, HIFIs, PAs, and radios are just some of the things out there. Don’t be afraid to explore. I hope you find the sense of accomplishment that you deserve. https://crunchytubeamps.com/product/1-kit-5e3-deluxe-tube-guitar-amplifier-6v6-push-pull-amp-kit-diy/ https://crunchytubeamps.com/product-category/hifi-amp-kits/ https://crunchytubeamps.com/product-category/guitar-amp-kits/ https://crunchytubeamps.com/product-category/radio-preamp-vacuum-tube-kits/
A good idea is to search face book groups for what you’re into ahead of time. That way if you start having issues, you’ll know where to get support. You can always check out my Facebook or email me for support and I will do my best to help. My last post I promised to upload video instructions for some design calculators and here are those links along with the above mentioned contact info. https://www.facebook.com/CrunchyTubeAmps/videos/852819076802886?idorvanity=485856047509004 https://www.facebook.com/CrunchyTubeAmps/videos/516454574111696?idorvanity=485856047509004 https://www.facebook.com/CrunchyTubeAmps/ kraut@crunchytubeamps.com
