Is This Worth It?

smitty_p

smitty_p

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I just ran across this Tube Depot kit. I don't know much about their kits. This isn't something I'm planning on doing soon, but it did capture my interest.

At some point, I do think I'd like to build an amp, even if just a kit.

www.tubedepot.com

Classic British JTM45+ Tube Guitar Amp Kit - Head

This Classic British JTM45+ watt Tube Guitar Amp Head Kit is perfect for the amp builder looking for more output wattage and a more challenging build.
www.tubedepot.com www.tubedepot.com
 
Hell yeah it’s worth it! From what I can see and read from the TubeDepot link, quality parts are mostly used. USA-made trannies is advertised, but the very grainy photos seems to show Classic Tones which are no longer made. Hopefully the kit comes with trannies by Heyboer. All tubes are JJ’s, which wouldn’t be my first choice, but if the JJ’s are thoroughly tested, those will be fine and you can upgrade later if you want to try something different.

I’m also noticing that the kit comes with at least a three useful mods like a pre phase inverter master volume, a switch to choose between a tube rectifier or solid state rectifier, and a switch to choose between two different levels of negative feedback.

JUST DO IT!!!
 
If I was inclined to get another amp I think building a kit could be fun. I’ve known which end of a soldering iron is the hot end. Was taught that one by my dad, so soldering PC boards or point to point would not be an issue. Would have to learn to set bias and that sort of thing. But plenty of YouTube’s out there for that.
 
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I have never built a kit amp some of my customers have then I rewired it for them lead dress is important
then adjust the dropping string blueprint voltages then debug then fine tune
When I built 6 Trainwreck amps you could still get the proper parts
When I built Tweed Deluxe Dumble mods x2 I tried 5 different transformer sets my friend Robert former engineer at Fender sourced NOS 1959 output transformers
first Deluxe built in 4 hours the second took 400 hours to get them to sound the same it's the transformers I found out the hard way.
in the 1990's my amp teacher was ill and I serviced his customers amps fax him voltage charts and tube test results he would send me the parts
play the amps over the phone and send them back to the owners then 911 happened Alaska Air Cargo closed my account no cheap shipping anymore
next started servicing private amp collections then I got A$$ raped by TSA full body cavity search and they destroyed my test equipment
2006 I started learning about Dumble amps had serviced a few in the past they all sound different made for the artiest
2007 I built 5 100 watt low plate classic ODS amps then got the information on ODS #183 High plate skyline EQ got a custom wound power transformer
from Two-Rock and used a output transformer from a 1968 Marshall Super Lead changed the filter supply to a 1966 JTM 45/100
the clean channel needed work went from 150K/220K V1 to 135K/135K V1 bright cap changed to 250pf 500pf and off three way switch
I had a jazz gig 2008 volume 1 master volume 1 to loud my volume pedal saved the gig after that built a Dumbelator ran through the effects loop
gave me a extra master volume next built a 50 watt with a 1968 784-139 Drake output transformer same values as the 100 watt
the green hornet was born best sounding amp I have ever played I used JTM45 power transformers gave me 471 VDC on the plates
with GEC KT77 power tubes RCA 12AX7 V1 V2 Siemens 1957 12AX7 PI volume 5 master volume 2 works like a charm
After the passing of my wife got a call from Mr Page he put me to work on his gear Jimmy asked me what my favorite
amp was the green hornet he has #2 set up for acoustic and electric next I built green hornet #3 and use both with channel switching
gives me two clean channels two PAB pre amp boost and two overdrive channels foot switchable top it off with the real Klon
the Jose modded modded Marshall amps I have serviced what a butcher looks like a rats nest.
the issue with amp kits they use the cheap Chinese parts getting quality parts is getting impassable
If your going to build a good Marshall clone start with the transformers

Merren Audio - MARSHALL TRANSFORMERS
resistors and capacitors good luck
 
CoyotesGator said:
I wholeheartedly advise to jump into the rabbit hole. It just might take you someplace fascinating.

Plenty of help here if you need it.
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If both you and @Far Rider are making comments to me…. Probably won’t happen. I have the skills…. I don’t have the need. I have a 5w Fender and a 20w Traynor. Both from the early 70s. I think I’ve plugged into an amp maybe once in the last year. Pretty much if I have one of my electrics in my hand I’m plugged into my Boss GT1 thru headphones.

Now…. Next week or so it’s just me and the pooch. Mama is in FL. So I may be inclined to plug in and play without headphones.
 
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