Build a One-Tube Cigar Box Amplifier - Vintage plans from 1954

We love vintage plans, especially ones from the Eisenhower Era.  Here's another one to drool over and explore: a One-Tube cigar box amp!  The plans were first published in Science and Mechanics, Feb. 1954.  We've taken a scan of them, cleaned them up and put it all together in one downloadable .pdf file below.

The plans suggest that the amp can be used for a phonograph and call for a phono jack as an input.  Simply swap it out for a 1/4" guitar jack and you're in business.

WARNING:  Do not build this schematic without major modification, as it may not be safe. Do NOT attempt to make this unless you incorporate a 3-prong plug with ground and a power transformer and fuse. Amps like these should not be sold without being disabled or the addition of a power transformer.  

NOTES ON THE TRANSFORMER:  The plans call for an output transformer with a 2500 ohm primary and a 3-5 ohm secondary.  Because these are not sold anymore, a discussion in the Antique Radio Forum was started to solve the dilemma. See their posts and solutions here.

To get a sci-fi look to your amp like the one above, check out our feature, Cigar Box Amp Mods

We should note that wiring with tubes can be dangerous.  We present these plans as archival material and do not assume responsibility.  For a safe alternative to tube amp construction, we suggest the C. B. Gitty solid state 2.5 watt amp kit.

Views: 6221

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

a repeat from above:

WARNING:  Do not build this schematic without major modification, as it may not be safe. Do NOT attempt to make this unless you incorporate a 3-prong plug with ground and a power transformer and fuse. Amps like these should not be sold without being disabled or the addition of a power transformer. 

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods on Wednesday. 7 Replies

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

Latest Activity

Southern Ray commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

" I was gonna say, "Sweeeeeeeeeet" as well, but that was taken. Very nice. I too love…"
6 hours ago
Southern Ray replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
" Any other questions, just ask. "
6 hours ago
Southern Ray replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
" Hello JD, welcome. I'm a fifty year failed six-string player that got into building and…"
6 hours ago
BrianQ. replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
10 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

"Burn baby burn! Top looks hot Crazed; sporty headstock too. Excellent build."
10 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

Four projects

"You are a busy guy Warren! Outstanding builds and each one unique; well done."
10 hours ago
AGP # commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

""Sweeeeeeeeet", love the burning on the Body, have a Build on the Bench at the moment,…"
11 hours ago
AGP # liked Crazed Fandango's photo
11 hours ago
J. D. Woods replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
12 hours ago
Glenn Kaiser commented on Glenn Kaiser's video
Thumbnail

GK less Paul Diddley Bow

"Often quite true Uncle John :) -Glenn"
14 hours ago
Gary O'slide posted videos
15 hours ago
Uncle John commented on Glenn Kaiser's video
Thumbnail

GK less Paul Diddley Bow

"Ha, Ha.  Less is more."
16 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->