Hi, I'm looking for a DIY kit build Tube amp kit, I have checked out the Zeppelin Designs one advertised in the for sale section, but was looking for something with abit more control, specifically a gain or overdrive function that does not depend on turning the volume up high. Any suggestions for me on this?
All the best from Bill. :D
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Good point Paul. But the tubes only have power present when the amp is turned on. The bigger danger in tube amps is the filter capacitors, which can store the DC power long after the amp is turned off. Each of the filter caps can store as much as 450-500 volts DC, and will light you up like a Clark Griswald Christmas tree.
Easy way to dump voltage from a capacitor, if it's already on the amp board, and everything else is constructed, is to plug in a guitar to the amp. Turn the amp on briefly, then turn it off with the git still plugged in and the volume knob cranked up.
Paul Craig > Scott aka Farmer TedApril 2, 2016 at 1:59pm
Thanks for that. I meant to say "Tube Amps", but for some reason only got "Tubes". Must have been a senior moment.
Lots of tube amp kit options out there. If you have a particular amp in mind, a clone DIY kit should be available. One thing about tube amps is that volume is relative to "break-up". Most amps require the volume to be elevated (not maxed) to get dirty.
If you're looking for gain/overdrive in an amp without the volume, perhaps a tube screamer or other overdrive type pedal is the less expensive answer?
There's a cool DIY schematic for the Matsumota Tube Reamer pedal, which runs on a single 12AU7 tube and a 9 volt battery.
Bufo Bill > Scott aka Farmer TedApril 1, 2016 at 6:09am
Very useful info, many thanks.
All the best from Bill. :D
Replies
Just be careful too. Tubes carry enough voltage to be lethal. Read up on the subject all you can if you don't know much about them.
Good point Paul. But the tubes only have power present when the amp is turned on. The bigger danger in tube amps is the filter capacitors, which can store the DC power long after the amp is turned off. Each of the filter caps can store as much as 450-500 volts DC, and will light you up like a Clark Griswald Christmas tree.
Thanks for that. I meant to say "Tube Amps", but for some reason only got "Tubes". Must have been a senior moment.
Hey Bill,
Lots of tube amp kit options out there. If you have a particular amp in mind, a clone DIY kit should be available. One thing about tube amps is that volume is relative to "break-up". Most amps require the volume to be elevated (not maxed) to get dirty.
If you're looking for gain/overdrive in an amp without the volume, perhaps a tube screamer or other overdrive type pedal is the less expensive answer?
There's a cool DIY schematic for the Matsumota Tube Reamer pedal, which runs on a single 12AU7 tube and a 9 volt battery.
All the best from Bill. :D
Start here:
http://diyaudioprojects.com/Tubes/
http://guytronix.com
https://www.tubedepot.com/t/diy-central/kits-tube-amp/guitar-tube-a...
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/instruments-amps/126893-cheap-guitar...
And especially here:
http://ax84.com
All the best from Bill. :D