I am considering kicking off the new year (and celebrating my new job) with a new amp build thread.

I've already done detailed threads on my Champion 600 mods,

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=63259

my 5F6A Bassman clone build,

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=65668

and my modded BDRI,

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=80142&p=911995.

I have a couple of amps in mind (I don't want to reveal my choice until I am ready to start. ) that I am considering. A couple of my choices are non-Fender type amps. So my question to everyone here is, how would you feel about my posting a non-Fender (possibly VERY non-Fender) amp build thread here? I know others have done it with smaller builds, but I just wanted to check with you guys.

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Bill

I'm sure whatever you decide will make for an interesting and informative thread, Bill.

If I may make a request for the benefit of those who are trying to grasp the basics, it would be for the thread to take a Tube Amps 101 approach. A step-by-step build thread with descriptions on the components and how they work in the signal chain would be a great asset.

Cheers!
BM

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This is the Blues. Are you listening?

Whatever amp you choose would work for me. Like bluermonkey, understanding a signal chain would be of enormous benefit for me, but I can see the downside to this for many whose intermediate skills might find it tedious. As a bass player trying to learn some blues guitar, but knowing my entire fretboard and theory, having someone painstakingly explain every note is mind numbing.

What type/brand of soldering device do you use?

I look forward to your next thread.

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I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz

Bill...I for one would welcome it. Your build threads are always very informative and I always manage to learn something. Go for it.

T2

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What time is it? It's Fender Time.

Thanks, guys. I'll let you know when I have made my decision and have gotten the amp. It will be at least another month. Gotta see how much cash I have left over after paying the Christmas bills.

Bluer Monkey,

While I try to give as much detail about the components and theory as I can (I think my BDRI mod thread is a good example), its not really practical in a build thread. My 5F6A thread was 16 pages long and I basically wrote it at the end of each build day. It took quite a lot of work what with the photos and all.

As far as Tube Amps 101, I have listed a complete bibliography of all the amp books I own and refer to in my BDRI mods thread. They range from purely pleasure reads/historical information, to tube amp basics, to highly technical with lots of math. All are available at Amazon. Check out a couple of the basic books. Also check out the calculators I have referenced in that thread. The AMP Books site has lots of great info on common amp dessigns. They would do a better job than I could to teach you the fundamentals. Heck, I'm still learning myself.

Modwiz,

I just use a simple Weller 25 watt iron for general soldering and a Weller 40 watt iron for heavier stuff. Nothing fancy or expensive, but they work well.

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Bill

Yup, bring it.

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

I can't think of a better thread to post this little piece from Billy Penn at 300guitars. It is his method for discharging capacitors. I like the simplicity of the idea. My question is how sound is the advice?

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I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz

Bill, I understand completely. The play-by-play posts in your build threads are informative, coherent, thoughout, and presented in a logical order. This doesn't just happen. It takes time so please, no worries about Tube Amps 101. Modwiz and I will tag along and learn what we can.

Looking forward to the thread
Cheers!
BM

Edit: I did order a couple of the books you recommended and got through the introduction to Hunter's "The Guitar Amp Handbook" with no problem. The first schematic is the Fender "Princeton" Layout, Model 5F2. I Understood everything about the signal chain as far as the first 12AX7 then things started getting a little hazy with the output to pins 1 and 3. ... Anyhow, it's an ongoing learning experience which I do enjoy.

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This is the Blues. Are you listening?

I posted information on the preferred methods for draining the power supply caps in my BDRI mod thread.

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Bill

Keep studying. I still do.

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Bill

I take that to mean it is bad advice. Thank you.

_________________
I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz

@Bluermonkey: I'll bring popcorn.

_________________
I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz

It is good advice only if you measure the voltage across the power supply caps after doing this.

_________________
Bill

Relax guys. Its going to be awhile before I start the build. Gotta pay bills first and then it takes about a month for the kit to get here after ordering.

_________________
Bill

That was very artful.

_________________
I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz