First build... Plexi?

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philly
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First build... Plexi?

Post by philly »

Hi all..
Contemplating my first guitar amp build... thinking of an 18w tmb type
I've done a little bit of soldering before... a mic preamp... I didn't actually complete it tho..
I built the main board.. the power supply and the... er.. switch section (phase, 48v, pad).. but didn't have a chassis so it sat for ages until a mate bought it!
I don't actually know too much about what each part actually does so i'll be approaching it as you would a jigsaw puzzle or Sudoku.. if that makes sense
Are there any kits I should consider.. the ceriatone?.. or are the ones with the "branded" parts noticeably better?
Thanks in advance for advice
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by TmcB »

Suggestion: have a chat to Ryan at the Ampshop. He's likely to have some advice, parts, and/or kits for you to go further with.
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by jeremyb »

I didn't think Ceriatone did kits any more, CDog on here built an awesome 18Watter recently from a kit, but I believe the shipping time on it was ridiculous...
Slowy wrote: That's the problem; everything rewarding is just such hard work. Regret takes much less effort.

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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by druz15 »

TmcB wrote:Suggestion: have a chat to Ryan at the Ampshop. He's likely to have some advice, parts, and/or kits for you to go further with.
Ditto:

I got everything from Ryan for my first build at an incredible price, and most of the parts from my 2nd from him also
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by philly »

Ampshop... didn't know about them... would rather shop locally
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by Molly »

Some interesting vids on the subject here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/TubeDepotTV/videos

I'd be interested to know what the finished thing costs you. Keep us posted if you would.

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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by philly »

certainly :-)
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by sizzlingbadger »

I'll mention it as no one else has yet...

Have you any experience working around High Voltages and Capacitors that can store enough energy to kill you ?

If not I would be very careful and get some instruction/advice from someone who has.
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by philly »

I did a "restricted" electrical license in Sydney a few years ago... not much on caps tho...
to be honest ... I was going to assemble as much as I could... then take it to a tech to give it a once over
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by Danger Mouse »

Assemble yes you're ok, but the instant it's plugged into the wall and the power switch is flicked, it is potentially lethal.

robroymcoy, who doesn't post on here anymore, built my amp and the various other Greenstone amps floating around the forum. He really knows his stuff but I know he's had a few whacks. Even when you think you're being safe, you can get caught out.
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by Conway »

sizzlingbadger wrote:I'll mention it as no one else has yet...

Have you any experience working around High Voltages and Capacitors that can store enough energy to kill you ?

If not I would be very careful and get some instruction/advice from someone who has.
Yeah, it would be a bit of a bugger if you electrocuted yourself.
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by calling card »

We've got this huge 380v 3 phase 200 amp plasma cutter at work, it commonly had issues from time to time, things like a pilot spark gap adjustment etc... Thing is I'd look at these huge caps and transformers in there unaware of what danger lurked. Spine tingling thinking about it after becoming aware of tube amp dynamics. Dodged a bullet or two there.

True plexi is EL34 based in my mind.
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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by fuzziebro »

ive only had one shock to date, touch wood, but it was 450vdc from 3x power 100uf caps... i was carrying the chassis and a loose wire from a top-cap valve - an 807 - dropped onto my arm, it was not pleasant, and i had heart palpitations for a week or so afterwards...

you need to dis charge the power caps each and every time before making adjustments/mods... and check with a multimeter that they are actually discharged... normally a couple of alligator clip/leads with a 10k power resistor make a useful discharge tool.. but you'll need to skill up on this stuff via suitable googling etc...

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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by Doc Murray »

I've bought from this supplier before happy with the their products http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products-20.html

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Re: First build... Plexi?

Post by jeremyb »

Doc Murray wrote:I've bought from this supplier before happy with the their products http://www.mableaudio.com/en/products-20.html
Dang those head shells and amps are cheap!
Slowy wrote: That's the problem; everything rewarding is just such hard work. Regret takes much less effort.

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