DIY Guitar Amplifier

funky_phantom

I'm looking to start a project to build a guitar amplifier. Can anyone point me to resources on-line that would help with templates, component list, etc ?

THAMES_2

I'll assume you're talking about a valve amp because that's what most people tend to build a) because they're better and b) because the homebrew amp scene is almost exclusively based on valve amps.

The first thing I'd advise is that you read a book called "Inside Tube Amplifers" by Dan Torres. This will give you the fundamental knowledge you need before undertaking a project like this, and and it's written with the non-electronics whizz in mind - most importantly it will help you to understand schematics.

Next step is to decide whether you want to build from scratch or from one of the kits available. A kit would be the best way to start. Not many in the UK, but Torres (the same guy that wrote the book) have a UK distributor and sell loads of kits:

http://freespace.virgin.net/vyse.co/

More here (from germany):

http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/index.php?cPath=96&osCsid=f72b9addbbf4773c4ba45a74548a7f16

The bloke who runs it (the first link) is also really helpful and would give you advice while you were building.

Alternatively, there's this site, which is built around a simple amp design which people build and then post on forums for support and tweaking:

http://www.ax84.com/

Hopefully that'll get you started. One last thing - the only reason to build one is for the fun and the experience. It will cost as much if not more than buying a similarly spec'ed amp. The only exception would be if you were going to build a recreation of a vintage or rare amp that would cost a lot more to buy (like a vintage Fender Tweed Deluxe, for example).

Good luck!