Looking for a tutorial?

Carcano · 1st October 2006, 10:04 PM

Hi experts! Extreme noob Carcano here with my first post!

Im a guitar player, and want to build a low-watt power chip amp based on the LM380. I have the chip already, along with a Jensen 8ohm 8" speaker and a 12 volt power supply - thats it so far.

Of course I haven't got a clue what I'm doing, except I'm good with a soldering iron, and am willing to spend whatever time and money is necessary to build what I have in mind...if its possible???

I dont even know if the LM380 will distort. What would be ideal is to get a good clean sound up to 'loud talking' volumes, and then have it gradually distort into the 'shouting' range...4 watts max. Even better if it ONLY distorted in the higher freqs, as this would give it a more spongy feel like power tube distortion.

What I need right now is to study a 'how to' web resource on simple circuit building. Can anyone here direct me to such a site...links???
Thanks so much!

Carcano · 2nd October 2006, 03:23 PM

Heres a simple LM380 circuit I found rummageing around in the archives.
Would this work as a low-watt guitar amp? The input from an electric guitar is anywhere from zero to one volt, and I dont know if this is enough to power an amp like this into distortion. I dont want to include a volume or tone control in the circuit as I already have this on the guitar.

davidallancole · 3rd October 2006, 03:19 AM

Where do you get the 1 Volt from. Guitar pickups are usually much lower. You mite need a gain stage before.

ppfred · 3rd October 2006, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Carcano

What I need right now is to study a 'how to' web resource on simple circuit building. Can anyone here direct me to such a site...links???
Thanks so much!

Lots of good tips & howto info for beginners on this one
http://www.bcae1.com/

A gainclone build on perforated board:
http://www.werple.net.au/~gnb/audio/...designlog.html

You'll find lots of info on cct building on these sites:
http://gainclone.com/phpBB2/index.php
http://c.webring.com/hub?ring=gaincloneamplifi
http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/...io/diy_gc.html
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nuukspot/decdun/
http://www.adx.co.nz/techinfo/audio/gainclone1.htm
http://jwg.student.utwente.nl/fedde/chill-amp2.html

fred p

Carcano · 3rd October 2006, 05:45 AM

You could be right. Im just guessing because I sometimes use three overwound pickups in combination.

Why would I need a gain stage?

Carcano · 3rd October 2006, 05:45 AM

How do I determine whether a chip needs a gain stage from the spec sheets?

Carcano · 3rd October 2006, 05:50 AM

Excellent Fred!
I'll dig into that...thanks!

1st October 2006, 10:04 PM	#1
Carcano diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Looking for a tutorial? Hi experts! Extreme noob Carcano here with my first post! Im a guitar player, and want to build a low-watt power chip amp based on the LM380. I have the chip already, along with a Jensen 8ohm 8" speaker and a 12 volt power supply - thats it so far. Of course I haven't got a clue what I'm doing, except I'm good with a soldering iron, and am willing to spend whatever time and money is necessary to build what I have in mind...if its possible??? I dont even know if the LM380 will distort. What would be ideal is to get a good clean sound up to 'loud talking' volumes, and then have it gradually distort into the 'shouting' range...4 watts max. Even better if it ONLY distorted in the higher freqs, as this would give it a more spongy feel like power tube distortion. What I need right now is to study a 'how to' web resource on simple circuit building. Can anyone here direct me to such a site...links??? Thanks so much!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
newbies tutorial help..	krish2487	Solid State	8	24th February 2009 02:28 AM
OP AMP tutorial, protections,...	pat allen	Everything Else	5	16th January 2007 07:43 PM
Still waiting for a Tutorial On......	Genomerics	Class D	14	5th August 2006 11:50 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

2nd October 2006, 03:23 PM	#2
Carcano diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Heres a simple LM380 circuit I found rummageing around in the archives. Would this work as a low-watt guitar amp? The input from an electric guitar is anywhere from zero to one volt, and I dont know if this is enough to power an amp like this into distortion. I dont want to include a volume or tone control in the circuit as I already have this on the guitar.

3rd October 2006, 03:19 AM	#3
davidallancole diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005	Where do you get the 1 Volt from. Guitar pickups are usually much lower. You mite need a gain stage before.

3rd October 2006, 05:45 AM	#5
Carcano diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	You could be right. Im just guessing because I sometimes use three overwound pickups in combination. Why would I need a gain stage?

3rd October 2006, 05:50 AM	#7
Carcano diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Excellent Fred! I'll dig into that...thanks!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)