I started down this (obsolete valve technology) rabbit hole many years ago. It all started by building guitar effects pedal kits. From which I learned good soldering and de-soldering skills along with how to use a good multi-meter. I now have two which saves a lot of time. This led to total addiction; so don't get started.
I have now built well over 50 pedals. And, now I make them for musician friends. This is also a slippery slope, because then you get asked to fix an amp, so you do and the next thing you know is just how much you DON'T KNOW.
I have now built four Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe clones with and without mods, a Tweed Bassman and Tweed Bandmaster. I have repaired, restored and re-cabbed another half dozen or so CRATE's, Marshalls and MESA's.
At the moment, I am trying to find a ground fault in a DIY Tweedly Dee simultaneously I am working on trying to build Dr. Z's Route 66, a Tweed Tremolux and Dave Hunter's 2-Stroke.
I am here to share my experience when appropriate and learn from those with greater experience in the crazy world of vacuum tube/valve amplification.
I hope to get to the point where I can build a stereo amplifier and play some old vinyl.
I have now built well over 50 pedals. And, now I make them for musician friends. This is also a slippery slope, because then you get asked to fix an amp, so you do and the next thing you know is just how much you DON'T KNOW.
I have now built four Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe clones with and without mods, a Tweed Bassman and Tweed Bandmaster. I have repaired, restored and re-cabbed another half dozen or so CRATE's, Marshalls and MESA's.
At the moment, I am trying to find a ground fault in a DIY Tweedly Dee simultaneously I am working on trying to build Dr. Z's Route 66, a Tweed Tremolux and Dave Hunter's 2-Stroke.
I am here to share my experience when appropriate and learn from those with greater experience in the crazy world of vacuum tube/valve amplification.
I hope to get to the point where I can build a stereo amplifier and play some old vinyl.
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Ah takk neighbor! I am always delighted to help a young guitarist get the feel of a real tube amp. I am known to loan such things (no charge) to aspiring players. It helps them find their guitar niche. I have also loaned to professionals in need for a gig...again no charge. My reward is seeing my gear on stage being put to good use by good players.
Keep in touch and do pick my brain should you get started down the rabbit hole.
I see that T V Jones has opened a spot right in downtown Pbo. They used to be out on 12 Trees near Bottlehead. Maybe their productuon shop is still out there but I just noticed the TV Jones sign while strolling down by the marina.
@seventenths Yes, TV is in downtown Poulsbo. If I recall correctly he moved from 12 Trees several years ago, I don't believe he has anything out there anymore, it's all downtown. I have his pups in my Epi 335 and really like them.
A bass player buddy stopped by my place today, he brought his son a student at WWU and 2 of his friends from Germany where he was doing an apprenticeship. The boys jammed on my amps and it was great to see them try different guitar and amp combos to find tones they liked. Much to my surprise they were playing blues based stuff and old Beatles tunes.
A bass player buddy stopped by my place today, he brought his son a student at WWU and 2 of his friends from Germany where he was doing an apprenticeship. The boys jammed on my amps and it was great to see them try different guitar and amp combos to find tones they liked. Much to my surprise they were playing blues based stuff and old Beatles tunes.
Tom and the guys at TVJ are golden in my book. Several years ago, I was buying pups for my sons bday and they did a very cool thing for us. He was able to play around in their shop and had a blast with their quick-change pup guitar.
He has a number of amps, from the first little Crate practice amp I bought for him to the larger cabs he used to gig with in San Diego, but I'd like to build him something worthy of the living room... something that sounds full at lower volumes and has a high WAF.
He has a number of amps, from the first little Crate practice amp I bought for him to the larger cabs he used to gig with in San Diego, but I'd like to build him something worthy of the living room... something that sounds full at lower volumes and has a high WAF.
Well I have heard similar stories about TV being good about visitors, I haven't stopped by and maybe I should.
Your son is obviously more experienced than I assumed at first. And, I don't recognize the abbreviation WAF? That said, I have studied a few low watt classic designs and some new ones too. In fact I am currently building the Dave Hunter 2 stroke which appears to be a Fender Champ variation. Also a bassist buddy of mine (he's into ultra linear stuff) has sent me a few unusual designs. One in particular is on my list of next builds, it's an SE with 2 power tubes but not push pull.
Years ago, I bought a Black Star "One" I think they were called you could get them with a EL34, 6L6 or KT power tube. Mine has the KT and it sounds good. But, still rather loud.
Your son is obviously more experienced than I assumed at first. And, I don't recognize the abbreviation WAF? That said, I have studied a few low watt classic designs and some new ones too. In fact I am currently building the Dave Hunter 2 stroke which appears to be a Fender Champ variation. Also a bassist buddy of mine (he's into ultra linear stuff) has sent me a few unusual designs. One in particular is on my list of next builds, it's an SE with 2 power tubes but not push pull.
Years ago, I bought a Black Star "One" I think they were called you could get them with a EL34, 6L6 or KT power tube. Mine has the KT and it sounds good. But, still rather loud.