18 watt amps

[hoursonend]

Hi,

I've become quite interested in those 18watt.com things, building your own amp

I really like dealing with electronics, and I thhink I've got the skill for it too. but where to start in this case? Buy some sort of kit, or just go to an electronics store and ask for all the transistors and components?

Their website is really the most complex I've seen, so no help there...

And what is such an amp (Marwatt?) going to cost me anyway?

I had in mind like a 150 euros?

If this has been discussed, please point me to that thread, because I can't find it.

Thanks,
Stan.

 

[Outlaws]

If you are trying to save money, building your own amp is not the way to go. You will spend more on it than if you just bought one because things do no always go perfect right off the bat...and that is a major cost because if you are not happy with the final product, all that money will seem like so much more.

Look at building a stompbox of some sort first.

 

[ggunn]

If you are trying to save money, building your own amp is not the way to go. You will spend more on it than if you just bought one because things do no always go perfect right off the bat...and that is a major cost because if you are not happy with the final product, all that money will seem like so much more.

Look at building a stompbox of some sort first.

Moreover, the companies that build amps buy their components in large quantities, so their unit cost will be a lot lower.

 

[gusfinley]

hmmm....

I'm just beginning an amp project myself. I am building the Gibson Goldtone GA-5 Les Paul Jr 6W amp. It sells for $600 and so far it looking like it will cost me $250 to build. I'll be saving some money, having some fun, and getting some good experience all at the same time. The only problem is that you need certain tools, and if you have to buy them that can get pricey too....

Tube amps are quite expensive because of the heavy duty transformers, tubes, etc... 18watt.com is dedicated to 18watt Marshall style tube amplifiiers. Building a transistorized ampliflier would cost MUCH more than just buying one. If you want to build an Amp a tube amp is the way to go becuase they are easy to work with.

You'll find that most places will not have the parts that you need in stock, so you'll have to order those BIG heavy transformers from an online retailer and pay a lot in shipping costs, too...

If you think the hassle is worth it then go for it.. I just started my amp yesterday and I'm having a great time... Can't wait until all the parts arrive!!

 

[Billy Beuche]

Buy a Dr. Z amp -- reasonably cheap and GREAT.

the Maz 18 Jr. can be had in many speaker configurations with or without reverb.

the Z-28 is one of the best amps that I have ever played (22 watts). 6V6 powered and incredible with a 1x12.

 

[Outlaws]

Buy a Dr. Z amp -- reasonably cheap and GREAT.

the Maz 18 Jr. can be had in many speaker configurations with or without reverb.

the Z-28 is one of the best amps that I have ever played (22 watts). 6V6 powered and incredible with a 1x12.

Nothing DrZ makes is going to cost 150 Euros (which is like $200 US). Nothing.

Infact, that mini amp they make is like $700.

 

[Chill]

Check out ax84.com, in particular the P1 theory document on the P1 project page, and the two load lines papers somewhere on the site. And read up on safety.

The 18W is a relatively simple amp, although you should not build your own amp expecting it to cost less than a commercial amp. The time, parts money, and tools money you put in will be fairly large on the 1st project, although they get easier after that.

 

[capnkid]

ceriatone.com