Build your own Amp ? Just how easy?

[grizz]

I guess this falls under the Campfire entertainment section....

There are a few CBG builders and other tinkerers on here, and I know some are very capable.

Is building your own guitar amp at home a dark art?

Please tell me more, and remember: SPEAK SLOWLY.

Thanks.

[Moho]

There are quite a few around and parts are cheap for a small 9v powered one. Usually based off of a LM386N Chip.

You'll need a few basic components:

1. Prototyping (Stripboard, experimenter's board) for all the components to mount on Here

2. LM386N HERE

3. Other things would be a small speaker and a few misc capacitors, resistors, a 1/4" jack and a potentiometer. Exact components will be determined on design and the amp should cost no more than $20-25 here in the US

Here are a few easy to build designs:

http://www.runoffgroove.com/littlegem.html The first version of this one is a great one to start off with. Basic design, not FET buffer to deal with. Did the math real quick on it and it should sound pretty good.
http://www.runoffgroove.com/ruby.html
http://www.beavisaudio.com/projects/NoisyCricket/ - This is a little advanced, the guys a real nice guy though and knows his stuff
http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/

[StPatron]

I don't have much to add to what Moho has posted, very well covered. Just a few comments..

With a little experience with a soldering iron and attention to the circuit "map", one can assemble one of these tiny amplifiers fairly quickly and easily. And, you will more than likely have parts left over for another 4 or 5 builds depending on the bulk packaging of the components. They can be encased in the guitar itself or externally in another cigar box, a biscuit tin, etc. A matching amp and guitar make a nice presentation gift.

These amps, as a stand alone, are quite limited, IMO. So, before plugging that iron in I'd suggest listening to a few examples of their sound. Here's one, there are many on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBRxnAIPRqw

They don't work half bad as a pre-amp, however. But, now you're looking at additional equipment.

I've built several and will probably build a few more for kicks and grins and to use up my parts stock ... but, I am currently a big fan of the Danelectro Honeytone amp. For $20(US) ya can't beat it. It has loads of tone, from a raunchy overdriven distortion to a clean almost tube-amp sound. No, it won't sound like a cabinet Fender or Marshall stack but it, IMO, is a huge improvement over the 386's while still remaining price competitive. Caution: it has a healthy battery appetite. Can you yank the guts out of it and install it in a cigar box? Sure.

http://www.amazon.com/Danelectro-N10B-H ... B000B6DHB2

So... I suppose it's a worthwhile project for an apprentice builder (I don't regret my time spent building them) but it's not the biggest bang for your sound bucks.

[grizz]

Thanks guys, looks like I am going to take the shortcut this time, will buy a Honeytone amp, just tried Amazon, but they would not ship from USA toUK, they are on UK Ebay for £30 plus postage.... which is more than I want to spend.

Still, will keep an eye out for one.

[Moho]

Here's a couple also that sound good...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5701&rt=nc&_nkw=smokey+amp&_dmpt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=2&_sc=1 £20-25

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Danelectro-DJ16-Bacon-Eggs-Mini-Amp-Distortion-Pedal-9V-Cell-Inc-/110801159585?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item19cc4385a1 £10

[afreegreek]

we have a store here called Radio Shack.. times have changed so it may not be the case anymore but years ago they sold parts and kits to build just about anything you could imagine.. a friend of mine bought a kit that would make several things, one of which was an amplifier for an electric guitar.. it sounded pretty good too and came with everything except the speaker and a box to mount everything in..

[vwbeamer]

I work as an electronic Technician, and my co-worker builds and sells Tube amps.

[GPW]

www.wattkins.com ... everything you ever wanted to know about amps ...

Yes, I make tube amps too ...

[ukuleleblues]

I took a Honeytone board and mounted in in a larger case, 8" speaker, put in a AA battery holder (Cheaper, lasts longer than 1 9V) and added a 9V pigtail for powering pedals.

https://picasaweb.google.com/charlestonhotshots/HoneytoneConversion?authuser=0&feat=directlink

I played a lap steel the other day for Xmas, here is a Youtube video of me playing it with a Uke band. You can hear it at 1:39 real good. I am behind the violin player in the blue while shirt sitting down. The amp is on the floor and there is no mic in front of it. It is not turned up but 1/3 to 1/2.

http://youtu.be/v_XV4B0Y1Lg

You can hear it real good around 2:50 on this vid. I'm playing around with a Boss looper pedal and a Digitech RP80.

http://youtu.be/Nx6e-cxD04M