Mesmerising build, awesome attention to detail, however I thought that I would point out @32:00 the fuse carrier is wired incorrectly, and potentially quite dangerous, the live input should go to the tip of the carrier not the side terminal, because it is possible to inadvertently touch the side contact when removing or inserting the fuse
@@col8981 Thanks for that. I didn't even notice. I can't even follow my own plans! Shows how easy it is to make errors. I struggled with that area. Ended up having to wire it 4 or 5 times from memory, and I still screwed it up. A good reminder to builders out there to follow the plans and double check. Thanks again. I'll pin this comment so others won't make the same error.
Have you considered using a Burson V5 for the op-amp in the effects loop? From what I hear in the Hi Fidelity nerd community, it has that 'vinyl sound' to it, that might prove beneficial in an effects loop design.
@@fm9572 I have had a look at Burson hear and they great. In the FX loop module I use an opamp socket so anyone who wants to roll opamps can go for it. The opamps are accessible so one can easily use an extraction tool to pull the opamps should they wish to try something different. Cheers
I learned about F.R.E.D.’s (fast-recovery epitaxial diodes) and installed such a rectifier in my Bassman 100. I love it (even more than tube rectifiers). “Compared with 1N4007s they are so far ahead of 1N4007s it's not worth talking about. Capability, both voltage spikes and current, and most importantly, clean tone and no noise, is light years ahead.”
If it has not already been confirmed, I can confirm this is a great little amp! I fired mine up this morning, adjusted the bias as recommended, and it worked flawlessly! Amazing range on the treble pot, and the mids control is VERY useful... from super scooped to a BIG hump, its all there. Thank you elam! I hope to be able to order one or more of your FX Loop modules soon, and of course purchase your other plans, as well. Thanks again, and don't hesitate to reach out if you want to hear more about the build. GREAT PLANS, GREAT AMP, small investment!
21:50 Please always remember to measure your pots again after bending the legs and even better: Use some croc clips on the legs while doing this and wiggle the legs to check for intermittent contact. Bending the legs is fine but sometimes it separates the eyelets from the carbon tracks. In 10 years of building and modifying pedals, this is by far my number one component failure and it can be very frustrating to find and fix or even damage other components if powered on with broken pots. When not yet soldered in, the fix is easy though, you don't have to replace the pot you just damaged by bending and hope the next one will survive: Just simply squeeze the eyelets with pliers, forcing them firmly into the carbon tracks again. Simply amazing build and plans, the attention to detail is stunning.
La bellezza dei passaggi per costruire l'ampli è dannatamente meravigliosa. Sei meticoloso in tutto. Complimenti davvero. Risultato finale? Eccezionale. 💪🏻💯👍🏻🤟🏻🎸
Excellent video! People seriously underestimate how much finicky labor goes into producing nice wiring. It's just immensely time consuming. Inevitably, you try to maintain a standard of neatness and it just degrades as you get the build done. You had some good tips about drilling the parts board. It all seems easy, but every mistake you make is now immortalized in metal! I began building amps over 50 years ago, trying to duplicate Fenders. Back then, parts were so much more reasonable, and you could sometimes find surplus parts. Today, tube parts are ridiculously expensive. Pots and tube sockets and knobs and a few jacks can probably get you over 100 Euros where you are. When it's all said and done, for you to build an amp and cabinet sturdy enough to drag around to gigs, with Tolex, with amp corners and a handle and a speaker, you can maybe save 100 or 200 Euros over the parts cost and have something you can't sell that you put 30 hours of work into. Whereas the commercially-built thing you buy can be resold for that same 100 or 200 Euros less than what you allegedly saved building it yourself. Without the 30 or so hours of labor. I've sometimes built up amps inside of dead solid state amps you buy as junk for 20 Euros or so. That's a way to go, but you cannot escape the insane parts costs and the finicky labor.
Thanks Alan. Indeed, all true and valid points. One major advantage however, of building your own is the satisfaction of a) building something yourself that works and adding your own flavour, b) the experience gained, and c) knowing exactly what is in there. Even big name Amps these days include parts of dubious quality. A hand made tube amp that includes quality parts is going to cost many many thousands. I would wager that making your own with half decent components can save a decent amount. However, like you outline, you have to either have a bit of experience, or accept the fact that you will make errors and will learn from them. Like you say, its a hard road, but rewarding should you decide to go there. I am glad I did. Cheers
I built a 50w version a few years back. Chassis and board was bought online, took a few hours to drill and install all the turrets. Turned out to be a great amp, I later modified a few resistor values on the input and first gain stage, gave it a bit more punch mid to high range…still have it this day.
Your attention to detail is just incredible. Building an amp that is reliable, tone filled, and aesthetically pleasing is just inspiring. Well done! I'm noting quite a few of the little tips and tricks you use and hope to implement them into my builds.
I'm a player, not a builder, but even though I might just understand a low percentage of what you do, it still is a pleasure to watch how you go about it. I only change wirings in guitars but, how you do certain things school me how to go about my next projects to make them rock-solid. Keep it up. I'm a subscriber.
I used to build amps, haven't done one in 10 years. Guess I have been looking at amp stuff on TH-cam, so this vid appeared in my feed. Very nice ! Never built a JCM 800, but made many Plexis with the JJ 6V6S, a really robust and good sounding tube, that amp with the Ken Fischer PPIMV sounds sooo good. Great playing also. The one thing that I would suggest to people making DIY stuff is that you are basically making a boutique quality amplifier, you don't do it to save money, you do it for the love of it and to make something kick-ass, sooo, I think it's worth it to have a custom faceplate made ( if you can't find an off-the-shelf chassis with one that will work ). Make a nice cabinet, or have one made. That way you have the full package. My dream for a long time has been to have a small business selling kits to make boutique-quality tube amps, with a TH-cam channel and website and social media and such. Your video and channel inspires me. Great Job !
@@elams1894 So can you ! i admire your content. I'm like a 57 year-old kid trying to figure out what to do for a living. You know what I have always wanted to do ? Make a Marshall clone that is a Plexi and JCM-800 in one, just some switches to flip, and voila, a different amp. I see the appeal of the JCM, but the Plexi is where it is at for me given the history of rock and roll. You should make one, you would love it. Put a switchable tube rec / SS thing, a "deep" switch that puts the .68Mf cap on the second stage, ala "metal-faced" amps. I like to jumper the channels by having one input jack traversing on a shielded cable to the 2 68K grid resistors at the tube socket. I also like to put a switch to change the negative-feedback resistors to be 2 different values, or completely out of the circuit ( kind of raw sounding ). Like 15 years ago I had an amp exactly like that, I I would stand in my garage for hours playing it, it was amazing. One of my neighbors told me that she would turn off her TV and listen to me play for an hour or so when I would jam out with Santana licks and whatever else. Vintage amps rule, and so do you, thanks for the kind words, they made my day.
I'm nowhere near being as good a guitar player to need anything like this but am blown away by the ambition of making this and documenting it as thoroughly
Radio hams used to call this chassis bashing and you sir have done a amazing job. Making something that neat and superbly built is a true art, almost s meditation in electronics
This is SO DAMN GOOD!!! The FX loop has some killer controls. This lower output jcm800 circuit is such a cool idea. I have GOT to prioritize an amp build this year.
Thanks Greg! I can't believe it took so long, but got there in the end. Thought it was going to take longer than your fantastic Porsche restoration. Good things take time. Hope all is well on your end, cheers..
Absolutely top notch layout! I love the way you plan and form your wiring. It's exactly the craftsmanship I try to teach all my apprentices. It looks like many of my industrial junction boxes. Clean, precise, and easy to troubleshoot. From one craftsman to another, RESPECT! Frank, IBEW 728
Thank you Frank! Really appreciate your kind words. Glad it is not just me who likes to keep things super neat and tidy. The 'easy to troubleshoot' is important too. I try to ask myself "how easy will this be to replace?" also when designing. That is quite difficult to envisage sometimes, until the build is finished, then shortcomings become clear. Then its back to the drawing board again alas. However its lots of fun, cheers!
Wow!! Watching you solder the components to the turrets, and the solder flowing across the component leads and the turrets....It's like watching DaVinci painting the Mona Lisa!! Your attention to detail and this build are truly works of art! I was looking for my next amp build and I would love to do this, but it may be over my skill level for now.
Thanks for kind words Romeo. Not sure I deserve those accolades however very much appreciated. Although it's a difficult road to head down, it's very rewarding. Although many mistakes are made along the journey, you'll get there in the end, all the best!
I have a Dukane PA amp I modded into a guitar amp a long time ago. It still sits in my living room and works just fine. It's 2 6V6 and 3 12AX7 but it's set up a bit more like a Fender cause I didn't want to drill it for more knobs than the 4 it had originally on the front. I may have to revisit this little guy, recap it and rebuild it with more guts like this design. It really is a great idea, the JCM800 preamp is legendary and matching it to 6V6s is great to get amp overdrive on a single 12" speaker without over or under doing it.
I am way more entertained by how the hell you learned how to play stringing upside down like this than any amp i have ever seen or heard, good job as I am baffled how you learned how to play like that🤔
@rich1051414 wow I am 45 years old & never knew that as I assumed all lefty's restrung the guitar upside down if they could not find a left handed guitar so it was a strung like a mirror image & conventional as far as the strings were strung although the body was flipped obviously by a lefty using a right handed guitar, I always heard people say that Jimi could play like you do & also the left handed conventional left strung way but I have never seen a video or pic confirming him playing the way you do but always either a left handed guitar or a right that was restrung left handed style, but your way is super cool nonetheless as I don't even see how certain chord structures would work that way but I guess they work fine as you had no problem playing this way, keep up the great work man as I am just in awe over this method
Thats just wow man wow you have alot of knowledge reading schematics and am impressed in your determination to build an amp, let alone play guitar too thats rare well done and appreciate you sharing it on here.
This was a lot of fun to watch! Sharing the plans was really generous. I also appreciate the inclusion mistakes and the trial and error that goes into optimizing a design or layout.
Very cool video. I'm not an electronics engineer, so I can't rebuild the amplifier. But if I had more understanding of electronics, I would do it immediately
This has been very soothing to watch. Your video production is AMAZING. It really makes me want to build amps again, just for the Zen of it...though I've not played guitar in a decade (after a hand injury...and just kinda sucking at it).
@@LonelyRavenProductio Thanks, glad it was enjoyable. Building definitely can be Zen like indeed. I'm in the same camp regarding my left hand, arthritis in fingers makes playing difficult. At least I can still build the amps.. cheers
I was traveling on the same fx loop rabbit hole. Solved when i try the Egnater Rebel 20 design that just works really well in series. My amp is a 5150 based build with 6v6 PP Power amp and opamp fx loop.
That's very interesting. Indeed, not many functional opamp based loops out there, as it ain't easy. I'll have to check out the Egnater schem. Glad it worked out well, a total win!!
only thing is now I think you need 2 more ... 🎸🎸🎸you defiantly have some Dr May in that sound giggaging .. giggaging .. giggaging .. seriously great job and nice playing that really shows the potential of that amp
The rectangular sign for a resistor is so much better than the zigzag nonsense. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I find these schematics much more readable.
Excellent build and video, I will add tip though, I used to build military equipment using valves and solid terminals much like yours, for the larger resistors that you know will get warm we used to add a kink in the leads to allow for expansion and contraction, greatly reducing the stresses on the resistor body under operation. The mains power input ground should have its own dedicated fixing on the chassis, not shared - that is part of the electrical code for many countries. Phase isn't always out 180 degrees in FX pedals, and some effects just don't work in parallel, which is why almost everyone uses serial these days. Just make the FX loop switchable to take it out of the circuit when required.
@@TheSizzlingBadger Thanks Badger, good points. There is a Bypass switch on the FX loop which takes the loop completely out of circuit. I would wager very few pedals are out of phase much more than 180 degrees. At least with a phase invert switch on the loop, you can use almost all loops, whether inverted or not, in a parallel setup. I don't understand the obsession with series loops. Why have a tube amp if one is going to put the WHOLE signal into silicon after the preamp? Makes no sense to me, however horses for courses I guess.
Loctite goes on the threads before the nut... atleast thats the way i do so i make sure its all in there, but i guess its a big difference in Amps and MX Engines hehe.. Nice build buddy
Love the marmite reference amd I haven'teven eaten it in 20 years. Not good enough at electronics yet to tackle something like this but it is on my list. Thank you for sharing
I have been hallucinating for years with everything this man does, in fact, I have to look for my first comment but I have been here for at least 11 years, since the first videos but I have a problem, I bought some plans years ago that I publish but I studied humanities I know how to speak Greek, I know how to speak Latin but I was also endowed with the fear that my house would explode if I touched something electrical, I hope to soon be encouraged to get rid of this desire to do something like that... let's see if nothing explodes haha, Europe prepare your electrical installations well
Really appreciate the kind words. Far out it has been a long time, I'm very slow as you are well aware I'm sure. I like to try to get things right. Thanks for tuning back in and hanging in there. You can do it! All the best!
Awesome! Very handy skill to have. Many are scared about solid state stuff mixing with tubes, however opamps can be incredibly beneficial in tube circuits as you are obviously aware. I'm a big fan and love PCB design also. Integrating pedal type circuits in amps is real fun.
A-MA-ZING!!!! F*****G AMAZING! I am so glad I stumbled by chance here! Man, what an OCD, almost as mine! Way to go! My utmost respect and understanding!
Thank you, really appreciate the kind words. I'm not sure if my OCD is a curse or a gift, however its something I must deal with ha ha. Have a good one!
Beautiful build, great video! And I like your leftie Custom, strung right. the colour of the binding is just like on mine. probably seen a few years. thanks!
Beautiful work, well done👌 Correct me of im wrong on one point though..... Thread locker such as loctite is anaerobic, meaning it needs to be free of air to cure. Putting a drop on top won't achieve much i believe 🤷
Thanks Trent! I've had to remove those nuts a few times, and the loctite wicks well into the thread. It is the wicking variety, applied when nut is affixed to the bolt, so gets right in there. I do have some of the anaerobic stuff, that must be applied to both threads of the nut and bolt un-coupled. I prefer the wicking liquid though, its good stuff. Thanks for kind words, much appreciated!
Got the Lefty Les Paul custom. You do not see those everyday. Let me tell you that is a very rare guitar. Am impressed and boy it sounded wonderful. A lot of that's in the in the fingers though. To be honest people think it's the guitar and the amplifier but it's not. It's the player. It's how well you fret and pick and depends on your sound. Clarity if you know how to play well, you'll sound good. If you don't know how to play, will you won't sound good. You sound good. So kudos man way to go
Totally agree Thomas! Tez is very particular with his gear, and he has a fine ear. Thats why I get Tez to both play the demos and provide feedback. He lets me know when things are on track and also when things are not good. Invaluable information. I only wish I could play half as good as him. That burst LP of his is my pick as well for tone. Not sure what it was about it however it seemed very thick and luscious to my ears. Cheers!
Astounding craftsmanship. I'm curious, you use loads of high quality components (Jupiter caps / PRP resistors etc etc) - any reason you opted for Alpha pots over CTS? I get using it for the bias pot as there aren't many alternatives at that size, but curious if there was any reason, outside of convenience, that you opted for them for the main controls?
Hi Rofl. I use Alpha pots as I find them better than CTS and as good as Bournes. I have used almost all the pots out there, including the expensive Canadian and Japan made ones. All of them don't perform that great in terms of feel, longevity, etc. The Alphas, imo, feel the best, have the best tension and they have lasted just as well as all the others. Hence I use Alphas. I like to use middle of the road components like Clarity Cap, Sozos, Dale, Ohmite etc. I've used both cheap caps and resistors in the past, and regretted it. Cheers
@@elams1894 Thanks very much for the reply! I assumed for someone so meticulous, there was a more interesting answer than "I just had a bag of them sitting around"! I have a Clarity Cap I'm going to stick in my bass tonight. My long-term goal is to build a 5F2A and your videos really help get a sense of the process so thanks so much for doing them. Anyway...I've got a craving for a marmite, cheese and chips sandwich so I'll catch you later....Cheers!!
Great stuff! Might be interesting to build both if only one resister difference.....one could build in a switch to chose one or the other. Just an initial thought.
That's Tez's LP standard, a very nice piece. Sounded beautiful to my ears as well, esp with the G12T75's, one seriously underated Celestion in my opinion. Cheers!
I feel that the tool is either a surgical tool, used for gunsmithing, or a nail puller. BPT CONN - Bridgeport, Connecticut was a very important industrial city into the 1960s.
I’ve always been told to keep ac off the dc ripple a bridge rectifier is necessary but I guess it would effect sag saturation from the power amp and is the lower wattage not a concern for a SS bridge rectifier in the power supply
Indeed, that is the way. I like to do things in reverse ha ha. Instead if deceiving people with a shiny package, I bamboozle them with a bland exterior. With tube amps, its all about whats going on inside. Cheers!
@@mead1353 look back at his other videos if you haven't yet. You are in for a beautiful shiny surprise. Some of the most tasteful elegant/exotic design work.
I really wonder what that tool is. It's almost like a suture cutter.. Obviously it doesn't look like one but the long neck with the tiny cutter at the end.
Ok, I am not 100% certain here but I believe the unidentified tool is from the Howard company from around Bridgeport Connecticut, USA. I don’t know what the other parts of the name are but it seems to line up.
I checked out the schematic/layout and it seem like it would be possible to add a 4th preamp-tube, it would give you some more gain and while on it maybe add a depth knob as well, you got some serious mighty fine wiring going on right there, looks awesome. I do not like how any amp sounds trough a 1X12.. I like the fullness of a 4x12, well a good 2x12 would maybe do it for me.... thanks. :D
Mesmerising build, awesome attention to detail, however I thought that I would point out @32:00 the fuse carrier is wired incorrectly, and potentially quite dangerous, the live input should go to the tip of the carrier not the side terminal, because it is possible to inadvertently touch the side contact when removing or inserting the fuse
@@col8981 Thanks for that. I didn't even notice. I can't even follow my own plans! Shows how easy it is to make errors. I struggled with that area. Ended up having to wire it 4 or 5 times from memory, and I still screwed it up. A good reminder to builders out there to follow the plans and double check. Thanks again. I'll pin this comment so others won't make the same error.
@@elams1894 taking ownership of your mistakes is the most grown up thing to do. Awesome work, I am very tempted to try that :)
Have you considered using a Burson V5 for the op-amp in the effects loop? From what I hear in the Hi Fidelity nerd community, it has that 'vinyl sound' to it, that might prove beneficial in an effects loop design.
@@fm9572 I have had a look at Burson hear and they great. In the FX loop module I use an opamp socket so anyone who wants to roll opamps can go for it. The opamps are accessible so one can easily use an extraction tool to pull the opamps should they wish to try something different. Cheers
@@majorgiroux Thanks Major, much appreciate the comment.
I learned about F.R.E.D.’s (fast-recovery epitaxial diodes) and installed such a rectifier in my Bassman 100. I love it (even more than tube rectifiers).
“Compared with 1N4007s they are so far ahead of 1N4007s it's not worth talking about. Capability, both voltage spikes and current, and most importantly, clean tone and no noise, is light years ahead.”
The Bob Ross of amplifiers! What a fantastic video and exceptional craftsmanship, thank you for sharing with us
If it has not already been confirmed, I can confirm this is a great little amp! I fired mine up this morning, adjusted the bias as recommended, and it worked flawlessly! Amazing range on the treble pot, and the mids control is VERY useful... from super scooped to a BIG hump, its all there. Thank you elam! I hope to be able to order one or more of your FX Loop modules soon, and of course purchase your other plans, as well. Thanks again, and don't hesitate to reach out if you want to hear more about the build. GREAT PLANS, GREAT AMP, small investment!
21:50 Please always remember to measure your pots again after bending the legs and even better: Use some croc clips on the legs while doing this and wiggle the legs to check for intermittent contact. Bending the legs is fine but sometimes it separates the eyelets from the carbon tracks. In 10 years of building and modifying pedals, this is by far my number one component failure and it can be very frustrating to find and fix or even damage other components if powered on with broken pots. When not yet soldered in, the fix is easy though, you don't have to replace the pot you just damaged by bending and hope the next one will survive: Just simply squeeze the eyelets with pliers, forcing them firmly into the carbon tracks again.
Simply amazing build and plans, the attention to detail is stunning.
Thanks RedHead, good points indeed, cheers!
I've been making amps and stuff for quite a while, and i never expd this before - until yesterday!
So yeah this is good advice :)
La bellezza dei passaggi per costruire l'ampli è dannatamente meravigliosa. Sei meticoloso in tutto.
Complimenti davvero.
Risultato finale?
Eccezionale.
💪🏻💯👍🏻🤟🏻🎸
Excellent video! People seriously underestimate how much finicky labor goes into producing nice wiring. It's just immensely time consuming. Inevitably, you try to maintain a standard of neatness and it just degrades as you get the build done. You had some good tips about drilling the parts board. It all seems easy, but every mistake you make is now immortalized in metal! I began building amps over 50 years ago, trying to duplicate Fenders. Back then, parts were so much more reasonable, and you could sometimes find surplus parts. Today, tube parts are ridiculously expensive. Pots and tube sockets and knobs and a few jacks can probably get you over 100 Euros where you are. When it's all said and done, for you to build an amp and cabinet sturdy enough to drag around to gigs, with Tolex, with amp corners and a handle and a speaker, you can maybe save 100 or 200 Euros over the parts cost and have something you can't sell that you put 30 hours of work into. Whereas the commercially-built thing you buy can be resold for that same 100 or 200 Euros less than what you allegedly saved building it yourself. Without the 30 or so hours of labor. I've sometimes built up amps inside of dead solid state amps you buy as junk for 20 Euros or so. That's a way to go, but you cannot escape the insane parts costs and the finicky labor.
Thanks Alan. Indeed, all true and valid points. One major advantage however, of building your own is the satisfaction of a) building something yourself that works and adding your own flavour, b) the experience gained, and c) knowing exactly what is in there. Even big name Amps these days include parts of dubious quality. A hand made tube amp that includes quality parts is going to cost many many thousands. I would wager that making your own with half decent components can save a decent amount. However, like you outline, you have to either have a bit of experience, or accept the fact that you will make errors and will learn from them. Like you say, its a hard road, but rewarding should you decide to go there. I am glad I did. Cheers
Definetly, without testing as done we would not have a usable JCM 800 W/an effects loop. Great and a fabulous job.
@@rgortega1285 Thanks Roberto, much appreciate the kind words
I built a 50w version a few years back. Chassis and board was bought online, took a few hours to drill and install all the turrets. Turned out to be a great amp, I later modified a few resistor values on the input and first gain stage, gave it a bit more punch mid to high range…still have it this day.
what was the total cost?
Your attention to detail is just incredible. Building an amp that is reliable, tone filled, and aesthetically pleasing is just inspiring. Well done! I'm noting quite a few of the little tips and tricks you use and hope to implement them into my builds.
I'm a player, not a builder, but even though I might just understand a low percentage of what you do, it still is a pleasure to watch how you go about it. I only change wirings in guitars but, how you do certain things school me how to go about my next projects to make them rock-solid. Keep it up. I'm a subscriber.
Really appreciate the kinds words and glad it was of some help. All the best with your projects!
as a plsyer, i feel like i need to go change my strings around. left hand players that use right handed stringing give me a complex
i'm left handed but never mastered the string flip like you!
Thank M! Thats my mate Tez playing. I wish I had half his talent. My mind boggles watching him play.
I was like, yeah cool tone and wait ? What ?? 🙃
I used to build amps, haven't done one in 10 years. Guess I have been looking at amp stuff on TH-cam, so this vid appeared in my feed. Very nice ! Never built a JCM 800, but made many Plexis with the JJ 6V6S, a really robust and good sounding tube, that amp with the Ken Fischer PPIMV sounds sooo good. Great playing also. The one thing that I would suggest to people making DIY stuff is that you are basically making a boutique quality amplifier, you don't do it to save money, you do it for the love of it and to make something kick-ass, sooo, I think it's worth it to have a custom faceplate made ( if you can't find an off-the-shelf chassis with one that will work ). Make a nice cabinet, or have one made. That way you have the full package. My dream for a long time has been to have a small business selling kits to make boutique-quality tube amps, with a TH-cam channel and website and social media and such. Your video and channel inspires me. Great Job !
Thanks Ryan, appreciate the kind words and comments. All the best for your business aspirations, you can do it!
@@elams1894 So can you ! i admire your content. I'm like a 57 year-old kid trying to figure out what to do for a living. You know what I have always wanted to do ? Make a Marshall clone that is a Plexi and JCM-800 in one, just some switches to flip, and voila, a different amp. I see the appeal of the JCM, but the Plexi is where it is at for me given the history of rock and roll. You should make one, you would love it. Put a switchable tube rec / SS thing, a "deep" switch that puts the .68Mf cap on the second stage, ala "metal-faced" amps. I like to jumper the channels by having one input jack traversing on a shielded cable to the 2 68K grid resistors at the tube socket. I also like to put a switch to change the negative-feedback resistors to be 2 different values, or completely out of the circuit ( kind of raw sounding ). Like 15 years ago I had an amp exactly like that, I I would stand in my garage for hours playing it, it was amazing. One of my neighbors told me that she would turn off her TV and listen to me play for an hour or so when I would jam out with Santana licks and whatever else. Vintage amps rule, and so do you, thanks for the kind words, they made my day.
I'm nowhere near being as good a guitar player to need anything like this but am blown away by the ambition of making this and documenting it as thoroughly
Thanks SK! Really appreciate it!
Radio hams used to call this chassis bashing and you sir have done a amazing job. Making something that neat and superbly built is a true art, almost s meditation in electronics
Man I didn't know they made you string your guitars upside down in the lower hemisphere that is wild.
He’s the one upside down the guitar is actually right side up.
Great video I wish I had enough balls to take on a project like that
I have been building my own amps for 35 years... its the only way to get the rig you want!
This is SO DAMN GOOD!!! The FX loop has some killer controls. This lower output jcm800 circuit is such a cool idea. I have GOT to prioritize an amp build this year.
Thanks Greg! I can't believe it took so long, but got there in the end. Thought it was going to take longer than your fantastic Porsche restoration. Good things take time. Hope all is well on your end, cheers..
hey, bud
Truth! Nice to hear from you, it's been quite some time between drinks..
@@TruthSurge How's it going? Miss seeing your vids, but I get it.
Absolutely top notch layout! I love the way you plan and form your wiring. It's exactly the craftsmanship I try to teach all my apprentices. It looks like many of my industrial junction boxes. Clean, precise, and easy to troubleshoot.
From one craftsman to another, RESPECT!
Frank, IBEW 728
Thank you Frank! Really appreciate your kind words. Glad it is not just me who likes to keep things super neat and tidy. The 'easy to troubleshoot' is important too. I try to ask myself "how easy will this be to replace?" also when designing. That is quite difficult to envisage sometimes, until the build is finished, then shortcomings become clear. Then its back to the drawing board again alas. However its lots of fun, cheers!
Not only great craft skills but also movie making talent. Brilliant video!! ❤
Wow!! Watching you solder the components to the turrets, and the solder flowing across the component leads and the turrets....It's like watching DaVinci painting the Mona Lisa!! Your attention to detail and this build are truly works of art! I was looking for my next amp build and I would love to do this, but it may be over my skill level for now.
Thanks for kind words Romeo. Not sure I deserve those accolades however very much appreciated. Although it's a difficult road to head down, it's very rewarding. Although many mistakes are made along the journey, you'll get there in the end, all the best!
I have a Dukane PA amp I modded into a guitar amp a long time ago. It still sits in my living room and works just fine. It's 2 6V6 and 3 12AX7 but it's set up a bit more like a Fender cause I didn't want to drill it for more knobs than the 4 it had originally on the front. I may have to revisit this little guy, recap it and rebuild it with more guts like this design. It really is a great idea, the JCM800 preamp is legendary and matching it to 6V6s is great to get amp overdrive on a single 12" speaker without over or under doing it.
This is one of the most qualitative, informative, and satisfying video I have seen. One hour ASMR :) Thank you so much !
I am way more entertained by how the hell you learned how to play stringing upside down like this than any amp i have ever seen or heard, good job as I am baffled how you learned how to play like that🤔
A lot of left handed people learn guitar upside down if they had no one to teach them.
@rich1051414 wow I am 45 years old & never knew that as I assumed all lefty's restrung the guitar upside down if they could not find a left handed guitar so it was a strung like a mirror image & conventional as far as the strings were strung although the body was flipped obviously by a lefty using a right handed guitar, I always heard people say that Jimi could play like you do & also the left handed conventional left strung way but I have never seen a video or pic confirming him playing the way you do but always either a left handed guitar or a right that was restrung left handed style, but your way is super cool nonetheless as I don't even see how certain chord structures would work that way but I guess they work fine as you had no problem playing this way, keep up the great work man as I am just in awe over this method
Thats just wow man wow you have alot of knowledge reading schematics and am impressed in your determination to build an amp, let alone play guitar too thats rare well done and appreciate you sharing it on here.
This was a lot of fun to watch! Sharing the plans was really generous. I also appreciate the inclusion mistakes and the trial and error that goes into optimizing a design or layout.
No probs, glad you enjoyed it and it might be of some use, cheers!
Incredible, this is peak TH-cam right here. Well executed.
That was a masterclass in clean point to point wiring, thanks so much!
Really appreciate the kind words, thank you!
Workmanship and dedication to quality is just stunning 👏
Thank you very much!
Might as well put in a headphone jack and line out jack....you've done everything else. Fine work.
Very cool video. I'm not an electronics engineer, so I can't rebuild the amplifier. But if I had more understanding of electronics, I would do it immediately
This has been very soothing to watch. Your video production is AMAZING. It really makes me want to build amps again, just for the Zen of it...though I've not played guitar in a decade (after a hand injury...and just kinda sucking at it).
@@LonelyRavenProductio Thanks, glad it was enjoyable. Building definitely can be Zen like indeed. I'm in the same camp regarding my left hand, arthritis in fingers makes playing difficult. At least I can still build the amps.. cheers
I was traveling on the same fx loop rabbit hole. Solved when i try the Egnater Rebel 20 design that just works really well in series. My amp is a 5150 based build with 6v6 PP Power amp and opamp fx loop.
That's very interesting. Indeed, not many functional opamp based loops out there, as it ain't easy. I'll have to check out the Egnater schem. Glad it worked out well, a total win!!
Wow, long time no see! Great to see ya back!
Hey, thanks!
Now that was a cinematic experience! I'm obviously going to build one!
exactly
That was a joy to watch! Plans have been downloaded. I'll also be buying your other plans when funds allow 🙂
only thing is now I think you need 2 more ... 🎸🎸🎸you defiantly have some Dr May in that sound giggaging .. giggaging .. giggaging .. seriously great job and nice playing that really shows the potential of that amp
Some top notch wiring there!… Excellent!
Many thanks!
Impressively clean build!
Excellent video and crazy way of playing the guitar strung inverse to most. Never saw anyone playing that way before.
Thanks mutha, yeah Tez is awesome with the flip-flop style, fun to watch!
Some others: Bernard Harris, Eric Gales, Mononeon
The rectangular sign for a resistor is so much better than the zigzag nonsense. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I find these schematics much more readable.
Damn, that’s just beautiful work. Your soldering skills are much appreciated. Great sounding amp. Just awesome!
Thank you! Much appreciated, cheers!
Excellent build and video, I will add tip though, I used to build military equipment using valves and solid terminals much like yours, for the larger resistors that you know will get warm we used to add a kink in the leads to allow for expansion and contraction, greatly reducing the stresses on the resistor body under operation. The mains power input ground should have its own dedicated fixing on the chassis, not shared - that is part of the electrical code for many countries. Phase isn't always out 180 degrees in FX pedals, and some effects just don't work in parallel, which is why almost everyone uses serial these days. Just make the FX loop switchable to take it out of the circuit when required.
@@TheSizzlingBadger Thanks Badger, good points. There is a Bypass switch on the FX loop which takes the loop completely out of circuit. I would wager very few pedals are out of phase much more than 180 degrees. At least with a phase invert switch on the loop, you can use almost all loops, whether inverted or not, in a parallel setup. I don't understand the obsession with series loops. Why have a tube amp if one is going to put the WHOLE signal into silicon after the preamp? Makes no sense to me, however horses for courses I guess.
Loctite goes on the threads before the nut... atleast thats the way i do so i make sure its all in there, but i guess its a big difference in Amps and MX Engines hehe.. Nice build buddy
Your a badass on building that amplifier, In my opinion it's perfect.
Love the marmite reference amd I haven'teven eaten it in 20 years. Not good enough at electronics yet to tackle something like this but it is on my list. Thank you for sharing
And your attention to detail is aweinspiring. Gonna do this build at SOME point using your video as a guide. Easy like and subscribe. Thanks again
This is amazing! And welcome back!
Thank you! Thanks for checking in again!
This is truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your process with us.
One of the most beautiful things ever seen. Thanks a lot.
Thank you! Very much appreciate the kind words!
I have been hallucinating for years with everything this man does, in fact, I have to look for my first comment but I have been here for at least 11 years, since the first videos but I have a problem, I bought some plans years ago that I publish but I studied humanities I know how to speak Greek, I know how to speak Latin but I was also endowed with the fear that my house would explode if I touched something electrical, I hope to soon be encouraged to get rid of this desire to do something like that... let's see if nothing explodes haha, Europe prepare your electrical installations well
Really appreciate the kind words. Far out it has been a long time, I'm very slow as you are well aware I'm sure. I like to try to get things right. Thanks for tuning back in and hanging in there. You can do it! All the best!
You should lookup light bulb limiters, essential for the first power up of a tube amp to make sure nothing is short circuited and destroys your work.
Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping you would present. This will be my winter project.
Thanks for checking in Daddeo, all the best.
This type of work needs to be displayed in a glass (or lexan) box.
That is the neatest build I believe I have ever seen... Thanks for the post! Wow! 😎👍
I am a big fan of the TL07X family, and have also been successful in integrating them in my vacuum tube circuit designs 😊
Awesome! Very handy skill to have. Many are scared about solid state stuff mixing with tubes, however opamps can be incredibly beneficial in tube circuits as you are obviously aware. I'm a big fan and love PCB design also. Integrating pedal type circuits in amps is real fun.
@@elams1894 yeap, every time I mention to my more traditional minded friends that I bias my tubes using LEDs, they frown 🙁 😀
A-MA-ZING!!!! F*****G AMAZING!
I am so glad I stumbled by chance here! Man, what an OCD, almost as mine!
Way to go! My utmost respect and understanding!
Thank you, really appreciate the kind words. I'm not sure if my OCD is a curse or a gift, however its something I must deal with ha ha. Have a good one!
Beautiful build, great video! And I like your leftie Custom, strung right. the colour of the binding is just like on mine. probably seen a few years. thanks!
Thank you! much appreciated. I like the tone of that LP, very nice!
Beautiful work, well done👌
Correct me of im wrong on one point though..... Thread locker such as loctite is anaerobic, meaning it needs to be free of air to cure. Putting a drop on top won't achieve much i believe 🤷
Thanks Trent! I've had to remove those nuts a few times, and the loctite wicks well into the thread. It is the wicking variety, applied when nut is affixed to the bolt, so gets right in there. I do have some of the anaerobic stuff, that must be applied to both threads of the nut and bolt un-coupled. I prefer the wicking liquid though, its good stuff. Thanks for kind words, much appreciated!
Got the Lefty Les Paul custom. You do not see those everyday. Let me tell you that is a very rare guitar. Am impressed and boy it sounded wonderful. A lot of that's in the in the fingers though. To be honest people think it's the guitar and the amplifier but it's not. It's the player. It's how well you fret and pick and depends on your sound. Clarity if you know how to play well, you'll sound good. If you don't know how to play, will you won't sound good. You sound good. So kudos man way to go
Totally agree Thomas! Tez is very particular with his gear, and he has a fine ear. Thats why I get Tez to both play the demos and provide feedback. He lets me know when things are on track and also when things are not good. Invaluable information. I only wish I could play half as good as him. That burst LP of his is my pick as well for tone. Not sure what it was about it however it seemed very thick and luscious to my ears. Cheers!
Waouh, très beau câblage !
Astounding craftsmanship. I'm curious, you use loads of high quality components (Jupiter caps / PRP resistors etc etc) - any reason you opted for Alpha pots over CTS? I get using it for the bias pot as there aren't many alternatives at that size, but curious if there was any reason, outside of convenience, that you opted for them for the main controls?
Hi Rofl. I use Alpha pots as I find them better than CTS and as good as Bournes. I have used almost all the pots out there, including the expensive Canadian and Japan made ones. All of them don't perform that great in terms of feel, longevity, etc. The Alphas, imo, feel the best, have the best tension and they have lasted just as well as all the others. Hence I use Alphas. I like to use middle of the road components like Clarity Cap, Sozos, Dale, Ohmite etc. I've used both cheap caps and resistors in the past, and regretted it. Cheers
@@elams1894 Thanks very much for the reply! I assumed for someone so meticulous, there was a more interesting answer than "I just had a bag of them sitting around"! I have a Clarity Cap I'm going to stick in my bass tonight. My long-term goal is to build a 5F2A and your videos really help get a sense of the process so thanks so much for doing them. Anyway...I've got a craving for a marmite, cheese and chips sandwich so I'll catch you later....Cheers!!
Work of art!!! I always wanted to do this….
So glad to see you back at it. (My OVERBURDEN is my go to amp.)
That's fantastic to hear Marc, glad all is working out. Thanks for checking back in, much appreciated.
Great stuff! Might be interesting to build both if only one resister difference.....one could build in a switch to chose one or the other. Just an initial thought.
Man that burst Paul has a beautiful top on it. The one with the four cream bobbins.
That's Tez's LP standard, a very nice piece. Sounded beautiful to my ears as well, esp with the G12T75's, one seriously underated Celestion in my opinion. Cheers!
I feel that the tool is either a surgical tool, used for gunsmithing, or a nail puller. BPT CONN - Bridgeport, Connecticut was a very important industrial city into the 1960s.
I've built several marshall amps, hope i can build one the way you do yours. Impressive!
Thanks Frank! You can do it!
Those are some mad skills there mate. Your attention to detail is amazing. What a very cool build. Now you've got me jonesing to build one 😂.
Thank you, much appreciated!
Dude, that is awesome!
I'm doing this! Thank you for sharing.
素晴らしいスキルですね。憧れます。❤
My friend i commend you on you clenliness and your great work, i am an electrician by trade i dont think i could do better than you. Great work
Thank you, really appreciate it!
Most OCD contsruction I have ever seen. Beautiful job!
That little dude was waiting for you to build his new home bro!
I'm pretty sure he's living in the amp now. Let's hope he doesn't get zapped.
@@elams1894 Lol
Bro this is amazing beyond measure.
master piece, sir you're a genius!
Great amp build 👍... Was more intrigued about the upside down guitar playing
Absolutely amazing work! Thank you!
Greetings from Russia!
Thanks MrNil! Hope you doing well there in Russia, cheers!
Happy you are back!!!
@@dr.q332 Thanks for stopping by again, cheers!
wow elams has posted. Guess we'll see you again in another year or two
I'm like cheese, I take a lot of time. It's a curse.
it's amazing! thank you mate for the video!
I'm just getting into this and its extremely informative for me!
Glad I could help, thanks for stopping by!
I’ve always been told to keep ac off the dc ripple a bridge rectifier is necessary but I guess it would effect sag saturation from the power amp and is the lower wattage not a concern for a SS bridge rectifier in the power supply
beautiful work! very nice and sounds good too!!
I really enjoyed your video. Excellent workmanship...!
Thank you, much appreciated!
Wicked playing style!
Astonishing Build. Very pleasing. It makes me wonder why the outside appearance is comparatively bland, almost deceivingly careless.
Indeed, that is the way. I like to do things in reverse ha ha. Instead if deceiving people with a shiny package, I bamboozle them with a bland exterior. With tube amps, its all about whats going on inside. Cheers!
@@elams1894 Of course. It's a prototype, too. Didn't want to sound to judgemental or rude. Great work non the less.
@@mead1353 look back at his other videos if you haven't yet. You are in for a beautiful shiny surprise. Some of the most tasteful elegant/exotic design work.
That's a work of art mate.
You got that Les Paul strung in reverse !
Indeed.
Truly stunning work. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Cheers!
Amazing build mate.
I really wonder what that tool is. It's almost like a suture cutter.. Obviously it doesn't look like one but the long neck with the tiny cutter at the end.
Awesome build ,thank you for sharing !
And after 3 yeaaaars there we go again! ❤❤❤
Thanks for tuning back in!
I'm actually also starting to build amps too 😎😎😎
THIS IS MY FAVORITE ASMR😍
Nice solder joints!
弦を逆に張ってるんですね…頭こんがらがりそう…
よく見たら、他のギターは普通に弦張ってる？？
弾き分けてるんですか？？凄すぎる
Cheers from rest of the world, mint as usual.
Thank you! Much appreciated. Thanks for stopping by again!
Ok, I am not 100% certain here but I believe the unidentified tool is from the Howard company from around Bridgeport Connecticut, USA. I don’t know what the other parts of the name are but it seems to line up.
Very nice work there.
Not sure if you mentioned, but what wattage soldering iron are you using?
Thanks for the video.
I love your vídeos, its so inspiring.
Thanks D!
Your videos should be shown in theaters. I prefer to watch this, than any of those movies they show now.
Max!! Thank you, too kind as always. How's the beast Traynor? Hope you are doing well.
@@elams1894 The Traynor sounds amazing! All because of your great help. I'm very happy you are back! Please stay :)
@@elams1894 The Traynor sounds amazing! All because of your great help. I'm very happy you are back! Please stay :)
this is a work of ART!
Thank you!
I checked out the schematic/layout and it seem like it would be possible to add a 4th preamp-tube, it would give you some more gain and while on it maybe add a depth knob as well, you got some serious mighty fine wiring going on right there, looks awesome. I do not like how any amp sounds trough a 1X12.. I like the fullness of a 4x12, well a good 2x12 would maybe do it for me.... thanks. :D
Youll need the bigger chassis, 14 inch, to add a 12ax7, however indeed a 4th preamp tube opens a heap of high gain opportunity. Cheers