Oldie but newbie

[Builder1950]

Hi. I'm 71 years young and want to finally build a tube amp. I've owned many over the years and currently play through a '68 Deluxe Reverb Reissue which I love but after modding tube amps with kits and building a few guitars this has been on my list for a long time. I've decided on a Tweed Deluxe 5e3 and just received some zebra wood via a friend that just passed and want to build the case from it. Heading to the build area for many questions on kits, parts, how-to, etc. Thanks.

[Sherlok Ohms]

Hi. I'm 71 years young and want to finally build a tube amp. I've owned many over the years and currently play through a '68 Deluxe Reverb Reissue which I love but after modding tube amps with kits and building a few guitars this has been on my list for a long time. I've decided on a Tweed Deluxe 5e3 and just received some zebra wood via a friend that just passed and want to build the case from it. Heading to the build area for many questions on kits, parts, how-to, etc. Thanks.

Hello Mr. Builder1950

I would say that 71 years is young, especially when you are that age. From my own experience and from discussions with friends, one never really feels "old" until enough of the vital or most enjoyable parts quit working. A lot of age-related issues are misdiagnosed and are often fixed by improving circulation - moving the red stuff around keeps everything happily functioning with the exuberance of youth. It is difficult to convince a 20-year old of these facts we know to be true.

Building a tube amp for guitar is jolly good fun. Might I suggest you look at Mr. O'Connor's TUT3, The Ultimate Tone volume 3, which is certainly the best reference for how to construct a tube amp one can find. It is most accessible as it has layout drawings that show how things should look when connected properly, so it appeals to novices and I believe KOC even refers to TUT3 as "the gateway into the TUT-series".

You may wish to build something simple, like the 5E3 you mention, but... is that truly suitable for your personal style? Building your dream amplifier may not be as intimidating as you might suppose.

Cheerio

[Strelok]

Hello Mr. Builder1950!

Welcome!
Are you planning on using a kit with PCB for starters maybe, or do you want to create circuit cards with eyelets?
Just curious.


Strelok

[Builder1950]

I'm looking at using a turret board. I'm trying to get in touch with Boot Hill Amps to purchase a 5e3 kit but am struggling. I'm also looking at the Hoffman, Ceratone and Mojotone sites but am seeing different values of components such as resistors in the different locations and am also looking at the original Fender schematics but I don't have the knowledge and am having trouble sorting it out. I'm sure some of the kit folks have made changes but I don't fully understand why. I'll get it eventually and am open to any suggestions (other that not moving forward).

[K O'Connor]

Hi Guys

Really, you should start a thread in Personal Projects regarding the build.

Do not stress over circuit values when buying a kit; instead, focus on the major items that cost real money, such as transformers, chassis, speaker, cabinet.

Avoid Mercury Magnetics as they are all over-priced hype and the quality is nowhere near their claim.

have fun