BFSR, 1st attempt at DIY?

[Chris Devine]

This is what I've got for strippers:
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. - StripmasterŪ & StripmasterŪ Lite Wire Strippers

I have no problem following complex schematics or routing wires. I routinely fabricated harnesses with dozens of wires in the AF. I am not worried at all about the fabrication side. It's the troubleshooting of something that isn't a piece of discrete solid state electronics that has me nervous.

[Steve Conner]

Well, tubes are easier to troubleshoot than solid state, IMO!

Transistors and ICs tend to just blow out instantly if they're unhappy, but tube equipment usually survives long enough to let you shut off the power and come back for another attempt.

The only problem is that an amp kit won't have one of those excellent manuals with a troubleshooting guide that you get with military kit. You're somewhat flying by the seat of your pants. And you're troubleshooting at component level, you can't just follow a flowchart and replace the "Mojo board".

But if you can solder to NASA standards and follow instructions carefully, I'd say you have a pretty good chance of it just working first time.

[ThermionicScott]

I told him I was interested in building a tube amp and the first thing he did was offer to chip in if I'd build him a Tweed Bassman.

I'd go with that! The 5F6A Bassman build is a well-trodden path, and it'll get your chops up for the Super Reverb build.

My first was a 5E7 Bandmaster clone... kind of in the middle as far as difficulty is concerned, but it worked from the get-go!

As long as you have patience, persistence, and aren't afraid to ask for help, you can build anything.

- Scott

[TheTinMan]

I built a Tweed Princeton (5F2-A), then two variations of the Blackface Princeton Reverb (AA1164), and most recently a Blackface Super Reverb. I learned a lot with each build and was ready for the S.R. only when I got to it.

Troubleshooting that circuit is not easy in my experience, and the only way to learn troubleshooting is to do it. Doesn't matter how good the kit is. It's just easier to learn on a simpler circuit.

A "listening amp" as suggested by Doug Hoffman is a great tool.

Read Paul Ruby's start up procedures to get an idea of what's involved in testing. The O.P. already knows the principle of "divide and conquer".

It sounds like the O.P. could build an AB763 which eventually would work, but getting the bugs out would be a bear. One helpful lesson I figured out the hard way is to leave the reverb and tremolo portions of the circuit unconnected for initial startup. Plus shielded cable to and from the Reverb pot (and in a couple of other places) reduces the chance of noise/feedback/etc a lot.

IMHO figuring out an approach to lead dress that works for you is one of the hardest parts about learning how to build an amp. Using a "known good" layout is essential. (Learned that one the hard way too.)

FWIW the Princeton Reverb circuit is a bit simpler and has bias vary tremolo which I like a lot. If you need more volume, a 12" speaker and a Deluxe Reverb OT would go a long way without changing the circuit. Then again, a Super Reverb with four 10" speakers and 6L6 power tubes is a wonderful beast unto itself.

2 cents...

Chip

[Sonny ReVerb]

I'd probably take a hard look at the Allen Old Flame. It's an interesting twist on a SR.

As far as troubleshooting, you can't go wrong starting with Jack Darr.

Once you catch the bug, there's no cure I'm afraid...

[TheTinMan]

I'd probably take a hard look at the Allen Old Flame. It's an interesting twist on a SR.

As far as troubleshooting, you can't go wrong starting with Jack Darr.

Once you catch the bug, there's no cure I'm afraid...

+1 on the Old Flame as a good candidate for a first build. I'd forgotten about that model, and Allen has a great reputation for quality parts and super support. Two 10" speakers would be sweet IMHO.

+1,000 on Jack Darr's book

Don't why it didn't occur to me before - the Super Reverb derivative I built was designed specifically for harmonica on the Normal channel. The owner plays guitar and his son plays harmonica, and they are both very happy with the build. Despite relatively good documentation, I wouldn't begin to recommend that as a first build though.

Chip