New 5e3 build, faint sound..

[Wittgenstein]

@ 01bcat-

I just finished my first amp build which is also a Triode kit. I choose Triode because I live nearby and also because the layout was very similar to the original. Customer service has been great, but nothing like the presence I have seen from Bruce on this forum. I am also having trouble with my amp, as I initially had my output tubes (12AX7 & 12AY7) wired exactly opposite (wires to pin 1 were to pin 9 and so forth). I have since fixed that problem, but now it is cutting out when I give a lot of bass input. I also feel like that I have learned more because of my failures. I defiantly plan on building another amp as soon as possible (thinking 5F1 Champ) but shipping is what kills you when ordering from multiple suppliers. I did stumble upon Tubesandmore.com which offers free shipping on orders of $100 or more, which I have not seen anywhere else (especially for heavy items like the speaker). I just put all the build parts minus the speaker, chassis, and cab in my shopping cart for just under $200. I'm torn however on whether to spend the extra money on a chromed out chassis or to make one myself and use a faceplate.

[01bcat]

I initially had my output tubes (12AX7 & 12AY7) wired exactly opposite (wires to pin 1 were to pin 9 and so forth).

What kit did you build? A 5e3? They would have 2 6v6's as power tubes ( I am sure you meant pre-amp and PI). There are other folks on this forum who can help here, but the amp cutting out with the pots wired right could be a parasitic oscellation. The bass response with the p12q speaker can be a little flubby though.
PM me if you want, do you have any pic's ofthe build?
Also I picked up my kit at triode, saves a little $$$

[EllArr]

Thanks for everyone's help, great board.
I found a bad capacitor.
It sounds incredible!
Now for that 18 watt...

Which capacitor was it? The suspense is killing me.

I have just built a Deluxe, and it's having problems identical to yours..

[01bcat]

Which capacitor was it? The suspense is killing me.

I have just built a Deluxe, and it's having problems identical to yours..

I think it was a mallory coupling cap. It was a while ago... Also check the board - make sure your resistors are connected in the right places..
Good luck on the build.

[d. spree]

For those of you lurking here in preparation for a 5E3 build...buy your kit from Bruce! I can't think of any reason not to.

His parts are top quality, his technical support and customer service is exceptional.

I know this because I bought his kit. It was my first build and it worked the first time I flipped the switch.

Ditto - have built 3 of these - two from Bruce - and his advice and support was tremendous. There will always be a few stupid little errors when you are building, he will help figure it all out.

[Bruce / Mission Amps]

I have built at least 150 to 160 tweed amps over the last few years... I still make bone headed mistakes... and I still like it.

[Bruce / Mission Amps]

I have built at least 150 to 160 tweed amps over the last few years... I still make bone headed mistakes... and I still like it.