Unboxing Tube Amp Kit from...

(017-21) I cannot believe that I am making this tube amp myself! What's your thought?

How to Build a Tweed Champ 5F1 Step-by-Step (Upcoming LIVE Build Along)

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[audiophileman]

Looks like a great kit, Tomo! I haven't built an amp, but I've built a radio transmitter and have repaired countless electrical and electronic devices over the decades. First and foremost and just like working on an automobile, this isn't a project for drunk people. It also isn't for people who are careless. You must pay attention to the exact procedure, not only for making it work properly, but for safety reasons. Make sure that all parts are in good condition. Pay close attention to insulation on the transformer wires and power cord; the wires must be insulated to prevent shock hazards. Pay attention to the direction of installation on diodes (if it comes with them). Diodes are directional like a one way street and must be installed in the right direction to work properly. Diodes are often used to build the rectifier portion of the power supply circuit. Rectifiers convert Alternating Current (AC) from the house voltage to Direct Current (DC). DC at a stepped down voltage is the working electrical current for the amp. If you don't know how, learn how to solder and use a fan in a well ventilated area to blow smoke fumes away from your breathing zone to prevent exposure to metals like lead. Practice before starting. Learn how to use a Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter (VOM) Meter (digital meters are more convenient to use than analog meters) to conduct a continuity check once you have the amp built. Through a continuity check, you should check the amp for proper grounding. Grounding will ensure that the amp doesn't pose a shock hazard through the cabinet when you touch it. The Stew Mac instructions look very good, so this is a time when you will want to read instructions and follow them. This may all sound more difficult than it is. With some time and care, just about anyone can build this really cool amp! Best of luck to you, Tomo and everyone who attempts to build this amp. I look forward to seeing and hearing how it turns out! Take care and be safe, Tomo and everyone! 👍💖🎸😎

[stewmac]

Can't wait to see it come together! Enjoy the build. 👍

[gerryjamesedwards]

Yes you can! I had a noisy, pcb-based Hayden tube amp, and I used the chassis to build a Fender Brownface Princeton clone. Only the chassis and cab were used. I've now also scratch-built my own Tweed Deluxe, too. It's very satisfying!

[bobmurphy]

Tomo. I built this kit from stew Mac. You will love the result and have so much fun in the process. I had never soldered anything before I assembled this kit, and yet it came out great. Stew macs customer service, even though a bit slow because they use email only, is fantastic. What a great amp it turned out to be. I subsequently built a deluxe clone and a
Pedal because I had so much fun.
My first guitar and amp was a 63 musicmaster and champ that I got for Christmas. Last year I found a used music master so now that I’ve built a champ, I’m a little kid again. Good luck, and I can’t wait to hear your results.

[danielbelforte]

I think you are such a nice man with a beautiful soul. I know you are going to have such a great time building this gorgeous tweed amp, and so kindly sharing with us. Thank you for your wonderful Spirit and amazing guitar skills that help so much people. God bless you Tomo!

[parth]

This Looks SO much Fun. please Make a montage video of you assembling it if you can. 😁😁

[happygolukky]

Finished a stewmac kit with my son over the holidays and loved the experience! Learned a ton! Took longer than we expected but we were pretty new to the world of soldering and testing. But the finished project is the best sounding amp I've ever owned. Enjoy! Be patient and take it slow =) We set daily time limits and checked each other's work along the way ... cause .. well my old eyes needed the assistance. Also - get good tools - and learn how to clean your solder tip for a much better experience. Also - we had a capacitor left over - was in the packing list but never showed up in the schematics - their instructions are amazing but we found a few differences along the way. But otherwise - really great quality - incredible sound! Works like a dream and highly recommend!

[spacelab]

Go slowly and make sure your iron works well and you get shiny solder connections. I’ve built 2 amps and one of the best things is if there are problems down the road you will know how to fix them. I do all my own repairs- recapped a Fender Deluxe, replaced speaker suspension on a bass amp. Fun and satisfying.

[jaronbryant]

Yes! I just bought my first tube amp, and I'm really loving it! They're the best!

[robnespliak]

Hey Tomo! I built that kit two years ago. My suggestion that is not in the instructions is to Shellac the cabinet. It gives you a more vintage finish when you are complete. It is easier to do before you assemble all the components in the cabinet.

[dondongo]

Wow so clean...every little components are separated! Enjoy the build Sir Tomo... I built my 1st AM/FM Tuner when i was in 7th Grade hehe ☺ Can't wait to hear you play with your amp...God Bless you!
If I'm not mistaken, the small transformer is for the pre-amp then the big one is for AC-DC powering the "Transistors" ... 😀

[joecarl]

Good luck Tomo! Soldering isn't too hard just use a tiny bit more heat then you think and don't blow on it just let it air cool. Whenever you are working with capacitors and what not use a clip on copper heat sink to protect them. Have fun!!!!

[toutou]

I had the good fortune to play an actual 1956 Fender Champ!Amazing sound.I should have bought it...600$ back in 1999, yes it was unforgettable.
Good luck with the build.I can't wait to hear you play through it!

[timtaylorguitarnut]

If Mr Rogers was Japanese his name would be Tomo. I get just as excited when I open things from the mail.

[alkoenig]

I’m thinking of getting this kit. Thanks for the review.

[amed]

I very much enjoyed watching mr tomo unboxing and i definitely look forward watching him putting it all together

[rockinguitar]

Stewart McDonald is the best, Great customer service and they ship quick. I cant wait to hear the Amp or even see you build it.

[fooglez]

I just built my first guitar as an “upgrade” to my cheap beginner guitar. Decided maybe my amp could be upgraded next and wondered about building an amp too. This is a sign! Thanks Tomo, looking forward to it.

[patthegunsmith]

It is delightful to watch and listen to you! All the best!

[grantthepilgrim]

I've seen these on StewMac & all their gear is really great, so I will watch with anticipation as this amp comes together Tomo.