How to Build the BUD Guitar Tube Amplifier

Josh Phelps guides you through the journey of building your BUD Tube Amp Kit.

2:52 - PCB Construction
15:45 - Chassis Prep
21:51 - PCB Installation
38:30 - Time to Test
46:16 - Cabinet Build
48:25 - Chassis Installation
51:28 - How Does it Sound?

The BUD vacuum tube amp kit, employing a timeless tonal recipe that includes a genuine Class-A, low wattage, all-tube signal path, includes everything you will need to complete the kit in a few hours with astounding results. Made up of two 12AX7 gain stages, tone stack, single-ended EL84, American made iron and a Jensen 10” driver, The BUD is an affordable, fun to build, great sounding amplifier kit that will be a revelation for you and your tone.

[thomasherbert]

Just wanted to say how much I love the sound of that snare on the interlude music.

[worldwide]

Love the attention to detail of the tech who put the electronics in.

[daviddaniels]

The stand you're using for your solder spool is a Great idea! Question: What're you using for a soldering iron? I'm guessing my auto parts store cheapie won't do

[jerrystephenson]

I understand this is a budget build kit but I have two issues. First is the board mounted pots. A weak spot for future failure. Second is the low quality capacitors .

[chrischwaz]

It would be nice if you made a long video like this on testing the tube amp kits tube depot sells I’m having trouble figuring out what I did wrong with my 5e3 build

[ctrockstar]

Those wires that you stripped 2/8’s off of should actually have 4/16’s removed 😉

[geekPlayground]

Great video. Thanks for doing this with this level of detail.
I have a dumb question: does it matter which end of the transformer I connect to the plate and which end I connect to the supply?
I think it doesn't, since the transformer has no positive/negative terminals. But just want to be sure.
Thanks

[IJEDouglas]

You should have a load (speaker or dummy load) connected when powering up with tubes in. Even with the volume off it is safer and prevents you accidentally frying your OT.

[nerddujugement]

It looks really nice, and the price really reasonable... But I would be worried about shipping + taxes and customs to europe. However, I have not found a competitor so well documented around here yet!

[frankmccann]

Saved this. Great instructions.. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[jaturi]

It would be great if these were in stock.

[filipwojcik]

Mr Josh Phelps, i have a question if is it any possibility that you could send me pdf 1:1 size layout instead of me buying brand new pcb on your website, i'll pay different way with money. I really want to do my first DIY project, and i really want to burn the copper on my own. I always wanted to have one those little tubeamps. This is realy good oportunity to learn when you re guiding me this video in process of building. I want to pay for this. Take my money! ^^

[brianhartline]

I would like to know how to get these kits

[Jameswilliam]

I'm just getting into tube amps, but why do they mount the tubes to a flimsy circuit board

[denislavdenchev]

Why solder the tube sockets from the tops as well?If the PCB holes are metallised there shouldn't be any need to do so.

[noel]

If you build it they will come, even without sound bites.

[cristinaolaiz]

Why do you have a light bulb plugged into your power outlet?

[FloridaManMatty]

What kind of wire strippers are you using? That thing looks high speed! I need to pick myself up one like that.

[raydowling]

why wouldn't you use multi stranded speaker wire?

[jaycosper]

36:53: Shows both striped wires going to W2, but manual says black+black/white go to W2 (and likewise brown+brown/white to W3). Which is it?