calling all coaches

[guitargodad]

well it comes to the time where I might actually do this. I have never built an amp before but I want to build an ods. I know im nuts, I know its complicated, I know I should build a champ. but with the help of you guy do you think I could do it? I have wanted this tone for about 2 years now and its becoming a problem actually you might call it an obsession. im not an idiot, im willing to read and learn and take my time and do it right. so whats the verdict fellas? am I insane, or just insane enough for this to work? I was actually thinking about building a ceriatone kit. I know that seems to be taboo around here, but id love some input.

[Noel Grassy]

Hey great! May I suggest reading every single post in the Dumble section prior to accumulating the parts? This is in hopes that your learning curve won't be so steep and to lesson the pleas for help which accompany such a highly evolved specimen. Everyone here had to start somewhere and most are more than helpfull. You just don't wanna have a pile of squealing $hit and expect to be bailed out by the forum. Hope this doesn't come across as harsh, just be forewarned. There's no reason NOT to start with a Ceriatone kit in my estimation. Just gathering parts [let alone some skills] is gonna be formidable to a firstimer. Let alone the inevitable finding one's self the owner of half an electronics repair shop. Best of luck whichever way you choose to go.

[roadkingbluzs]

I consider myself a newbie tech. I have built a D-Lite which turned out great. This was first build but there was a progression to this end, which included the following; Tube amp books(read,read),dead amps (revived), small mods, read some more, read posts on forum. I plan on an ODS in near future and feel confident in what the results will be. There are many knowledgeable people on this forum that can help, but I think one needs to know some basics in electrical circuits/VOLTAGES. Voltages can hurt you permanently!! Just be careful and good luck. My .02

[Johnhenry]

Word's of Wisdom : (Quote)
(Let alone the inevitable finding one's self the owner of half an electronics repair shop.)
Noel, I Think your Experience is Telling on you !
Johnhenry

[Tubetwang]

Dumble amps seem to be complicated amps to build...lots of parts caper...

I would start with a kit and go for it...but that's me...

The only problem i can think of...is... the amp does'nt work and/or explode and/or oscilate like crazy and then...huh...the fun begins...

If you are easily frustrated...impatient or violent...don't do it...

If you are a do-er, liberated and optimistic go-for-it-be-happy-kind-of-guy/you-have-my-blessings...

Good luck

[guitargodad]

well thanks for the words of encouragement gentleman. I sure do appriciate it. the post about owning all that equipment scares me though. how much crazy machenery do i have to own to build an amp? is it going to cost me 10,000 dollars to do it? god i have so much to think about but i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. and having an amp I made would be badass.

[Funkalicousgroove]

I would start by reading some books on electricity and perhaps the N.E.E.T.S, then read a few books on tube amplifiers.

An amp like this as a first build can turn into a $1000 albatross without a fundamental understanding of what you are doing.

I STRONGLY reccommend building a Champ or a 5E3 first, then perhaps an AB763 before you take on the mighty ODS.

I have built numerous amps, and these are by far the most time consuming/difficult. A tweed fender takes me an afternoon, these take me 30-40 hours.

[guitargodad]

can you guys recommend some book suggestions for me to start reading.

[novosibir]

All books from Kevin O'Connor, especially TUT Vol. 3 & Vol. 5

The Tube Amp Workbook from Dave Funk

Larry

[Funkalicousgroove]

I'd start with Dave Funk's Tube Amp Workbook.

Also get a book on "Basic Electricity" from the engineering section of your local Barnes & Noble or whatever book store is near you.

Then I'd read Morgan jones' "Valve Amps" and "Building Valve Amps"

[briane]

yeah, I would try something simpler first bout, maybe an 18 watter, since theres ton of info at 18watt.com.

then order a dlite (well, order the kit now, it takes a while to get it, and who knows if theyll go out of style again)...ie. you may not be able to get one at an indeterminate time in the future. I personally know the dlites quality is the bomb, I have one.

The build documentation for the dlite is well....dlitefull ;-0
Just follow it religiously!

then build an ods 101 - with dynaclone or bassman iron, and youll see what the fuss is all about.

or you could buy one built up. Most of us around here have some extra clones floating around the house. But thats going to cost a bit more than ceriatone, they give a great deal on labor.

[Pete]

Heed all the suggestions stated.
Also a big plus, if you have never done anything like this before, is you need to be confident that your experience has taught you that you know how to solder properly. Many folks new to this do not realize the concept and technique involved and it could make or break your project. Just sayin' if someone is starting at "square one" it is a point not to overlook.

[Noel Grassy]

Heed all the suggestions stated.
Also a big plus, if you have never done anything like this before, is you need to be confident that your experience has taught you that you know how to solder properly. Many folks new to this do not realize the concept and technique involved and it could make or break your project. Just sayin' if someone is starting at "square one" it is a point not to overlook.

Emphatic + on this. It took a longer time to get proficient at this skill than I gave it credit for initially. Your ability to solder far outweighs things like precision lead dress, and component choices[ie:Mustards,tropical fish...] The NEET's instructions are superior IMHO. Idle reading might have you scare yourownself with the NASA soldering spec's. Tasty! Luckily, this stuff's been done before and well. BTW, David Funk's book is great, like the others have said. Continue rocking, NG

[Structo]

A good way to gain experience if you haven't dabbled in electronics for years is to build a pedal kit or two.
Of course this is low voltage so before getting into tube amps you need to familiarize yourself with safety practices of working around high voltages since they can maim or kill you.

You might want to try a kit from http://www.buildyourownclone.com/.
Their PCB's are top notch and you download excellent step by step instructions.

He is out of a few kits because of a recent move but there are still quite a few plus, right now you can get a free kit called the Confidence Booster with the order of any other pedal if you are a first time customer.
You build the Booster and if it isn't your cup of tea, send back the other kit for a full refund - shipping.

Another good book about tube amps is "Tube Guitar Amplifier Essentials" by Gerald Weber.

[guitargodad]

thank you all for the suggestions. I really appriciate you giving advice to a neophite like me. my plan now is to do some reading then go for a marshall type amp since i dont have one of those at my disposal most likely a 18 watter. unless you guys know where I can get a nice ac30 kit.