First amp build quick question.

[dragonbat13]

Which would be better for a first amp build. I have a little tube amp experience when I did a full recap job on my old twin. Also did a blackface mod which included going from balance bias to normal bias adjustment.

So what would be a better first build?

http://www.missionamps.com/5E3kit.shtml

OR

http://store.bnamp.com/dlitedeluxekit.html

I would like to build the D lite but, dont want to jump into something that may be over my head.

[Structo]

Well certainly the D'lite is more complex than the 5E3 but if you can solder good and have a good grasp of component knowledge and function the D'lite is possible.

That was my first build by the way but I've messed around with electronics most of my life.

Be sure to contact Brown Note directly and ask about shipping time.

[Big Jim]

Dragonbat13,
First of all welcome to the forum. As a fairly new builder myself, (5 amps), I would reccommend the 5e3 as a first build, rather than the dlite. This of course, is depending on your knowledge of electronics and skill level. I myself looked at the dlite kits for a first build, but wound up doing a couple of Metro kits instead. This decision was based on the (IMHO) superior tech support of Metro's forum. I was led to this forum by one of the members of the Metro forum when I started asking around about building Wrecks. The guys here were awsome and helped me put together the best amp I've ever played through (Express). I have recently learned that the 5E3 is probably the most cloned circuit on the planet. (I am gathering parts for one myself). I guess it all really comes down to what tone you want have at your disposal. I have found that there are good people here that enjoy sharing their knowledge. My 2 cent worth. Jim

[mcrracer]

There is a loooong thread over on 18 Watt.com regarding Brown Note's customer service or lack thereof. People waiting for over six months for their paid in full kits. I have never used him as I source my own parts therefore would never have any need of a kit. I will find the thread and place a link tonight when I get back home or you can go over there and do a search. But be prepared for a lot of reading. I have nothing against the guy just don't like seeing people get screwed over.
Oh, I would recommend the 5E3 over a D'Lite build. Try it after you get a little more experience under your belt.

[tubeswell]

On the other hand, Mr Collin's after-sales support is top knotch and from all accounts his 5E3s are too.

['67_Plexi]

5E3 for sure. You want your first full project to be as trouble free as possible so you will have a sense of acheivement without too much frustration. Also try to learn about everything you are doin, don't just paint by numbers. If you see a part and wonder why it's there, don't just accept it, find out. The more you understand about what you doing, the more confident you will be when you move on to more complex circuits and the easier it will be to fault find when something is wrong....and there will be. Just accept that as a given.

Good luck and enjoy !!

Alan
Carol-Ann Amps.

[CapnCrunch]

I built a Mission 5e3 as my first amp. It was a great experience, that led to more amps. Haven't built a Dumbell yet though.

Bruce Collins is a classy guy to deal with and his documentation for the 5e3 will lead you through the build even if you have no prior experience (I didn't). One email exchange with him when I was "done" with the amp fixed the two minor problems that I had. I started with the amp stock, and have modded it several times only to come back to stock every time. I did use his volume tone mod (basically a brown deluxe tone control) and it has stayed. The 5e3 is a fun amp that covers a lot of ground. Larry Carlton used one heavily for the early Steely Dan stuff. It won't do the Dumble thing though.

[Richie]

I'll second that,Bruce's kits are A1, hes been doing those for many years.
Their are others out there,18 watt lite kits etc. Depends on what you might like. Build something you will get use out of when done,and is more like what you want. That way,you end up learning, and having a great amp to play. Lots and lots of kits out there. Also many forums for help too,pics and info that will help you.
Check out some of the youtube stuff. Gabi of Gabriel amps has some how to videos that help learn little tricks for people learning to build amps.