Where to start? newbie amp builder...

[bhollenb]

So, again where to start. I've been lurking around on many forums for about a month now and think I'm ready for a first post. (I didn't see any read first thread or anything so i apologize in advance).
I've been playing guitar for a little over three years (and am well aware that's not very long by any means), and have a long way to go, but have alway's been a gear head. I dive all the way into somthing that interest me. I'm sure most of us are like that though! hehe
I've built a guitar (if you want to call it that lol), and have had pedals modded (a ts808 and a aqua pass replica) in the past.
But now I want to step into the world of building an amp. I've always been interested in the mystery around Dumble and have been looking and collecting schematics for weeks now and don't know what to make of them. I love searching for "tone" if you will and vintage amps have always been my thing.
I guess I just don't know where to start when it comes to building in amp. I'm 22 and in college for political science, so electronics aren't exactly my strong point . I'm very dedicated and patient, as well as a quick learner although I don't know how quick that will apply to amp building.
Any advice is great and much appreciated. Can't wait to build and share my input with you guys!
-Ben

[mlp-mx6]

A few suggestions -

Get Dave Funk's "Tube Amp Workbook" and Kevin O'Connor's "The Ultimate Tone." Both books are very good, but neither is perfect. (For the time being, ignore the HUGE chapter on switching methods in TUT.) These books will give you a good basic understanding of the components and what they do. Take your time.

Get an old Fender Bassman head and try to understand how it is put together. Compare what you see in the chassis to the schematic. Trace it out completely. Measure voltages and see how they relate when "idle" and when playing softly and playing loudly. Make small changes to the existing circuit and interpret the impact to the tone.

Now you're ready to start assembling your own amps.

BE CAREFUL! UNDERSTAND THAT YOU CAN DIE QUICKLY MAKING A MISTAKE WITH A LIVE AMP! DO NOT EVER APPROACH A LIVE AMP CARELESSLY! 400+ VDC CAN RUIN YOUR DAY!

[keithrick]

Well If your looking for O'Connors Book...it's on EvilBay right now!

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http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=164575134&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=190125910142&lk=URL