The Steel Guitar Forum

I have always wanted to try my hand at amp building someday. My recent purchase of a 1937 Cromwell lap steel (http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 0eedb71e8f) may be the opportunity I have been looking for. This lap steel was built by Gibson in 1937 and has a Charlie Christian type pickup along with a volume and tone control. Basically an EH-150. They were originally matched with a rebadged Gibson EH-100 amp from what I can tell.

If you were going to build an amp to match this guitar what would you make? I'm thinking something small and simple that I can make a 1930's style cabinet for. I do have a Hammond AO35 and a Weber Signature Alnico 10s in the parts collection that could be used it appropriate.

I have a basic working knowledge of electronics from a few engineering classes in electrical power, controls, and instrumentation. I have a multimeter, soldering iron and some decently lit shop shop space. No oscilloscope, but I should be able to make whatever cabinet is required.

You might try these sites:

http://www.mojotone.com/amp-parts/amp-kits

http://tubeamplifierparts.com/guitar-am ... -kits.html

https://www.tubedepot.com/t/diy-central ... e-amp-kits

Go to YouTube and search for Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps and then go crazy.

By the way, I recently acquired a 1934 Rickenbacher A22 Frypan along with its matching 1934 "Speaker", which is really a simple amp. Once you invent the electric guitar and pickup I guess you need something to play it through.

Talk about basic. No on/off switch or volume control, never mind tone. Just plug in to it, plug it into the wall and play. Got it refurbed without any drama and now get to hear how all this actually sounded in 1934. Clean and bright, no EQ at all. Interesting.

Something simple to build you might like some of the small box type circuits Doug Hoffman has on his site www.hoffmanamps.com He sells a nice small two power tube chassis in conjunction with mojotone.com He has the layout and schematic on his web page.

Also, www.rjguitars.net sells nice Trainwreck style kits and a Rocket is a great sounding smooth chimy amp either 18w or 30w available. Tell Bob I sent you.

I have also built the EH150 from Tino Zottola http://www.amazon.com/Building-Vacuum-G ... 6249NW6MY7

That EH150 is a nice sounding amp but it is not as simple a build and the voltage divider needs to be worked out use a trim pot there otherwise oscillation occurs.

Mark

Something with octal preamp tubes. My '52 Pro Amp is awesome for lapsteel.

This looks interesting. Very similar to a Champ but with some building options to tinker with.
https://www.modkitsdiy.com/kit/mod_102_guitar_amp_kit

How is and octal preamp different? I haven't been able to find any kits with one. Does a wide panel Fender Pro have that type of preamp?

Yes there are octal preamp kits available one source it the DIY kit from Weber:

5C3 two octal preamp tubes and pair of 6V6's

5C3P two octal preamp tubes and pair of 6L6's.

Tweed amps.

http://www.tedweber.com/diy-kits

Thanks for the link Mark.

I hope I can make this thing look somewhat like this:

Very nice looking cabinet