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I just bought an amp kit


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Posted

I cancelled the order for the SG that I had open this morning. I decided that I really need a decent amp instead. So I bought the '59 Tweed 15W Amp Kit from StewMac. It's basically a 5e3 kit. Has anyone built one? What should I expect?

Posted

Looks like a really nice kit.  Heyboer are quality transformers.  If you don't already have them, you'll need a pair of long needle-nose pliers and a side-cutter that'll let you snip off soldered wires down close to the board.  A digital multimeter will come in handy as well. Sorting out all the parts and identifying all the resistor values before you start will save you a lot of time.  A 25w soldering pencil is likely all you'll need. 

Expect something less than stellar tubes to come with it.  (I notice they don't specify what brand you're getting.)  Upgrading the tubes is likely the easiest way to improve the sound, should it need improvement.

Please try not to electrocute yourself.

Document your build with pictures along the way, and keep us informed.  Have fun building it.

 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, LK155 said:

Please try not to electrocute yourself.

 

Way to pour on the encouragement, coach! 

image.jpeg.6bfe545fff3e84aac49f78b663746c03.jpeg

There are a bunch of videos on builds of the 5E3 kits on Youtube.   Most are Mojotone, but I'm sure most of the kits are very similar.

Posted

The kit arrived today. I cleaned my work space and did a parts inventory. All the parts are there. The instructions look clear. I think this will be okay as long as I go slow and triple check everything. I expected Heyboer transformers with the kit. They sent me Mojo transformers. The speaker is a Jensen C12N. I will be using a Weber Signature Alnico 12. I strongly suspect that this is a rebranded Mojotone kit.

Posted

Good choice on the Weber Alnico 12.  My 5E3 loves it. Wonderful, fun amp.

Posted

Go slow and enjoy.

Please read about high voltage safety.

Dead is never funny.

If you haven't already checked it out, Rob Robinette's site is a great place to start.

Cheers!

Posted

SnufferStick_High_Voltage_Discharge_Stick.jpgSTRONGLY suggest you get one of these !

A High Voltage Discharge stick !

It clips to the chassis and allows you to discharge any high voltage circuits safely to ground. High voltages occur in several circuits which remain charged after the amp is switched off and even unplugged. These will give you a good shock, a burn or could even KILL you !

In a new kit, there's a likelihood you may have go back 'inside' a few times.

I believe StewMac sells one called a 'SnufferStick' - Cheap Insurance !!

Cheers!

Jim

 

Posted
1 hour ago, JAM said:

SnufferStick_High_Voltage_Discharge_Stick.jpgSTRONGLY suggest you get one of these !

A High Voltage Discharge stick !

It clips to the chassis and allows you to discharge any high voltage circuits safely to ground. High voltages occur in several circuits which remain charged after the amp is switched off and even unplugged. These will give you a good shock, a burn or could even KILL you !

In a new kit, there's a likelihood you may have go back 'inside' a few times.

I believe StewMac sells one called a 'SnufferStick' - Cheap Insurance !!

Cheers!

Jim

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I need a few more things from StewMac for other projects. I'll order one.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Not yet. I've been tied up with planning my mom's estate sale. That's this weekend so I hope to get to this project next week. I'm planning on making this a build thread.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted
I started building it last night,
 
I started by prepping the cabinet:
61243504_3391242040901663_82778844303038
61731165_3391242187568315_32999177124734
 
Installed power cord strain relief:
61619327_3391242280901639_57326749222248 
 
Preparing the speaker jack:
61611852_3391242364234964_67980922749714
 
Wiring the speaker:
61470335_3391242457568288_63006496180152
Posted
Prepping the circuit board:
61593339_3391242537568280_27554133293284
Installing the transformers:
62020963_3391242627568271_88989883654670
61737002_3391242717568262_53733076341096
 
The next step is to install the tube sockets. I received one defective socket. I'll call Stew Mac about it on Monday. The project is on hold for a few days.
Posted

I wish you lived closer I have an old unused osiliscope I would be glad to give you. 

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