PunkKitty Posted April 21, 2019 Posted April 21, 2019 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?
LK155 Posted April 21, 2019 Posted April 21, 2019 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.
TalismanRich Posted April 22, 2019 Posted April 22, 2019 1 hour ago, LK155 said: Please try not to electrocute yourself. Way to pour on the encouragement, coach! 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.
smokedtires Posted April 23, 2019 Posted April 23, 2019 Super excited for you. This is a bucket list item of mine. Please keep us updated on your progress.
PunkKitty Posted April 26, 2019 Author Posted April 26, 2019 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.
Yooper Posted April 26, 2019 Posted April 26, 2019 Good choice on the Weber Alnico 12. My 5E3 loves it. Wonderful, fun amp.
Coyotesgator Posted April 27, 2019 Posted April 27, 2019 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!
JAM Posted April 30, 2019 Posted April 30, 2019 STRONGLY 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
PunkKitty Posted April 30, 2019 Author Posted April 30, 2019 1 hour ago, JAM said: STRONGLY 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.
PunkKitty Posted May 15, 2019 Author Posted May 15, 2019 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.
PunkKitty Posted June 2, 2019 Author Posted June 2, 2019 I started building it last night, I started by prepping the cabinet: Installed power cord strain relief: Preparing the speaker jack: Wiring the speaker:
PunkKitty Posted June 2, 2019 Author Posted June 2, 2019 Prepping the circuit board: Installing the transformers: 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.
High Flying Bird Posted June 2, 2019 Posted June 2, 2019 I wish you lived closer I have an old unused osiliscope I would be glad to give you.
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