Getting on with it... | Rift Midweek Update and Q&A |

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a tech channel, but simply a show-and-tell. It is not designed to give advice and support on vacuum tube amplifiers but to show what I get up to each week in the workshop.
I deliberately keep tech talk to a minimum, or at least to a point where it’s understandable to the casual viewer. There are other channels more suited to that level of detail.
I do not do reviews, either paid or unpaid. My opinions are entirely my own and do not represent those of others.
All comments are welcome but those deemed unhelpful, rude, inappropriate, or unsavoury will be reviewed and possibly censored.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Updates
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT I USE
Wire Strippers - uk.rs-online.c...
Knipex Snips - uk.rs-online.c...
Oscilloscope - uk.rs-online.c...
Signal Generator - uk.rs-online.c...
Soldering Station - uk.rs-online.c...
Chisel Tips - uk.rs-online.c...

[@chokkan7]

Couldn't agree more; 'bulletproof' should be the standard (as it was when Leo Fender was building his amps), but the bean counters have gone for the quick buck, and far too many guitarists are undiscerning, so they buy the cheapy, and all is well for a couple of years until it breaks. Kudos for taking the high road on this, Chris.

[@timhall7771]

I saw Aynsley play last week, and he seemed to be using a Marshall and a Fender, and I wondered where the Rift was... and now I know!

[@rfpho1456]

Thanks Chris. Great response to my question. I thought it would be interesting to understand what the ‘important’ / valuable items are.

[@MichaelSmith-rn1qw]

Chris, I don't know why "collectors" prefer amps in all original condition. I am in a position where I could afford to buy some of those amps, but prefer to buy 60's and early 70's Fender amps and perform a full service and actually play them. My latest purchase was a Vibrolux Reverb, that someone had cut the cabinet in half. I bought it without speakers, reverb tank, no front grill cloth, missing a couple of knobs, Fender logo, back panel, etc. After some woodworking and a complete service, I have a beautiful amp head that can be played thru a 4 ohm 2 x 10, 2 x 12 or a 4 x 10, and it sounds glorious. I wish I could send you a picture or a link to where I documented the work on the tdpri forum.

[@johnwilliamson467]

Alnico do over time losses it magnetic strength they can be remagnetized back to full steam. It does a good bit for those speakers.

[@Kevin-the-Just]

I've had a quick play through the Aynsley #1. A while back Aynsley played a show near me and invited anyone that wanted to try his amp to get in touch, which I duly did. Surprisingly, I was the only one. Back then they were £3K. I delayed pulling the trigger and it's a big regret now they've risen to nearly £4K. Sad face. Maybe one day.....

[@user-jy3us9rl7n]

:-) you must be quiet proud of your work when seeing aynsley's amp

[@benlogan430]

Do what you do, that’s why we watch.

[@paul.h.h]

Cheers Chris, that’s sound reasoning to me. Thanks for taking the time to explain!

[@martinreid1740]

I always look forward to and enjoy your posts.

[@David-gx9lh]

Thanks for taking the time to put this content out, Chris. I've built a few amps myself, starting with kits and improving on them where possible. How do you manage to keep the ends of your push-back wire so neat? Mine always end up like a fluffy cat! Cheers, Dave

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Love the videos Chris!

[@LPCustom3]

I don’t why people just can’t buy a cover for their “vintage amps”. They aren’t that expensive!

[@dyamariv3628]

Hey Chris, I'm thinking of switching to lead free solder for my next build. Could I ask what you use or recommend. Looking for a quality solder, are there any big drawbacks to going with a good lead free solder for longevity or ease of use? Cheers

[@seanblythe9109]

Chris, what ground schemes do you typically follow in higher gain builds? Larry? Old style Marshall etc? Thanks for all the wonderful content.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Some amplifiers are just plain "Evil" , they wait till you least expect it and then "ZAP" , a giant hand grips your body and picks you up and throws you against a wall or into the air. My favorite Guitar amplifiers are the ones that have no intention of putting the user 6ft under. A removable mains cable can safe your butt but you need to tell the most sensible person present to kick that cable out of the socket iin the amp when your hair stands on end and you bolt upright and keel over. I just don't want any-one to become a human component of the National grid( anywhere on the planet).

[@RiftAmps]

If the chassis is properely earthed, this scenario would never happen.

[@user-jy3us9rl7n]

keep my fingers crossed for a better goverment. brexit was a killer for trading UK EU

[@old2begin]

Hi Chris, I built a US champ kit from StewMac. If I want to get rid of it in the UK, am I legally able to sell it on at all even for parts? I guess I can’t guarantee its safety and it may not be up to UK safety spec.

[@RiftAmps]

It can be sold privately, for sure, but I would be inclined to get it safety checked before you do.