How To Build a Classic British 18W Tube Guitar Amp Kit

Have you ever wanted to travel into the past? Have you ever wanted to recreate a classic sound with your own British 18W Tube Guitar Amp Kit? Before solid state rectifiers, before a lack of tremolo? Before the dark times? Join us, and bring order to your sonic galaxy. Let Rob Hull guide you through the construction of a British 18W Amp using TubeDepot.com's downloadable instruction manual (Go to www.tubedepot.com/products/cla... to get the PDF).

[@robertironside290]

Should have a long version of this. A full documentary. That'd be sweet.

[@danmiau4206]

Robert Ironside agree

[@1DerekMiracle]

I agree

[@ericburns4891]

Also agree. This video blew through the process like it was late for a date or something.

[@ayusharyal]

I agree

[@szaki95]

For me these are the most satisfying videos on the internet.

[@pangrac1]

The only and only one video which can be great without background music! Camera, pacing, editing just everything was fabulous! Jaw dropping. :)

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Background music sucks, bro

[@LUVITALL9]

I gotta side with Rob/TubeDepot TV on this; I did one of these great kits about a year ago-as long as you can follow written directions supplemented by tons of pictures and diagrams, this is do-able. The instructions are spot on from start to finish. I live with alot of pain daily,and I am also Army disabled, and foggy in the head to boot-some of that from my past, some from my meds, yet even with all this, I still got 'er done. When your done with this the feeling of accomplishment is huge!

[@junejhunkie]

I love the smile and "yeah" at the end. very clean job. oh man, i can only wish i have the patience for this. looks like a really good project.

[@zdenoeddie]

I'm the developer in one Slovakian audio company to design tube amplifier, and it's big pleasure to see also Slovakian JJ tubes in this video!

[@TubeDepotTV]

JJ tubes are perfect for these types of amps. And JJ tubes are great tubes.

[@hubertsmith4799]

It seems people don’t understand the joy and satisfaction of a DIY, when buying this product you are not just buying an amp but a project. It’s not always about getting the cheapest thing out there just to play some guitar, but about really becoming one with your instrument and equipment and being able to troubleshoot and know exactly what’s going on while you’re playing. Same with learning about the way sound waves work on a guitar along with natural frequency and harmonics so on and so forth.

[@patrickturner479]

The smile at the end says all...

[@makeshiftJake]

I just finished by 18 watt build yesterday. I could not be more happy with how it turned out. Very helpful and thorough instructions helped take the guess work out of my first amp build. Building it was very fun and interesting, but more fun now that it is complete.

[@fenderstratguy]

Most people do not put that much attention into neatness and routing. I love how you did that.

[@joelewisband879]

This was hands down the cleanest build ever...such a high quality fantastic video ..and the Gentleman building the amp really did a fantastic job..👍

[@jholdener44624911]

Add the 250 buck per 8 hours and you start to see why they cost 2K from Marshall , Lotsa Mouths to feed

[@saimenmusic]

I loved the "vintage" atmosphere of this video!

[@surrealness]

WHAT THAT'S AMAZING. I saw this video about a year ago, and just watched it again today. Really great video, and even though I don't know jack doodly about what was going on with the board itself, I know now what goes on. Thanks for taking the time to be a badass, and posting videos of such. Your passion is inspiring!

[@01sapphireGTS]

What a clean, professional build. I imagine like most other things in life, it is the attention to detail like very thought out wire paths, the after-solder trims, the last 2-10% of the job that matters and makes this look and function great compared to a birds nest of loose wires. Thanks for the post.

[@Robstafarian]

Even as I have almost learned enough to design my own amp circuits (with builds coming next year), this video is still great for taking a step back from the small details to see the overall process. Maybe it's just me, but I find it very helpful to remember my newbie days (not that they ever truly end).

[@leehodge2415]

Years ago, I saw this video. It inspired me to start tinkering. 8 years later I constructed my own, a year later I bought a dsl100hr. I like my build better even though the dsl100hr is a beast.

[@donvukovic7440]

WOW, I found this video by accident today. Brings back very old memories when I build tube radio sets. 50 years ago this would have been less than $200 to build. But all these parts were readily available. I rode my bicycle to the local electronics store to buy tubes. Yes, this kit is expensive compared to todays' standards, however you will get a wonderful sound and satisfaction you can not get from buying off the shelf. And more importantly, when you break your amp, this one you can fix. With the solid state amps you would need to buy another. "No repairable parts inside."

[@TruthOldSchoolStyle]

Fantastic video, clean precise right on the point, a 10 out of 10

[@Kek5kopF]

The "Hugh, yeah..." at the end fits really good in there

[@sirswift23]

Man that is some of the most prettiest hand wire jobs I've ever seen. Great motivational vid!

[@bccritters]

I am impressed that you took the time to look. Kudos

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Wow, now I know why tube amps are so expensive when they are hand wired. Very very cool video...

[@arsenalfanrichi]

***** Yeah, but you have troubleshooting and Patience as well I suppose, Not to mention testing components.

[@TenKensama]

You guys are talking about the assembly only. Building an amp to make you a certain kind of response is a whole other thing, the costs of projecting it are far higher than only buying the parts and building it all together.

[@TheOriginalEviltech]

Don't forget the transformers and chassis...

[@ZekeMan62]

Eviltech And the genuine Saskatchewan Sealskin bindings.

[@fisheyelens876]

@@TenKensama true, lead dress is damm near everything, but component type and placement in a hand wired point to point amp lends a hand in that if the amp does not sound right after the build, if you know the "amp" you can still change things around to fix any problems that might not sound right.

[@BikerBugs678]

Plus, there is just something about doing it yourself with components that you selected. After I built my first guitar, I was hooked. One of these amps is next. Great job, and thanks. Its a great overview of the work involved.

[@saimenmusic]

I know very few things about electronics, sometimes I enjoy making some simple circuits, but the beauty of this video, to me, is also the precision and the "clean" cablage and assemblage of the components, with a different instrument for each kind of thing to do. I think it may be loved also by people that don't know anything about electronics and amps. Sorry if I've missed something writing, I'm italian :)

[@Malikon1]

I'm floored after watching this video, just amazing. Great job man, what a cool kit.

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

I'll try to post a video when I have it all built in a nice box. I really love the sound of this thing!

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

This looks like so much damn fun. I've been wanting to do yalls 18w head kit for some time but opted for amplified parts mod 102 kit. Did it in 2 weeks and it sounds amazing andcwas super easy so with the cheaper confidence booster out of the way I definitely will be doin the 18w kit from ya guys sometime soon.

[@dsaintcrow7077]

How nice to see such a clean and careful job

[@TheOriginalCoda]

Super, thanks for the explanation. I think that your layout has some of the best mods while keeping the spirit of the original.

[@JRP3music]

I would love to build one of these. Someday!

[@jeroendenhertog4975]

Wow, I enjoy watching builds like this! Very nice!

[@SotR59]

That is one gorgeous job of point to point hand wiring.

[@kmlconsolidated]

That was an utterly fascinating video to watch. Thank you for taking the time to make the video. You make it seem as it is something in reach of weekend warrior like myself. Keep it up and thanks again!!!

[@AstroNautRitual]

Awesome build, and very clean wiring! Thanks for the resource!

[@Christopherluttmann]

thanks for the video I had been looking for something like this, and finally I found a great example of how to build my own tube guitar amp!!!

[@mmartinez9764]

Great tips and build. I get my tube amp building stuff from tubedepot all the time.

[@samaitcheson7057]

Fantastic work! I'd also like a full video or series of real time videos to walk us less talented (and less patient!) hobbyists through some of your excellent techniques. And love that "Yeah" at the end :) Well deserved!

[@ianuragaggarwal]

I have watched this video multiple times. It's very interesting. Very cleanly done. You have very good composure as well.

[@julianbarriga8513]

I could watch this stuff all day.

[@alzy101]

I have the utmost respect for you and your ability!

[@ahall3823]

Beautifully built!

[@hw1221995]

I personally do not need these videos, I'm able to do the build without guidance but they are so f****g satisfying to watch, still seen it 10 times!

[@MsCatdograt]

This guy has so much respect for everything,that I feel so much respect for him after just watching this 10min video.

[@pascalmerschaudio]

Amazing Video, Thanks for Sharing with us

[@EnvyInc]

Rob Hull seriously has one of the coolest jobs in the world.

[@sherriemcclaren9302]

Cool. Love to see a more in depth version.

[@SoloEpi]

The one thing about your work is all of your amps are extremely clean and neat! I think that chassis is neater than the old Marshalls themselves!

[@Justin.Franks]

Very nice and clean wiring!

[@20x20Ghost]

man you make it look so easy a little envyous for sure

[@BibhasMandal73]

Very nice clean built

[@thinksolve2880]

Lovely looking board

[@Darknessfalls32]

I love that "Yeah" at the end, simply because I feel like thats the way I would have said it after making such a tube amp.

[@instrumentenfreak]

This is great. You can learn so much about your gear, if you build it by yourself.

[@shotgunrebels]

This video kicks ass. Nice and quick.

[@scottforrest2097]

I had absolutely zero electronic component fixing or building experience. I started out with a stomp box kit if a tube screamer clone, came out sloppy looking but sounded great. Then a couple more stomp box kits. Then I got a kit from METROPOULOS a JTM 45 and just followed the simple directions. It came out fantastic and sounds great. If you take your time and can read and follow step by step directions you can build your own amp. There are forums online to help.

[@h0zzle327]

Awesome video. Thank you for this!

[@tzx551]

wow it is so neat, great job

[@PollinatorMk2]

Beautiful wiring job.

[@simoncino83]

Wonderful and clean work!

[@LUVITALL9]

Hey Rob- Thanks again for recommending that really sweet 12" Jensen Neo for my 18 watt build! I've been MIC-ing my wonderful amp much of late,and with this speaker, don't need to find a " sweet spot", because it's evenly "sweet". Still lovin' how this combo came out!

[@jpalberthoward9]

Thanks again. I'm excited about the Leslie amp now. It'll be rock solid with the turret boards, and the old Hammond's gonna growl and wail like she's supposed to with the right power amp!

[@gingataff]

Nice work, the amp looks and sounds great. I just bought some tubes from Tube Depot, the Mullard CV4024 sounds sweet in my Butler Tube driver. Thanks guys!

[@spicyMcHAGGIS9green]

After the intro I was expecting, "Hi, I'm Johnny Knoxville and this is the amp build!"

[@andrewdenine1685]

What a clean job nice

[@greg16266]

Fantastic; utmost respect... very inspiring. I have recently exchanged all the electronic components in an old guitar, including new pickups and coil tap switches without any prior knowledge, just research, and when it was completed and I plugged it in for the first time, I remember making a very similar sounding yeah! as I nodded in great approval. Extremely satisfying... I know it's a big leap, but I would love to advance, so I'll stay tuned and learn from a real pro. Many thanks.

[@jakecvje]

Nice work, loved the video.

[@harryfatcat]

Coming from someone that connects wires for a living and is very fussy, that was beautifully done!

[@Ceremony74]

That sounded sweet!

[@jonnybeck6723]

Really well thought out and helpful vid... thanx cheers

[@ScreenflowVideos]

This is most definitely going on my 'To Do Bucket-list'. Something that i'm never actually going to get round doing. Absolutely Fascinating though.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Started building tube amps in early 80's. I was very fortunate because I had a dad who was trained in tube electronics in the Navy in 1950. He taught me all I needed to know. Back then we didn't have the internet so getting anything took a creative approach to getting parts etc. I paid 25 bucks to a guy in Hollywood when I moved there for a Mesa Boogie .22 Caliber & a Marshall 1969. I was 18 and gullible, but it was worth it. Room mate was amp guru Frank Levi III & a total coincidence in 87'.

[@vicdmise]

Great video. Very demystifying.

[@brettkramer]

Awesome tutorial video !!

[@MrTroywoodtube]

this was awesome sir

[@jjrrbb]

Excellent video!!

[@TheRealPV2Ryan]

Awesome, thank you for the post!

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass, that is some real nice work, sweet! I want one.😁

[@Franticdrummer75]

I've built a couple of tube amps over the years, but damn that is a tidy job. Very nice indeed.

[@substance1]

The sound check at the end is better than 99% of the amps you hear at the store!

[@gelanmix]

Wow nice build

[@violeman]

NICE!! The Combo Cab they supplied you with, reminds me of the old "VOX" Combo Cab !! Thanks 4 Sharing That Experience !! DEv

[@louiskatzclay]

That is slick! I am not the kind of person who seems to be able to do things this neat. There are times I wish I was.

[@iambriannewkirk]

There is nothing better than hand wiring. Great video

[@henshin75]

awesome ! the sounds is amazing, I wish the demo could be a little longer :)

[@patkent9618]

Beautiful job nice amp

[@ericbusa]

Awesome video and nice job

[@Ccfrom74]

It's always great to see the work of true pros. 10 out of 5. The chassis is just masterpiece of technical arts.

[@TubeDepotTV]

thanks for the great comment.

[@Ucceah]

those insides are a thing of beauty! there's only one little detail missing to perfection: tying the cable tree with string, with 1/2" distance from the chassis.

[@fretkillrlives]

Top notch macro camera work and presentation. I think I'll replace the filter caps on my vintage Bassman and Twin before I attempt this. A hard-wired tube amp is a thing of beauty.

[@morgan79347]

I see this was posted 11 years ago & the price has increased. I did read most of the instructions & they are quite-clear.

[@deanmacka4975]

Cool and great stuff mate

[@avispasentuass]

awesome video

[@eyouel89]

Perfect, man I want to build one!

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Really great watching you build the amplifier. I’m thinking of building my first valve amplifier this year. I think it’s going to be a mullard 5-10

[@mrjohhhnnnyyy5797]

Great! But I think bigger chisel tip will be better for this job. Or an ordinary 40W iron, no reason to worry about ESD when building tube circuits)) That's a feature that I like about tubes, rugged devices!

[@markgreco1962]

You do nice work

[@scott22v]

WOW, Thats AWESOME!!

[@joek81981]

Only a very special type of person looks at a turret board and thinks to himself, "Damn, that is a sexy group of components." And your editor is a visionary on what to include and what to cut. Very, very well made video.

[@Theabsbot]

wow this is amazing

[@tommymichnay5850]

You do tremendous wiring and each component isn't installed haphazardly rather with a dilberate and definite determinism, which consequently shows up in your work. It is the best I've seen.