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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@szaki95]

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

[@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.

[@fenderstratguy]

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

[@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."

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@mahdeen.rahman]

porn is not allowed on youtube

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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'.

[@saimenmusic]

I loved the "vintage" atmosphere of this video!

[@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.

[@MsCatdograt]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@EnvyInc]

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

[@sirswift23]

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

[@julianbarriga8513]

I could watch this stuff all day.

[@fathomisticfantasy2681]

10 years later in 2020 and people still enjoy old fashioned designs. There is a different feel for tube amps verses mosfet, jfet, and semiconductor (Silicon) chips. It is possible to mimic tube amplifiers, but it can be very difficult to emulate perfectly. I find the sound of these amplifiers to be very pleasant in any social gathering, but I don't really have any desire to build one. All this to say that I find a lot of useful concepts in tube amplifiers that would make a more modern power amplifier a lot more practical than using printed circuitry (PCB's). When your dealing with a large amount of current in certain parts I firmly believe that we need to abandon PCB's in order to make more efficient amplifiers that can be repaired or modified instead of thrown in the trash to be taken to a landfill. Computing electronics that are programmable will be very difficult to to do this with, but amplifiers would be a wonderful start to doing American made with minimum E-waste.

[@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.

[@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!

[@TheBuggy73]

Again well done. When I was young (10 years old) I started with tube gear because it was everywhere and cheap (old tube radios and amps). I will not tell you what I have busted it was junk in this days. But I can repair a tube amp intuitive. You have a systematic approach and the skill to give this knowledge to others. Back to your question, you can use a basic tube amp for the troubleshooting clip. I think it will be great for beginners to understand tube amps.

[@harryfatcat]

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

[@stebie65]

As for this video like all of the DIY video's out there. Its all about doing a build yourself, making something from nothing and seeing it work. Credit to TubeDepot for creating a very informative show that is inspiring people to have a go at doing it themselves. I am currently researching a build for myself that will be a stand alone amplifier, speaker box, effect pedals and guitar, all created with my own two hands. not a 5 minute job.

[@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!

[@morgan79347]

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

[@Kek5kopF]

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

[@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.

[@monto39]

Dude, that ground bus looks beautiful. This guy knows how to wire an amp. A nicely assembled hand wired amp can be a work of industrial art inside. Unfortunately, my 5E3 kit did not come out so pretty! Sounds great though

[@patrickturner479]

The smile at the end says all...

[@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.

[@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.

[@iambriannewkirk]

There is nothing better than hand wiring. Great video

[@bccritters]

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

[@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!

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

After some studying and thoughts, I believe I figured out what that sound is: Crossover Distortion. In the case of tubes, it's caused when the signal pushes the grids so hard they get a positive voltage for a fraction of the signal, changing from Class 1 to Class 2 for that instant and then getting back down to Class 1. I've heard it very clearly on the new Fender Excelsior, and I think I found a way around it that I'll be testing very soon. Thanks a lot for the answer, though!

[@IhabIAmer]

I just can't believe the level of nonsense comments below, I insisted on reading them all in a foolish move and would add my voice to Warmothguitarist who summarised the whole thing in a couple of lines. Great work from you guys and is highly appreciated, only for people interested in learning and enjoying that journey; would love to see a superlead within the products in the near future. Will place an order soon, all the best.

[@instrumentenfreak]

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

[@mmartinez9764]

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

[@SotR59]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@dsaintcrow7077]

How nice to see such a clean and careful job

[@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.

[@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!

[@leftwing73]

I'm in the middle of building this kit. The vid and manual are fantastic. Only one suggestion - if you were to do another video, could it be on how to do the filament wiring so it looks like yours? Thanks!!!

[@Bbendfender]

I think this is a good video. He has a perfect work space, unlike most of us. Plus, he is probably a skilled technician or maybe even Electrical Engineer. I bought a 50's Dewald 2-EL84 tube amp this past weekend and did some service work on it today. I hooked up an old Jensen speaker and a guitar and it's a killer little amp. It's actually a hifi amp which is a good 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.

[@BourneAccident]

Maybe I'm speaking out of school here, but I think combo amps suck... for a "combo" of reasons (sorry about the pun) and here's why: If heat is an enemy of electronic components, and vibration is an enemy of tubes, and gravity wants to work tubes out from their sockets, then why would anyone put an amplifier inside a vibrating speaker cabinet, with the tubes hanging upside down, and the heat from the tubes cooking electronic componets like bacon in a frying pan? That's exactly what you've got when you buy a combo amp. Seems to me that Jim Marshall got it right over 50 years ago. He put the amplifier in its own cabinet. He set up the component chassis at the bottom where it draws cool air. Then set the tubes right side up on top of the chassis with all the heat ventilating out the top of the cabinet. A perfect design in my book.

[@stevenking2980]

Yeah. Then the amp sits on stacks of speakers and rattles even more. Then there's the loss through the two speaker jacks and connections.

[@Desmond000007]

He copied the Wem Dominator

[@jeepmanxj]

Unless you are stacking your head isolated away from your cab then its still going to get shaken to death. Although I prefer the ability to change cabs when I want different tones I still prefer combo amps for taking around.

[@jeffbeck6501]

Also the weight of carrying 80-100 lb Fender Twin with casters from the 70's, versus, just a big lightweight Marshall head, and then a super big but lightweight Marshall 4x12 cabinet. I agree with your sentiments. There is no reason for a combo except portability. Is having one or two speaker wires to plug in at the gig too much work? No.

[@문정애-x8n]

Bourne Accident 44

[@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.

[@substance1]

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

[@jeroendenhertog4975]

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

[@TheBuggy73]

The metal work on an amplifier can be much harder as the electrical wiring. I like the idea of kit. It simplifies the work. Also you don't have to buy all the special tools. You only need a kitchen table to build it (careful and diplomatic with your wife). Could you make a troubleshooting clip for tube amps? This documentation is well done. You know what you are talking about.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@backspin6698]

I don't know much about electronics, but this looks like a well done job.

[@stickyfox]

First of all, the incredibly clear shots of the kit led me to the website, where the incredibly clear instructions influenced me to buy the kit. The video editing is a tad jumpy and confusing, though; the chunks of missing time remind me of being drunk in my college classes. And you gotta admit, it really was kinda a goofy ending. But this video wasn't made to teach video production. He hates Skid Row, he can't be all bad, right? And I bet most people watching this don't even play the guitar.

[@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!!!

[@alzy101]

I have the utmost respect for you and your ability!

[@20x20Ghost]

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

[@videogameattic]

I wish I had the money to build a custom amp like that. That's the best way to go these days.

[@fuzzprobe]

You can just buy the parts one at a time. I usually spend about $700 on one of these.

[@Franticdrummer75]

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

[@JRP3music]

I would love to build one of these. Someday!

[@maycodes]

Hand built. Love the tubes over solid state

[@ianuragaggarwal]

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

[@kk5fe]

@CR3W1SH03S you are 100% correct in that the socket is made from non-conductive material. I used the term socket to be all inclusive, but in fact was not used correctly. My point was only to say that the solder tab was used correctly and is connected to the chassis. I'm assuming the builder was grounding the socket retainer for a reason. Tube shields maybe? dunno.....

[@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!

[@dulupa1]

Great cable you are using. A tollles system fits all nice.

[@Malikon1]

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

[@TruthOldSchoolStyle]

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

[@korelly]

That would be great if there would exist kits like "assemble-it-yourself" with all parts and detailed instructions, like electronic lab projects or construction toys that require no specific knowledge. I am looking for such a kit for building my own vintage tube radio.

[@johnculjak1798]

How can you not watch this 1000 times! Push Ups!

[@rich1051414]

It's easier to solder the ground connection before bolting it to the case. The case will heatsink the ground connection, and may lead to a cold joint.

[@laserldinplug]

Very nice, and I'm really tempted to buy a kit, but I would warn against using the mains inlet socket mounting screw as the safety ground/earth. Use a separate bolt M6 1/4 inch that can be tightened down really hard and use star washers so the safety earth cannot work loose if the plastic socket gets cracked by impact or overtightening. Also, I would drill all the holes before permanently mounting any components so as not to risk getting swarf or other crap in anywhere it shouldn't get.

[@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.

[@taddy666]

I made an amp. It works and sounds just fine but inside it's a disaster. Kind of like my house... and my mind. But this guy has created a thing of great precision and beauty and he makes it look easy. Well done, sir!

[@ahall3823]

Beautifully built!

[@LuisEduardoBraschi]

10:47 "... yeah".

[@p.m-audio]

Amazing Video, Thanks for Sharing with us

[@shotgunrebels]

This video kicks ass. Nice and quick.

[@w9gb]

Another Secret from the Kit Building Era (1950-1989), when you use Small Pattern Nuts, you can use smaller Hex Drivers. As I remember, it permitted Heath-kit Builders to need only a 1/4" Hex Nut Driver and Standard Blade Screwdriver for assembly. gb

[@Satchmoeddie1]

That kit looked a lot nicer than the 5E3. I use a Variac (real General Radio Variac reg TM) and an ammeter when I bring an amp up on line. I was going to put an outlet panel on the Variac with 0-3, 0-5, 0-10 amp meters. I got lazy and use a clamp on with a line splitter. That is digital self ranging, does AC/DC true RMS, peak, smooth crest, peak hold, averaging, and storage. It is hard to read on the splitter though. I will show my junk find box. It screams 15-30 watt head to me, & looks awesome

[@MomentumForgeDesign]

it all wass verry nice and i alway's wanted to make an amp so i was realy happy and than i went to your website and i klicked it away as fast as i could.

[@YiloQuinones]

Great video! I keep my old bass amps in good condition.

[@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

[@Calphool222]

I've been building home built amps and synthesizers for years, and I always drill as I go. If you're expecting to have a clean chassis simply because you drill first, you're kidding yourself. You ALWAYS vacuum out the chassis before you power anything -- it's not just metal fillings that conduct electricity. Blobs of solder, bits of wire, lost screws and nuts, etc. all will conduct, and you can't avoid dropping them in there.

[@TristanJCumpole]

Also, a nice neat way of twisting wire pairs is to chuck the ends up in a small electric screwdriver or drill and hold the component end with two fingers. Nice and consistent ;-)

[@jpalberthoward9]

Sir, your layout and lead dress are beautiful. I've been using 3/16 eyelets on fiber board from Stew-Mac, so all my stuff looks like early Fender. After seeing the turret boards up close, I want to use them. I recently scored a 1966 Leslie cab (122) for $500 with no amp. I have the schematic and I think that's gonna be my next project. The turrets will be cleaner and easier to build, and also a lot less hassle to service. I'm looking forward to giving them a try. thanks,& keep up the good work!

[@alsomehalo]

Absolutely beautiful construction. I am not sure mounting the first voltage amplifier stages on rubber grommets is a good idea and I certainly would not put a ground lug with only one side of those mounting screw for a contact to the chassis. Maybe I missed it but signal ground should be on a floating buss and connected to the chassis at only one point so as to minimize hum as much as possible. Good video and I am a loyal customer of your company.

[@bluesborn]

I wanted to hear the amp opened up to see how close you get to the "Holy Grail" 18 Watt Marshall+Les Paul "Blues breakers sound". What little clean sound I heard sounded very nice indeed.

[@CR3W1SH03S]

@kk5fe tube sockets are always insulated from the chassis due to the fact that they are made from a non-conductor (ceramic or phenolic) and cant by definition be grounded. There are no connections from a tube to the socket itself. The socket retainer is grounded if it is not shock mounted but the retainer isn't connected to anything in the tube either. I guess if he is using tube shields and wanted them grounded, then it would make sense. Anyway, nice neat build.

[@johnqpublic2718]

i have got to get in on this. i've always wanted an 18watt marshall and I've always wanted to build my own tube amp from a kit.