How to build Fender Princeton tube guitar amp kit beginning to end D-lab

Another fine Tube amp theater for your pleasure. This amp arrived kit form to D-lab from a fellow in Kansas. I thought this would be a great opportunity to construct a kit form amp. All went well. I was amazed with the low noise and top performance. I'm sure Classic tone transformers deserve the real credit. They are my 1st choice for super sounding and dependable components. I had a great time making this video. 10 hours invested. I hope you find this of value. I will try to keep the videos coming weekly. It has been difficult with lifes events. I do this for you!

[@MrMrjauregui]

Recovering from surgery now, watching all your videos, thank you Terry!!

[@RUaCEO]

Loved it, the intros to tube amp theater just keep getting better!

[@JobyP]

Hey! I'm the fellow in the video Bashing on this Killer little Amp! It goes from Crystal Clean and Almost Vox like Chime (without ever being Ice Picky) It also hit's Fire Breathing dragon Territory! as well as all the right stops between. Honestly Terry just asked me to play for a minute and I couldn't stop!!! This amps owner should be thrilled. If you wondered why I'm playing a phaser for a moment in the video it's because the D-Lab also repaired my Vintage Musitronics Phasor!!! And I had stopped by to pick it up! I do pedal demo's on my channel if you're into such things Just click on my Picture and you can see my channel. I'll probably have a demo of the Phasor up this coming Sunday... Great Video Terry and Great Amp!!! Happy to see a longer more in depth amp build...

[@lroy730]

And without the Hum of the Re-Issue Fender Champs.

[@JobyP]

Man... It was DEAD silent. Even with the Gain Cranked...

[@JobyP]

I wish Terry would have put the description of the guitar in the video too... It's a 1982 Epiphone Spirt but it was made at the Kalamazoo Gibson Factory. The pickups are actually Original Tim Shaw's They're pretty Hot tho!!! Thanks Chris.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

jobyregrets I used to have that exact guitar! I miss it!

[@JobyP]

K McCoy I was so happy to Find One, I had been keeping an eye out for one for years! I was wanting to buy a J Mascis Jazzmaster (the purple Japanese one) and the deal fell through and I just happened to see this guitar on Reverb. I love it to death! I do wish it had taller frets but she still plays good so I’m not sure I’ll bother with a re-fret.

[@tomcaron9113]

My wife watches Downton Abby, I watch your videos. Thank you!

[@dwebster50]

Inspiration Terry ....pure unadulterated inspiration...This is a blast . Nice gear & I got bitten by D lab . You don’t have to buy a $1200 Fender to have a cool amp. That is for sure ...keep watching for more . The bias and plate volts are critical to the life of a tube amp. The part quality is crucial to its life cycle. Alberta Dave

[@electrolytics]

Another excellent Tube Amp Theater. Always bringing value and entertainment. I even watch most of the radio videos. Great productions all around. Thanks alot!

[@MIKE-D158]

Terry. Your videos are very inspiring. Thanks for all these videos! Loved the tips on the quality socket tips as well as adjusting the bias.

[@lolbou]

Great stuff again Terry, this is of highest value to me! Thanks a lot for all the knowledge, tech stuff and fun as well... I hope life's easier for you by now... Your videos just make mine go up to eleven! Cheers!

[@audiotechlabs4650]

You hit another one out of the park! Great mods and you explained why! Keeping that bias current at bay was one great way to keep that 6V6 from burning up. Thankz

[@knowledge4thepeeps]

Very entertaining!!! I could watch these all day.

[@johnmccabe7645]

a fabulous episode of tube amp theatre! And a great build with excellent tips

[@dylan-reece]

Terry? you are my HERO! that was the best opening credit scene yet my good man!

[@d-labelectronics]

Thank you! I had a blast making the video. Found a cool spot behind a school that looked like an alien planet. The rest was history

[@ukeukeaduke]

Hi Terry. Thanks for the info on this video. I built a 5F1 Champ kit with the same transformer upgrades. Couldn't figure out the noise issues. Checking the bias confirms the same issue that you discovered. Hopefully I haven't ruined the 6V6 tube. Also will try the 560K resistor on pin 5. You have been a great help. Thanks!

[@smstiao-tecnologia]

Hello Tery, plus a highly professional service of yours, congratulations for the result!

[@MrTIM2U]

Groovy baby. I am building a tweed Princeton and intended to repurpose old transformers but after your video, no way! "Or you'll just kick yourself later" I'm ordering new Classic Tone transformers today.

[@Tonetwisters]

That little amp sounds fabulous!!

[@psyolent.]

the oscillating television never heard a cro referred to as that before.. love it.

[@thomascowan1825]

Great little amp build. It just amazes me how you do this, plus you know exactly what to do with components to correct issues and greatly improve efficiency of the over all build. I wish I could attain your knowledge. You are truly a" MASTER" in your field and you do this for fun?

[@anthonyorzino7728]

I’m relatively new to D-lab Terry. You have great expositions! I can tell you love to teach. I’ve been watching and refering a lot lately because I too have a Champ build with all the whistles but no ‘bell(s)’ like tone! I’ve incorporated ALL your suggestions but no success. I already have a store bought new Champ but am building one w/a 10 in. Cab. Oh well… I just wanted to say (I’m assuming that Tele is yours?) that Tele has a GREAT sound. I’ve seen it demoed a few times and love the sound of both pick-ups! No matter who wass playing it. I know it’s the sum of all the parts but those pick-ups shine. Keep the quality coming.

[@Mauitaoist]

Great work thanks for bringing stuff out here for us guys that need this stuff we can't find it anyplace else

[@regortex3364]

This channel is one of the best there is, A+

[@jimcole6423]

Terry, you do an outstanding job all the way around. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!

[@zrkn1]

Very entertaining and usefull also thanks to the young man for the rockin demo. Cheers

[@kevinhealy187]

It was of great value to me. Learned some more. But now I see there is no substitute for experience and Robert Mondavi!

[@okiwatashi]

That sounds great, time to get building. Great video as usual Terry

[@robertphillips597]

That amp has got some serious growl!! Excellent job..

[@BobBlec]

Terry: VERY cool amp build! And Captain Laser ROCKS!!!

[@jonnybeck6723]

Geeze Louise, Terry... that is one sweet sounding single ended jewel! thanx and.... cheers

[@taylorfiddlin]

Can’t understand how there are not more views...or more thumbs up

[@parachuteman4]

Great build and tips on components. That amp sounds great

[@Bigjoedo66]

Another great video!! These little amps scream through a Jensen P10R. Great cleans and great overdrive

[@rciancia]

Terry, another well done episode. Love your advice on the tube sockets, very very good to know. On the cathode resistor, I generally use a decade box but same result. I do agree on the quality components - I also try not to use cheap caps. Great great job Terry..... As always. Ron

[@d-labelectronics]

You must have a high power decade box?

[@rciancia]

Terry, I have a homemade 20W box I made. Only values in there are 470, 1K , 1.5K , 2K and 4K. Its meant for quick tests.. not for leaving on very long :)

[@wadehicks9270]

Mr Terry Sir, I think you do excellent work. And it's also great to watch a video and not have to hear a bunch of cussing all time. Great job Sir and thank you for taking time to make videos to help those who like learning electronics done the right way 😃

[@d-labelectronics]

Thank you Sir, I do like to keep it clean. I agree, cussing adds no value

[@alexdeleon7135]

Well done, Terry.

[@markkinney8257]

Nice! Sounding amp this thing kick butt for sure! Tone that amp is clean and powerful! Cool!

[@DeadKoby]

Hi Terry, I've used the CE Dist Ceramic sockets without issue... However, I put the "bear traps" on them... some type of retainer for non-octals. If I'm giving my amp to UPS, the tubes need NO chance of falling out.

[@afrojack9061]

Captain Lazer!!! In AWESOME condition...I still have mine....from 67

[@d-labelectronics]

Does yours still work? Mine lights, but no sound

[@afrojack9061]

Sadly no..I wish I knew of a way to get him fixed! You my friend have the very best taste in toys,and amps! Wow what else is there? Hahahahahah!

[@TheGuitologist]

Sorry for all the comments today, binging on some of your videos. On the tripod noise, I spray mine with white lithium grease when they start doing that.

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes Sir, I'll have to get some. Maybe try a bit of WD40 for the next production

[@georgelackey622]

Very nice! Sweet sounding amp!

[@michaelinglis8516]

Another great video, so much fun to watch!

[@stratocaster3374]

Great video Terry. Love your channel. Could you share a schematic of the 3 speaker jack upgrade on this 5F2 video?

[@remley8877]

Danger...warning Will Robinson! Love the video 😆

[@kendavis8046]

Great video. Great advice. Great entertainment. I'm now at a loss for words, except to say thank you for the wonderful content!

[@brentstewart59]

This is a great video and a sweet sounding little amp. Thanks Terry I gotta have one of these now... cheers buddy

[@skycarl]

Once again great information that is very hard to find out there. Thanks again Terry.

[@davea.8499]

Oh yeah, this is real intertainment. Im going to have to watch it over. Im building this same amp.

[@PhuketMyMac]

Great video and nice Tele

[@drplasmodius]

Great video Terry!

[@johnsimms3957]

Your videos are awesome Terry!

[@d-labelectronics]

Thanks man, I'm trying to up the game a bit

[@ryanjephcott]

Your videos are brilliant and much appreciated!

[@Germinalx]

Use this player from now on. Finally sounds like an amp someone would want!

[@MrBeblis]

Love you channel, I have learned so much thank you for everything you do. My question is do you sell kits? The kit in the video is made by which company?

[@Tonetwisters]

How about making and selling these kits? And thanks for doing this stuff for us. I'm a player not a fixer, and I love this stuff!

[@bevo65]

Awesome tutorial. Also, thank you for your service -- AIM HIGH!

[@LooseOrangeJuice]

That intro was on point.

[@russellhltn1396]

I think it would be interesting to add a switch to connect/disconnect that feedback. Yes, it decreases gain, but it also makes it more linear - that might be desirable for certain sounds.

[@augusteaston-calabria2422]

Thank you! These videos are incredible. I'm gonna start building!

[@TheRoiderien]

Negative feedback lowers the distortion and also the output impedance of the amp, which leads to a flatter frequency response. Whether that's good or not depends on what kind of sound you're looking for out of the amp. The distortion could clearly be seen on the sinewave that Terry showed on his scope.

[@flintdavis2]

What’s Terry say about that?

[@boogierandy7547]

You're great Terry.

[@charlesw318]

Great Work Terry can we order a kit like this one?

[@jameswallace5967]

Great tone!

[@Valerifon1]

What an awesome build and video! I wish you were in Houston so I could apprentice with you for 2 or 3 months! Ha@ 😉👍 Could you have used a pot to determine what value you needed on the bias resistor? Thanks - Luther

[@steveh1273]

I bought a Marshall clone from a "reputable" clone amp maker that has sockets that look like those Beltons at the 5:00 mark. After taking the tubes out of them once, the pins are coming out with the tubes. They literally would fall out if up ended. Had them all replaced by a local amp tech.

[@teleguy2650]

Great video. Could you have used one o/p jack with a 3 position selector switch?

[@Bob-sv6rv]

Awesome, thanks for all the information. But I rather buy one from you. Without all the right equipment and experience, let the experts take care of it. D-Lab really knows what they are doing. Thanks again.

[@TRIPLET987]

I love this man so much, that intro 😂 Genius!!!

[@medhawk4885]

What you do definetly is of value to us sir. How much does a kit like that cost?

[@adriensauvaget2058]

Great vid as usual Terry ! Interested in that very nice Wavetech Function Generator you have here, is it a tube device ? Also do you know the approx size of the faceplate height by width ? Thanks and keep on the good work !

[@whynotme5926]

I am wanting to build a champ or Princeton for my first amp build. I have an old hammond Ao-33 amp and I need to figure out if those transformers will work for either one of those. I also have a bunch of el 84's and 5u4's, 6au6 , 12au7's, 12bh7, and I have some 12ax7's. I am retired so my money is tight and I probably can't buy a kit. So, if I can figure out what parts I have that will work and what parts I have to buy, I am about ready to go with it. Between, you uncle doug, and guitologist and a couple more, I think I have gathered enough information to make a mess!!!!!!!. Thanks.

[@BryanSmith66]

thanks for the video

[@czgunner]

Where do you get those good tube sockets?

[@RamonRayPinon]

Hello Terry! Your videos are great Love the way this amp sounds. Where did you buy kit and do you build and sell these?

[@gastonb2745]

Love it! Always entertaining and very, very informative. Almost makes me wanna buy an oscilloscope! Haha. Hey, but I have an important technical question, Terry. What vintage wine do you drink when assembling an amp like this?

[@d-labelectronics]

Robert Mondavi

[@tacmason]

way cool-also a better Guitar / Amp tester. Good stuff Terry !!

[@PecanPie1102]

Thanks, much better then Netflix or News. How much did it cost?

[@OIE82]

I guess since the PS is unregulated theres no way to calculate the bias resistor size?

[@brucetaylor8973]

If you don't use the 22K resistor to the speaker jack, what happens with the wire? Do you just leave it disconnected and if so, do you even need to put that resistor on the board to begin with?

[@richardmartin1491]

Hi, really like your lessons! I have question! I have a Marshall JVM 410 h. It started with a loud crackling poping sound. I replaced all four power tubes and tried switching out and replaced two of the Ecc 83 tubes. I get no output sound from speaker cabinet. It's a 1960 lead. Can get sound from the FX-loop return, When guitar is jacked in there. The amp has very few hours on it! I looked at the boards, saw no damage or Even ware. Only thing I could find is the 16ohm Jack for a single cabinet, dose not feeling like a tight Jack plugged in. The other inputs all feel much tighter. Can you tell me what voltages should be for bais for power tubes.

[@tommessina5973]

Hey Terry watched this video by you along with another one today and I have a question about the symmetry to the sine wave output on your scope. It does not look like you have equal positive and negative sides of he waveform. I have seen this before on my scope also and I ended up changing an inverter tube in the amp I was working on to fix this issue and recently I saw an Uncle Doug video where the amp he had on the bench had the same kind of output although I don't recall how he fixed it. I was wondering if the next time you build either a push-pull 6v6 or one like this single 6v6 if you could please show the waveforms at the output of the first preamp stage and then also at the output of the inverter as it would interesting to see if the waveform has changed in one of those stages or in the output stage. Thanks and I really like your videos also.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

You sir are a legend! I WILL BUY AN AMP from you one day! works of art by a master builder ! HE should have gotten an Opti-Plex circuit though too.

[@karst41]

Great great stuff!

[@CC-te5zf]

Is that a PMEL sticker on the old audio generator?

[@perrystcolumbia8647]

Dear Terry, I am in process of this same build and I have carefully followed all of your suggestions as to mods to the layout as provided. My power transformer puts out lots of juice with 100 Ma output so I substituted a 1 K ohm 5 watt resistor for the 470 and of course the amp doesn't work. When I measure, I don't seem to have much if any B+. Any pithy suggestions?

[@Expedition18]

What kit? Very interested as well. Thanks 😀

[@83roadstar]

How about A Mesa Boogie Tremoverb repair vid,at your convenience of course! :)

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

Brilliant

[@kornami8678]

Good video and build but I would put the negative feedback (NFB) in because the asymmetric sign wave distortion (2nd harmonic?) at low power levels was rather obvious. That's typical of class A amplifiers. I know some people don't like NFB. And I guess guitar players are not adverse to distortion and even embrace it.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Really enjoyed the video and tips Terry. 73 NE5U Mike

[@nymsmacgregor7232]

Could you please tell us how to wire the multiple jacks, at the very least, a 4 ohm and 8 ohm pair of jacks using an OT with a 4 and 8 ohm tap....? Thanks....Nyms

[@johnwrench4speed]

Nice video. I am a bit of an ignoramus when it comes to building and wiring amps, so my question: Is there a direction to wiring resistors (I see all of those different color bands and in different order, what to they mean?)? Thanks.

[@d-labelectronics]

Hello, no polarity to resistors, the color bands are their value. You can find charts on the web

[@axe2grind911a]

Hilarious intro! Where did you buy they kit and how much did it cost?

[@d-labelectronics]

Thanks, That Robot, I received for my 8th B-day. I did not buy the kit, it was sent to me for construction. I believe MojoTone sells them.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

D lab strikes again

[@alanhoggard4554]

nice, where did you get the kit?

[@a.n.2504]

Where can I get a kit like this?

[@joepalooka2145]

At 21:28 that resistor has the dreaded label "OMC China". How much more is an "OMC USA"?

[@harislondo2962]

Great !!!

[@silvermica]

That first part of the video made me feel like I was at Woodstock and I took the brown acid.

[@sneifert1968]

Link to this kit?

[@derekdlick2516]

The intro of this video makes want to watch the btbam mordecai video.

[@raythemanroe]

How can I get a hold of you about building a JCM type amp?

[@TheDesertRat31]

Glad I found this video. I have a 5F1 kit I'll be getting to soon. Couple questions: do you have any preference between the grass plate ground bus vs. A wire ground bus? My kit is meant to have a wire, but I've been thinking of getting a piece of brass and go that route.... also an the output impedances, I'm guessing you can only use one at a time, yes? I have a a multi tap OT as well, I may go with a switch since I'm not sure multiple jacks will fit. I have a 65 bandmaster with a bassman output tranny (from a prior owner) which has a multiple outputs. My speaker jacks have been wired so that the extension output is a different impedance (with a 3rd, unused output capped off inside). I don't know, however, what impedance that alternate is. What's the best, safest way to verify? Thanks and great video!