I Built an Amp! Should you?!? - Trinity Amps 5e3 Tweed Deluxe

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’m happy to answer any questions about something I didn’t address specifically in the video! Anyone considering building an amp?

[@andyjohnstone7903]

I may hit you up with some questions in the near future. I just started my trinity 5E3 build, and have populated the board. I should have taken your advice and started with something smaller to improve my soldering game. We’ll see how it goes and hopefully I haven’t just purchased a tweed paperweight!

[@boyscoutguitarist3921]

Question: do they come with the box that houses the amp, no idea what the offical name is.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

@@boyscoutguitarist3921 cabinet? Speaker cabinet? Cab??

[@boyscoutguitarist3921]

@@russellesimonetta3835 I quess, I didn't realize It's a shared name between Speacker Cabs and Combo amps, but thank you still

[@triumphnacked]

Great sound. I just finish mine, exactly same kit as yours, but mine have a realy fluby bass. Tooooo much bass. What speaker you use? Have you keap the stock coupling caps values? I use a greenback 25w in mine, and i will change all the 0.1uf coupling for 0.022, to try to have a better bass response. I have a new speaker in the mail, an Eminence 1258, 75w. I will try différents things, because right now, realy not like the sound.

[@jeffmartin52]

I built the Trinity 5E3 Kit about six years ago, my first electronics build of any kind. I have to admit it was a bit intimidating but the instructions are great and I completed it without a problem. I was amazed at the gorgeous sounds that poured out of that amp on the first note! Since then I’ve built a ton of stuff and really enjoyed the hobby but I would take Michael’s advice and start smaller. For one thing, this amp is incredibly loud! If you live in an apartment you probably couldn’t even use the amp at home. I rarely use mine anymore because the sweet spot rattles the windows. A 5F1 would certainly be a great first build, lower parts count and the simplicity of the circuit make it much more manageable if you’ve never built a tube amp. The volume is considerably lower but you still get the sweet Fender tone. Michael mentions Rob Robinette and his website, it is a gold mine of info, take full advantage of it. He also has Deluxe Micro and Champ Micro projects that use the preamp section of the 5E3 or the 5F1 paired with a 1 watt power section using a 12AU7 as the power tube. These are true bedroom or apartment amps. You get the classic Fender tones at very manageable volumes. I just finished the Champ Micro and it is the answer to a great tube amp that I can play any time of the day or night and not worry about bothering my family. I don’t like posting links on other folks channel but if you’re interested just search Champ Micro on KZbin, also go to Rob Robinette’s site and he has a couple links to vids.

[@davidmcdowell5492]

I built a Trinity 5E3 last April (2020); it was an incredibly satisfying experience! I had built pedal clones before but this was my first foray into amplifiers. Stephen at Trinity is very approachable and the amp turned out great! I learned a lot about what makes amps tick and It looks so good that it is sanctioned (by wifey) to live in the living room. I hung a nice strat beside it and anytime I feel like kicking a tune, it's all right there!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Awesome! Sounds like a good situation!

[@trinityamps]

Thanks for the great video and summary. Really appreciated the playing as well. It brings it all together. Congratulations on a great build!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Loving the amp and all the great tones. Can’t wait to build another kit of a different circuit!

[@richardcatalinajr.369]

Michael - very impressed with the build, the tone and your demo. I really like your sound.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@chopperguyz]

I have almost pulled the trigger several times on that exact trinity 5e3 kit. I don’t know why I haven’t.

[@GeriTuS]

wtf what an amazing song man! i came to see the build up and i blow up when u rock that tune!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

That was really fun! Never thought about building a kit amp, great idea! Nice playing too! From cloudy & chilly Ireland! ☘️☮️🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮️☘️

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for watching!

[@multilecful]

Well done Michael, it looks and sounds great. I am building mine from scratch. The down side is sourcing all the parts, the upside is you get to do your own thing. For me the biggest frustration is the cabinet, which for me at least is the largest time user. Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Can't wait to build another one in the future (different circuit). I'm considering sourcing the parts my self if it's a smaller build. More work for sure!

[@Hunter-xw9pl]

Thank you so much for making this! I’m definitely looking forward to building this thing.

[@JesseJuup]

Superb tones there and a very tasty palette of guitars used in the demo! 👍

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@dr_tomK]

This is a really video. Thanks for making it. I've been considering doing an amp build since I started following forums on the TDPRI site and after I saw Rhett Schull's video on making a Tweed amp in a class. Two things. First, what is the guitar you're playing at the end of the demo track? It looks a bit like an old Japanese Kent or a Kay or something similar. Second, how is it this video has nearly 7,000 views and only 250 likes? Come on people! Credit where credit is due.

[@houseofshred3725]

Man, that sounds killer!

[@fredmillard5018]

Terrific video. Your guitar playing is very tasteful. Thanks.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@acooper8910]

Nice video, man. I started building 6 months ago (on the same whim as you). I went bigger and leapt in with a JTM50. A few squarks and headaches later I had a brilliant sounding amp. I already owned some real vintage Marshalls and the homebrewed amp knocked the spots off them. Self-building means one uses superior components to what's in the "legendary" amps - so no surprise they sound different. Since then I've knocked off Blackfaces Bassman & Deluxe Reverb, a Hiwatt DR504 (whoah! the best yet), a Trainwreck Rocket and I'm about to start a Selmer Treble n Bass. Long and short - I don't use any of my vintage amps anymore cos they all sound flat and lifeless.😄

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Wow! You’ve been busy. I would love to build a Marshall next. It’s one major flavor I don’t have covered

[@acooper8910]

​@@MichaelWWestbrook Not a lot else to do in lockdown😄. Marshalls are fairly easy builds - the older 60's Plexi circuits especially. They were basically a Fender 5F6 circuit, so not a million miles away from your Deluxe.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, so I’ve heard on the old Marshall’s. I actually have a Bassman clone that I’ve been researching and am going to mod to get a little more in the Marshall territory. It sounds great but the Bass and Treble EQ doesn’t do much at all. There are a few things that aren’t “stock” so I’ve been going through it learning and figuring it out. I’ve got the bug 😂 I’m opening up all my amps now

[@acooper8910]

@@MichaelWWestbrook The tone stack in a Marshall is later and the last pre-amp stage takes the signal off the cathode rather than the plate. Probably just easier to make a JTM45 than mod a Bassman (well, that's what you tell your conscience/partner/bank account😄). First amp I did was a kit but after that I went free range. Scour ebay for old transformers & junked amps - you can get the cost of a build down by half. And yes, it's certainly a bug that gets right under your skin. Pretty liberating though - I used to have at least 2 blown amps at any one time waiting to go for repair. Not any more.

[@ksmjc1969]

Awesome video thx for all the great opinions and options very well done !

[@gariepyf]

I'm playing a Trinity Tramp with a P-Bass and bass cabinets and it sound awesome. No issues and great sound for a couple years now. Great Amps!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Killer!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Great idea - I'm getting a cab for my bass instead of buying a specialized bass amp!

[@ericcartman8354]

I’ve been looking at amps, now I’m going to build one, thanks

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Do it! I loved the process and now I have a great amp.

[@jackbart1960]

Watch out this can be addicting ;0) Nice looking work. Good advice on building a Champ first .

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I’ve got the bug for sure. I’m actually thinking about building a Champ next. Easier build but I’d like to have a low watt option - smallest thing I’ve got now is around 12 watts.

[@ScratWorks]

I’m getting ready to build the same 5E3 from Trinity. They have the 4 & 8 ohm switch which I notices you have wired up. How did you wire up the NFB switch? The NFB mod from Robs site shows two different resistors depending on 4 or 8 ohms. Did you just put those resistors in line before the switch and them wire up the jacks to the 3way after? Just looking for some guidance to avoid a headache of trial and error. Thanks...

[@erikhartley2494]

You should do their OSD model next!! Btw the tone sounds really really good. Surprisingly smoother (more like the high powered twin) than I expected.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’d love that! It may be a little more complex than I’d want to take on right now. I also don’t have the budget for another build any time soon 😢

[@fonkymonkeys]

Really like your videos! Keep up the good work!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@DarthEcoli]

Very cool, Michael! It sounds awesome. I'm planning on my first build to be a Trinity Triton as a replacement chassis for my Gretsch Electromatic G5222. The Triton should be a bit easier to build since it only uses three tubes and a 5 watt class a amp.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Very cool! I thought about picking one of those up too. Looks fun

[@HipGuitar]

Excellent video ! Thanks for sharing. I have two Trinity Amps - one of which is a 5E3. I had them build them for me though - LOL !

[@Mountainrock70]

Great jam!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@amyramsey9100]

freaking awesome great vid and tunes, what song is that sounds like a cross between zztop and jetro tull

[@TomandTheBrokenHearts]

Nice work and great playing Michael! Nice guitar collection too, but your guitar chops are the main thing.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thank you! I really do appreciate it

[@MrGuitarfreak132]

Hey @MichaelWWestbrook what speaker did you use for your 5E3? Thanks!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Tried a bunch including the Weber 12A125, Gold, Blue, etc but my favorite is the Eminence GA-SC64. It’s great with pretty much everything honestly.

[@MrGuitarfreak132]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thanks for your response! I really appreciate it I've heard great things about that speaker, usually in a blackface deluxe reverb but that's interesting it sounds so good in a 5E3! By the way your channel is underrated! I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers because your content is excellent and you're a phenomenal and creative musician. Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with the world!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thank you!

[@levistine6733]

Sounds great! How were the instructions? Did it have step by step directions or just a picture of the layout?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Instructions were very in depth and had additional info about tube amp circuits and whatnot. Maybe not as in depth as some I've seen (it doesn't give you diagrams/photos for every little step) but very good with plenty of pictures and diagrams along the way!

[@ToothyGus]

Such an awesome project.

[@Hunter-xw9pl]

I found your page after deciding I too want to build this amp as my first. Are there any pieces of advice you’d give after you finished this process?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Watch my recent Marshall build video. I talk about a few things in that video that might be helpful. Other than that, take it slow and measure all your resistors before you install them. Also find high quality photos of a successful build to help you with the wiring - this will help you keep things neat and noise free. It was helpful for me to read a lot and take in as much info as possible. Even if only retain part of it, it’s helpful

[@norsangkelsang7939]

sounds great....

[@johnmirabile3535]

Hi Mike, Do you know why trinity amps dont show the 5e3 kit on their site? And also if they dont offer them anymor, do you know of another good company? great video...

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! I’m not exactly sure but my guess is because of supply chain issues they removed kits that aren’t available? I’d email them if you are interested!

[@johnmirabile3535]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Ok, if i pull the trigger and they have one would you send me some mod info? ty for responding.

[@corv1981]

Great video, do they sell the amp head box with the kit? Would not need speaker cab if using IR,s etc

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

No, got the head cab from Guitar Cabinet Outlet on Reverb. Really great stuff. I also have a 1x12 to match but I record at home a lot using IR’s so the head is convenient

[@bluecajun2000]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m thinking about building a 5e3 as well. Will be my first amp build. I probably should upgrade my cheap Radio Shack soldering iron first. I’m curious: What make and model soldering iron/station did you use? Would you recommend it?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’m using a basic red Weller. I don’t know the model but it’s on bottom of the spectrum price wise. I’m not sure how much difference a “nice” iron would make in this situation. What I mean... is I actually don’t know but, I had no issues with mine.

[@daniwest1370]

Great Stuff!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@stringsnare]

was the kit instructions fairly good? i havent built anything in so long, and i havent done much electronics work in soooo long. thanks for your help!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

They are! You have to make sure you read through them a couple of times. Also, finding photos of people builds online was helpful - seeing how the wiring was done and kept tidy was helpful for me.

[@joshuamichael4312]

I'm about to pull the trigger on the 18w Marshall TMB amp head kit, just have to clear it with the wife first. Should be a fun first amp build!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’d love to build one of those one day!

[@joshuamichael4312]

@@MichaelWWestbrook heck ya. I will document my build and will comment here when she's done so you can see it. I'll probably do it from a different channel though.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Sounds great!

[@amyramsey9100]

i built 4 folding exponable horn speakers with 2 8 inch older rockfords .i cant beleive how good they sound . design came from the 80s from a local builld t=your own speakers and they ate a couple of high end pioneer recevers back in the day , i have to get them up o and going now that i can get vinll. any sugestions would be awesome. i have never done anything that involved . and for a basic amp i dont need that type.just something to bring these monsters going again

[@jz6965]

Awesome Brother, Great Tone and Thanks for the helpful info links. Always wanted to build one of these,but never got around to it. What is the guitar your playing on the solo at about 8:48 and was that straight into the amp.? Many Thanks Again Michael. God Bless...

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! The solo is a 60’s Silvertone Jupiter. It needs some work and doesn’t currently play very well...but still sounds amazing! It always inspires me! And yes, that is the amp cranked! Volume all the way up, tone all the way up. Almost sounds like a fuzz pedal or something. Very Neil Young-esque

[@jz6965]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Nice sounding guitar and does have that fuzz vibe thing going on. The Pickups sort of have that gold foil thing, hot but not .Real unique sounding. What might they be ? Are they a single coil ?

[@jz6965]

Actually, I'm in the process as we speak removing the chasis from a Matchless DC-30 . That 2x12 combo has got to be the heaviest amp ever made.I ordered a Head Cab from Phil at Matchless and it just came so hoping to cut the weight in half or so, I see you have the HC-30 also. One of my favorites of all time,but it will peel the paint of the walls if cranked and Master is bypassed.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I believe they are a type of DeArmond gold foil pickup. Not sure if they are single coil or humbucker honestly. I always assumed they were humbuckers because they have pretty strong output.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, in the 2x12 it’s so heavy! I had a Bad Cat Black Cat 2x12 combo (like a C-30) before I got my Matchless. I knew if I put in a road case there was no way I could lift it by myself! I sold it and bought my Matchless in a 1x12 combo and additional head case. Incredible amps!

[@6xcchamber971]

Are the components of good quality or would some need to be upgraded???? Your honest opinion would be greatly appreciated. B

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Components are top notch! That’s one reason I went with this kit. I didn’t feel the need to upgrade anything. I swapped a few caps for different values/brands but not because of inferior parts.

[@6xcchamber971]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thanks Micheal it is good to know ahead of time if I was to want to do this in the future! B

[@caiofilipini]

Good stuff! I've been building a bunch of DIY pedals over the last few months. What mic preamps and compressors that are usable in a home-studio setting would you recommend building? Thanks!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! I’ve built stuff from Seventh Circle Audio (out of business now I believe) and CAPI. The CAPI stuff is amazing but most of it is 500 series. There’s also JLM, and stuff from Hairball. I’m sure there are others too but that should get you started down the rabbit hole 😂

[@caiofilipini]

@@MichaelWWestbrook I'll check those out, thanks for the pointers!

[@tim9house]

Sounds great

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@ChrisAllenCombs]

great job!!

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Fun stuff!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I was a bit nervous but really enjoyed it! Especially when once it was up and running!

[@scotthendry8505]

Hey Michael! Did you purchase the cabinet from them as well?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

No, got it from Reverb. I wanted a head/1x12 cab. Guitar Cabinet Outlet. Really great quality stuff.

[@scotthendry8505]

@@MichaelWWestbrook funny you should say that, I was looking at their stuff on there and it looked really great. Any duty at the border on it Michael??

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

No issue or duty on it. Shipping was pretty quick too

[@maxs.5163]

Great job! For this price it should sound decent))

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Still love it and use it all the time! Actually tracked with it this morning and am still impressed with it.

[@UlisesElMagnanimo]

Es muy cómico ,youtube intercala publicidades de flacos con IA haciendo con programas y computadoras "¿música?", basura. lo opuesto a la propuesta de tu video, sin empeño ni sacrificio. Mas allá de ese tip, magnifico, me encanto un gran trabajo. felicitaciones y exitos

[@hiseminencetheholymacdiarmada]

If I ever built one, I would want a special made face plate with the volumes going to 11 😂

[@scottmoreau3478]

I am trying to decide between this kit and the one from Mojotone. It looks like Mojotone sells everything you need in one package where as with Trinity, you need to add on the cabinet and speaker. I like that Trinity is Canadian but have seen more Mojotone builds out there.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’ve heard great things about the Mojo kit. The instructions look great and everything seems top notch. I chose the Trinity because some of the parts might be a little better but over all I would assume they are very similar. The Mojotone kit does have cloth covered wire (the Trinity did not) which is cool and period correct. The instructions for the Mojotone look to be a little more specific and detailed as well.

[@scottmoreau3478]

Michael W. Westbrook It does seem as though quality is pretty comparable! I think Mojotone is struggling with orders right now due to Covid so I am tempted to give Trinity a try!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I had to wait on mine from Trinity as well (waiting on transformers) but the communication was amazing! It’s been my go to amp lately.

[@macsmace7693]

Nice head cab. I think that guy makes all sorts of cabs too.;)

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, it’s great quality stuff!

[@daniwest1370]

Is it cheaper than buying like a tweed blues junior?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I don’t think so but it sounds better imho

[@dldavidmusic]

Hey Michael - Thanks for this video! I've been looking into building. I like the idea of a deluxe. You also confirmed the path to success - start with a pedal kit or two and graduate to a mic-pre. Been looking into CAPI for sure. I like the 500 series size profile and CAPI $$ for my home studio. Really appreciate the advice!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah! I built a VP28 and 2 op amps a few years back. Great stuff!

[@RsqSqr]

How is the component quality is it good?. Or cheap Chinese stuff

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Really good on the Trinity kits. That’s one reason I went with their kit.

[@dingalarm]

Nice amp build, and excellent playing ! In the interests of your safety, however, I would suggest that you please avoid using both hands when checking voltages (4:45). Instead, as per this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epyolGhuYtuKmZY (and others on Tube Amp Safety), first attach the (black) ground lead from your multimeter to the amp chassis. Then, keep one hand in your pocket, and use your other hand for measuring voltages with the (red) multimeter probe.

[@MrGibsn1960]

It's that a danelectro fab tone on your desk!?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah! One of my first pedals

[@MrGibsn1960]

@@MichaelWWestbrook nice! My very first was the DOD grunge pedal. I think my second was the Danecho.

[@Drifter215]

Is there a kit like this for a bass guitar

[@GuitarJawn]

Do you like Victory Beer? I see your poster behind you, it's funny I live like 10 mins from the brewery.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Nice! Yeah, I used to really like the Golden Monkey. It’s a little on the sweet side for me these days.

[@wrzkace1]

i want to build one that looks like a lot if fun. id like to do a 1-12 combo fender clone

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, the tweed deluxe is typically in a 1-12 combo but I like having the head for studio work.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Diodes on the rectifier - take them out, they'll be massively high current, if catastrophic failure occures they'll do nothing plus they'll make the amp sound worse. The current limiting resistor worked for your grand-pappy and is good enough young man! ;o) Edit: Be VERY careful what you read online, get the Philips and Mullard books on amp design that are still in print plus some radio building manuals - manna from heaven!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Unfortunately, I'm not finding anything to support what you're saying here. These mods come highly and fairly unanimously recommended. Thanks for watching and your input!

[@BillyBlaze7]

cool vid bro

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

Where did U get the cabinet?

[@RobertNolan]

I wonder what the difference is between this kit and the Mojotone kit that, for basically the exact same price, comes with the speaker or without is actually cheaper? I noticed they have a B15 and I'm kinda interested in that too.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

The Trinity kit is actually a little cheaper and has a couple of more features - standby switch and switchable speaker impedance. (8 or 4 ohm). I’m just looking at the amp with no cab or speaker. I sourced the cab separately (I wanted a head/1x12 cab rather than a combo) and I had a speaker I wanted to use already.

[@RobertNolan]

@@MichaelWWestbrook ah I see now. Yeah the mojo kit is cheaper if you've gotten the whole thing from them.

[@stevegrisafi5206]

@@RobertNolan I built the Mojo kit a few years ago and it's great, except it comes with no written instruction. Just a layout drawing and a schematic. Still, it was pretty easy to build. Out of 7 amps, this is the one I use most often.

[@RobertNolan]

@@stevegrisafi5206 this being the mojo or this being the one featured in the video?

[@stevegrisafi5206]

@@RobertNolan The Mojo 5e3

[@johnsimms3957]

Are the instructions easy to read? I can't really read schematics.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I don’t read schematics well either but they include a layout diagram and instructions. Between both of those you can do it with our even looking at the schematic!

[@toddzino58]

Recommend learning how to read schematics. It can help you if the need for troubleshooting arises.

[@anthonysilva5312]

Did you build the cab?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

No! From Guitar Cabinet Outlet on Reverb. Really high quality stuff, would recommend!

[@gibfen1235]

Enjoyed the build but am confused about the "how we hear" your output. You mentioned it briefly and indicated it was explained more in another video. I've watched all your videos and although I do remember you briefly mentioning this, it was, again, not in any detail. Most of us visualize the output being a speaker driving a recording mic. Apparently your output setup is different.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’ll do a video showing and talking about it in detail very soon! Basically, the Two Captor that I show sitting on top of the amp is like a silent speaker. If you play an amp not hooked out to a speaker it will damage it. It has to see the load or resistance of a speaker. The Captor responds like a speaker in that manner but outputs the amps signal so it can be recorded silently, directly into the computer. But... it still doesn’t have the eq/coloration of an actual speaker. I use software that uses Impulse Responses to give me the speaker aspect of the sound. Impulse Responses are basically representations of different speakers/cabinets. That’s a long explanation to say it’s an Analog/Digital hybrid set up for recording silently. More and more these types of setups are being coming popular though the exact hardware varies. I’ve been really happy with the tones and the flexibility.

[@gibfen1235]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Cool. Thanks for the detailed view!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

SS housing?

[@christophercarter7134]

This guy is great he deaf needs some sposers

[@BlindingSun_]

Can you do a twin reverb? 😂😂

[@thedevilriders101]

The kit is over $1000 USD!!!! I could pick a decent used Fender amp for that!!!

[@sboy1955]

Yep, but it won’t be hand wired.

[@RTdaddy]

I agree, for that price I can find Mesa's all day long around those prices and they are hand wired.

[@TK-uo7cb]

anyone reckons this dude looks like tenhundred?