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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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."

[@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.

[@fenderstratguy]

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

[@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'.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@morgan79347]

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

[@saimenmusic]

I loved the "vintage" atmosphere of this video!

[@patrickturner479]

The smile at the end says all...

[@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.....

[@MsCatdograt]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@EnvyInc]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@kk5fe]

@CR3W1SH03S uh.... yeah I'm sure he knows. That tube socket is mounted on the grommets because it needs to be shock mounted, so because the tube socket is insulated from the chassis it still needs to be grounded using the gound lug (the screw head is touching the tube socket to complete the connection) which has a wire soldered to another ground lug mounted on the chassis. Look 9:56 and you will see the wiring.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@harryfatcat]

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

[@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).

[@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

[@iambriannewkirk]

There is nothing better than hand wiring. Great video

[@videogameattic]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@Kek5kopF]

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

[@maycodes]

Hand built. Love the tubes over solid state

[@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.

[@substance1]

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

[@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.

[@julianbarriga8513]

I could watch this stuff all day.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@sirswift23]

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

[@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.

[@SotR59]

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

[@GRAFHC]

Only on the internet would people leave insulting comments about something like this. Who cares if you can buy a cheap, mass produced quality amp from the far East? Who cares if you can solder "better"? Who cares if you think this is a waste of time and money? The kit looks great, the work looks like fun and the results are excellent. Lay off haters, and go outside.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@lidesnowi]

@ahvaimusicom You can use a light bulb current limiter instead but the Variac is the best thing to use as you can controll the flow more gradually !

[@instrumentenfreak]

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

[@paulmallinson6830]

Some really top notch IPC soldering 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.

[@mahdeen.rahman]

porn is not allowed on youtube

[@dickdastardly2560]

Never built a tube amp and don't know much other than plugging my guitars into them, but there are some things about this Kit and video that doesn't seem right. Why aren't ALL the holes Pre-Drilled to the proper size? Also why would you install some of the components and THEN drill holes rising the chance of not getting All the metal shavings out? Don't like that you have to "carefully" bend/twist the the tube sockets, again why can't this already be done or better yet supply the right sockets?

[@johnsmith1474]

I like your critical instincts. It's an old vid, you drill yourself to save labor cost. Perhaps today China is cheaper. Metal shavings can be blown out or via a magnet tool. Being "careful" and self bending is again a money saver. You break one, you get another, but you won't because you are obviously very careful.

[@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.

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

Yeah, I messed up in explaining it, sorry. But I think you know what kind of distortion I'm talking about, right? In the Excelsior, it's very annoying IMO... Anyway, I got something now that sounds pretty nice: an EF184 (pentode) pushing a 12AX7 long-tail PI with 220k's for the plates, 1k2 for the cathodes and 56k for the tail resistor, pushing a couple 6AS5's for around 4w of output at 150v B+! Gets pretty nasty after half volume. The EF184 is like a little cannon of gain! Now, to box it up!

[@backspin6698]

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

[@ramencurry6672]

I have this amp with orange drop capacitors. It sounds great.

[@dulupa1]

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

[@Mauitaoist]

Nice tip, wire the components to the buss wires, then remove the components to make the other connections. Thank you!

[@SuperCarver2011]

Very nice construction, but I have a concern that the punched out holes for the tube sockets in the chassis are at the same level as the pin solder tabs for each tube socket. You have to be very careful with the stripped portion of the wires that fit into the solder tabs and not have the insulation melt back.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Franticdrummer75]

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

[@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.

[@HarmonicaMustang]

wow. it's unbelievable isn't it? all of the music is just a redirection and enhancement of a voltage, and look at what it ends up with? I've got a Marshall (rip) VS15R, which has a reverb that still works on springs (it makes a funny echo noise whenever you bump it when it's on). I bought it on a carboot sale. I LOVE IT!!! Never gonna sell it! rest in peace Marshall. You have made a difference in the world of music.

[@TheLawnWanderer]

a good way to empty the power caps are to play it loudly while turning it off. the caps should get pretty low in voltage after that.

[@KyleCarrington]

Yeah actually... I've been doing a lot of investigating, and quite frankly, you are totally correct. I've changed my whole way of thinking on kits. For example, I just purchased a Grand (brand) 5F1. It's Single-ended Class A design, Handwired turret board, 5 watts via single 6V6 output tube - Single 12AX7 preamp tube Single 6Z4 vacuum tube rectifier, Volume and Tone controls 8 inch 8 ohm Celestion speaker. $166. I may end up changing stuff - but why not buy this!? we'll see, ill make a vid

[@20x20Ghost]

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

[@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!

[@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 ;-)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@w9gb]

6x32 bolts can accept the SMALLER Pattern Hex Nuts. These work with Tube Sockets and were used by both Heath-Kit and Knight-Kit from 1950s to 1980s. Mcmaster-Carr stocks these.

[@mmartinez9764]

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

[@dsaintcrow7077]

How nice to see such a clean and careful job

[@bccritters]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@thinksolve2880]

Lovely looking board

[@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!

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Just built one of these. Added a few mods and damn was it fun

[@YiloQuinones]

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

[@PollinatorMk2]

Beautiful wiring job.

[@insonicbloom]

also make sure to heat shrink the AC input terminals, leaving it bare like that with solid core wire especially (which tends to break when it's stressed) is so dangerous

[@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.