How To Build a Tweed Champ Kit

[awepluckit]

Great vid!! Ready for vintage tone for small clubs. Can you tell me more about the tele your playing in this video?? American standard or Mexican?? Sounds very Tele....Love it!!

[TubeDepotTV]

@awepluckit - the guitar is a 1986 Japanese tele I bought used in 1988. The bridge p/u is a stacked Seymour Duncan tele humbucker and the neck p/u is a Seymour Duncan vintage rail strat pickup. This is my main "gigging" guitar since the humbuckers eliminate most environmental noise. Of course, it is a fun guitar to play too ...

[yearginclarke]

Thanks so much for posting this, this is a great briefing for beginners. Amp sounds great too.

[TubeDepotTV]

@yearginclarke - The amp sounds even better live.

[ltbproductionz]

Hi if you are looking for good hip hop samples check me out

[ltbproductionz]

Good stuff man if you need some sample kits hit up my vids

[bluesrock75]

mitiiiiicoooooo......yyyeeeeaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa......

[TubeDepotTV]

@bluesrock75 - excellent ...

[BriansProjects]

Great video! I'd love to do one of these in the future

[TubeDepotTV]

@BriansProjects - It is a great amp and fun to build.

[Arabhacks]

There are a few changes I would make.

First. mount the audio output transformer away from the power transformer, it can even be mounted on the basket of the speaker.

Second, center tap transformer filament supply, or plop in a bridge rectifier and cap and supply the filaments with DC.

Also I would dump the rectifier tube and put in a full wave rectifier with modern diodes.

Now make sure that nothing is connected to chassis ground, even the 1/4 " jacks, double insulated.

[TubeDepotTV]

@Arabhacks - these are all potential changes (not necessarily improvements). However, this kit is a reproduction of an amp built in 1957. Therefore, in keeping with that historic format, the amp is designed as it is. Overall, I can attest to the fact this amp sounds incredible just as it is. And good sound is the ultimate deciding factor to whether an electrical design is good or not.

[guitarslf132]

How much is the pre built equivilant?

[TubeDepotTV]

@guitarslf132 - the Fender 57 Deluxe, the pre built version of this amp is $2000

[STICKMANNINJABOY]

is there a list of components that you need or does the components come with it?!?!?

[TubeDepotTV]

@STICKMANNINJABOY - the kit comes with all the parts needed to build the amp. You only need to provide the labor and the tools.

[STICKMANNINJABOY]

@TubeDepotTV Thats Awsome im thinking of buying the kit, how much does it cost?

[TubeDepotTV]

@STICKMANNINJABOY - $499.95 USD

[alejandroasoto]

What is the purpose of the two 100 ohm resistors on the preamp tube?

[TubeDepotTV]

@alejandroasoto - This tweed champ power transformer doesn't come with a center tap for the 6.3V filament power (just like the original). Therefore, in order to reduce hum, this filament line must be referenced to ground somehow. These two resistors form a pseudo center tap ground reference for the filament AC power.

[dawg1157]

how did you put labels on the front of the project box? laser printer?

[TubeDepotTV]

@dawg1157 - The chassis already had the lettering applied. Although, for one-off projects, I use a label printer to print labels on clear plastic. Then I stick the labels on the unit. I have label tape that prints both black on clear and white on clear which covers most projects. I've also used decal paper with an inkjet printer. It is a longer process, but much better when making multi-color graphics.

[dawg1157]

@TubeDepotTV Sweet!...Thanks for the quick response, Sir. :D

[greensp4rk]

rob, just bought this kit and theres something i'm not 100% sure about: are you supposed to solder the resisters/capacitors into the PCB or do they just sit there?

[greensp4rk]

@greensp4rk never mind, i missed it in the video but I see now that you ARE supposed to solder them. Its such a short clip i missed it the first time.

[TubeDepotTV]

@greensp4rk - excellent, glad all is well.

[TubeDepotTV]

@greensp4rk - all the components should be soldered to the PC board.

[funnygangink]

can you do a video on how to mod a fender champ 600 to sound a bit louder and more like a tweed amp .

[TubeDepotTV]

@funnygangink - the only way to make the fender champ sound louder is to power more efficient speaker(s). If you improve the efficiency of the load (speakers) by merely 3db, it would be the same as if you doubled the output power of the amp. And it isn't really possible to make the amp more "tweed" sounding since the amp doesn't have a tube rectifier ... as well as other tweed like features. Better to purchase a tweed champ.

[96lolstar]

What kind speaker is that?

[TubeDepotTV]

@96lolstar - The tweed champ kit comes with the 8" Jensen MOD, and this is what is installed in the amp.

[mickye1944]

nice vid... question for you TubeDepot - why the nail polish? Any particular reason or no glue on hand?

advance thanks.

[TubeDepotTV]

@mickye1944 - Great question. The bright color of the nail polish lets me know which nuts and screws I treated. Additionally, nail polish is somewhat easy to break free if for some reason I wanted to remove the screw / nut connection.

[kevykev38]

I learned absolutely nothing from this video. Your basically showing how to drill holes. You talk nothing about soldering and the right and wrong ways of soldering. No talk about the components (resistors and Capacitors).

Damn guy!

[TubeDepotTV]

@kevykev38 - This video is describing how to assemble the tweed deluxe kit I designed and market here at tubedepot. The "How To Solder" is my earlier video (check it out).

[fingerboy18]

@TubeDepotTV Don't worry about that dick. I found the video pretty entertaining. Don't be afraid to have it be a little longer. I would watch an hour long build if you made one.

[funnygangink]

can you do a build video or at least sell a kit on year site for a vox ac4tv or something like that thanks thanks. Or even a how to build a fuzz pedal thanks.

[TubeDepotTV]

@funnygangink - The tweed champ and the Vox AC4 share a great deal in common. And the fuzz pedal is a cool idea, although it is hard to beat BYOC(dot)com for pedal kits. They are awesome.

[TheRealRayJ]

The end was a little cheesy haha, but awesome music. That tambourine on the kick pedal is an awesome idea.

[TubeDepotTV]

@TheRealRayJ - of the kits I've designed, this champ still sounds the best. The tone on the end of this video is truly awesome. It was a recorded on site (outside, downtown, in Memphis) with a Shure SM57 straight to the camera. Everyone needs one of these amps. And oh yea ... the tambourine was a cool touch too. I'm my own rhythm section.

[ILikeJuice]

Hey, Rob, what do you think about star grounding the amp?

[TubeDepotTV]

@ILikeJuice - Star grounding requires a bit more work since the input and speaker jacks must be insulated from the chassis and a central grounding spot must be established. I've found that the any noise improvement with a star ground is very minimal in comparison with the additional work. I use tri-grounding technique where I have separate grounds for the AC power (third prong on power cord), DC power, and signal.  This has worked well for most guitar amps and is simple to implement.

[dumapies]

need more of these videos!

[TubeDepotTV]

@dumapies - what amp kit would you like to see next?

[dumapies]

@TubeDepotTV

i noticed on your site you have several hi-fi tube amps, maybe one of those? specifically the "model 16ls" stereo amp 

[TubeDepotTV]

@dumapies - I love the 16LS kit. It is fun and quick to put together. I think it is even faster than the tweed champ to assemble. I will make just such a request to the powers that be. You have a great idea.

[dumapies]

@TubeDepotTV

thanks! it will be greatly appriciated. I never had the, lets say courage, to attempt one of these but I'd be very interested in trying the 16LS kit

[Malikon1]

Nicely done man, you make it look easy.

[TubeDepotTV]

@Malikon1 - it is really easy. I've had many people who have put this kit together in just a few hours. And the final amp sounds great ...

[flashpadxxx]

How long did it take you to build the whole amp??How much is shipping to germany??

[TubeDepotTV]

@flashpadxxx - This amp can easily be constructed in two evenings or less, depending on your soldering skills. Send an email to me at work to get the proper shipping - tech(at)tubedepot(dot)com

[matanglawin65]

@TubeDepotTV

Hi I'm Bonifacio Matanglawin from the Philippines. How can I get a complete Kit of the Tweed Champ Kit?

My email add is fm_dalida@yahoo.com

Thanks

[San5a]

where did you take the PCB????

[TubeDepotTV]

@San5a - I designed the PC boards and then sent the designs to a company that built them for me.

[San5a]

@TubeDepotTV is it expensive? which company?

[TubeDepotTV]

@San5a - expressPCB

[BennyCrap]

Okay thank you!

[BennyCrap]

Nice video! I live in Denmark. How much do you think i will end up paying for this kit?

[TubeDepotTV]

@BennyCrap - the shipping would probably be around $175. The kit is $500, so total would be around $675 shipped to Denmark.

[TubeDepotTV]

@urentertainment - No problem, I thought it was funny. I had to go look up who Justin Long was. The kit for the tweed champ runs about $500. The 18W clone runs about $650.

[TubeDepotTV]

@urentertainment - That Justin Long gets all the best girls too.

[sxayaxang]

where you get this kit

it look very easy to build, i would like to try one

[TubeDepotTV]

@sxayaxang - this is a fun amp that is quite easy to put together. I think it is one of the best sounding amps we've heard.

[hcgazoo]

Way too cool! Great job!

[TubeDepotTV]

@hcgazoo - glad you liked it. The amp sounds even better in person and the build is great fun.

[holmes1978]

WOW IMPRESSED !!!

[TubeDepotTV]

@holmes1978 ... thank you, thank you very much.

[danlovesnan]

Is this city Portland? It's nice...

[TubeDepotTV]

@danlovesnan ... It's Memphis, TN ... birth place of Blues and Rock n Roll. This is where TubeDepot is located. And that is me playing downtown on main street. Surprised I didn't get cited for panhandling.

[danlovesnan]

@TubeDepotTV

cool city!!

[perfuzz]

@Rob - Do you ever go point to point wiring in you're builds? You even got a 1 - 12 pot on it. Groovy! My builds only goes to 10. ;-)

[TubeDepotTV]

I'm working on a point-to-point kit right now. It will be similar to an 18W clone, with a few good mods to make it more applicable in a gigging situation. Check out my videos on building turret boards and you will see me constructing the boards for this amp. The red does look great!

[ahvaimusicom]

hey Rob, any chance you could do a video on the JTM45 Kit you have?

[TubeDepotTV]

Oh yes ... I would love to do just that. Thankfully it is a somewhat easy build. There is lots of room inside to move around. Once I get all the parts to build this amp in stock, I will begin the manual and the video. If you want a template layout for the turret board, just send me a message.

[ahhotdogg]

when i saw this, he reminds me of both of  the guys from two and a half men...

He looks a little like charlie but is skinny and lanky and gay like alan

[TubeDepotTV]

It's easy to see why I was usually the last guy to be picked for the dodge ball games in school (I don't want him ...you take him). So, I did the next best thing, I became a guitarist ... and electronics engineer ... lol. Keep the cool comments coming.

[ahhotdogg]

@TubeDepotTV

Sorry man, thats knd of me to.. ha

[ahvaimusicom]

@TubeDepotTV hey Rob, can you make a video on some real basic amp mods? where is a good place to learn how to build amps onliine as im a Canuck, speaking of which they won! lol

[TubeDepotTV]

You can try London Power (do a google search). They are a fantastic company with terrific mods and they are located in Canada!

[stringbender1982]

where do you get your amp kits from?

I've been told that the mojo amp kit should be the best...

[TubeDepotTV]

Mojo makes very good chassis' and cabinets. Not sure if they are able to handle special requests though, you would have to ask them.

[ahvaimusicom]

the only down side they used UPS for delivery when i ordered, it took me 5 days and 1 delivery try for my Hiwatt;s power transformer to get to my hands! ARG

Unbelievably

Poor

Service

[TubeDepotTV]

what company was this that provided the poor service?

[stringbender1982]

Okay, I don't know how he made it fit.

The add on reverb from weber should fit in a high powered twin amp cabinet.

I haven't tried...

I'm hooked on getting one of these tweed Twin amp kits one day. maybe next year..

[TubeDepotTV]

He probably had a special chassis made so all the additional components would fit. Like you, I would like to have a hi power tweed amp as well.

[stringbender1982]

Fender is already making digital reverb in the new Bandmaster. I don't like that. I like the thought of building a reissue of a vintage amp. But why built it with digital effects? I think the reverb in a tweed Twin amp should be running by tubes. I know Redd Volkaert got a amp with this. And it is homemade by one of his old friends.

[TubeDepotTV]

The typical pre-punched chassis for the tweed twin has limited space, probably not enough for the two additional preamp tubes and reverb driver transformer needed for an all tube reverb circuit. However, if one folds and punches their own chassis, then it would be quite easy to make the necessary space.

[skaboosh]

what a nice video.....

[TubeDepotTV]

The amp turns out super nice too. The tone is just incredible and records effortlessly. Something about the low wattage and 8" speaker, something magical when it makes it to tape ... or computer.

[skaboosh]

one day, when the pocket is more full, i'll be getting one...the champ is such a classic

[stringbender1982]

What about make a tweed twin amp?

A high powered... ;-)

And maybe add a built in reverb

[TubeDepotTV]

Hmmm ... I love that thought. An 80 watt twin with reverb, perfect! I've been working on the reverb circuit already, although I'm leaning toward a digital reverb for ease of application. But, I'm still debating.

[J3sst44]

You know, I never thought of doing the little hook on the end of the wire when trying to solder it xD

Thanks =P

Oh well, I don't solder much anyway, but I'm gonna try and do some electronics stuff soon.

[TubeDepotTV]

The hook in the end of the wire really helps the wire stay where it is put while soldering. I'm glad I could help you.

[johndoe3243]

Can you post more videos of you playing? Thanks!

[TubeDepotTV]

There is one of me playing a tele through a Deluxe Reverb that is on our main TubeDepotTV youtube account, check that one out

[jessie102]

Oh, man great video, are you ended any electronic school or is it your passion? For the next video would be nice to see another amp, but more difficult, maybe some old Marshall?

[TubeDepotTV]

I will definitely do a Marshall style build sometime in the near future. I'm looking at both the 18W and the 45W versions. And my electronics interest was sparked when I was an aviation electronics technician in the Navy.

[guitarshredda2]

would it be possible to get this kit without the cabinet?

and how long would it take to recieve this kit once i've ordered it?

Thanks!!

[TubeDepotTV]

I can offer the kit without the cab. Just give us a call and I'll work up a quote for you. Our website TubeDepot(dot)com has all the contact info.

[kk5fe]

this looks like a great amp kit! Can this also drive bigger speakers? or maybe two tens?

[TubeDepotTV]

There are two output impedance selections, 8 or 4 ohms. As long as the total impedance is one of these two values, you can drive as many speakers as you want. I think two ten's (or more?) would be incredible sounding!

[CardsharpPro]

love your videos man.... really.... in my opinion it would be nice to see a video where you illustrate the difference in sound between different preamp tubes (jj, EH, svetlana, etc) in the same amp of course... keep work o videos cause u made wonderful ones!!!!!

[TubeDepotTV]

This is a good idea. Of course, a brand that sounds good in one amp may not sound good in another. Hence the ever growing chase for great tone.

[Lamaza07]

More videos on guitar amps, effects pedals and all about the guitar

Thanks !

[TubeDepotTV]

Hmmm ... maybe a video on cool Boss DS-1 mods?

[Lamaza07]

yes !!

[Lamaza07]

you are the best !!!!!

[TubeDepotTV]

Thank you ... what videos would you like to see next?

[johnwhittemore]

Rob, you said, "take your four nuts..." I only have two.

[TubeDepotTV]

me too ...

[elbenaso]

Great video as usual. Regards from Spain. Awesome job, dudes. we're really learning from you. Thanks

[datalaforge]

I just bought some tubes(jjel84's) from you guys. They sound great. Thanks. By the way I love this video.

[ziziva]

i love this guy!