My first DIY build

[DaveBorn2Rock]

Hey guys.
I already posted this at Harmony Central but thought I'd share with you all too.
I just build my first amp. It's a single ended, 20 watt, 1 channel tube amp from AX84.com (it's the P1-exteme). 1 EL34, 1 12ax7 with lots of room for future modding. It's been a great experience.

More pics here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39466758@N04/

I've been recording clips all day so here you go.
I think I had the tone knobs pretty much at noon for all of them to give the most standard/base/unaffected example I could, so the only significant difference in the clips is the gain. Also these are all unboosted and I think the amp hangs in there pretty well for the rhythm parts but it really get a smooth rock lead tone--you'll hear what I mean.
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/54-Jailbreak.mp3
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/5-Back in Black.mp3
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/58-Pride and Joy.mp3
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/50-Lenny:Electric Gypsy.mp3
I started messing around with Electric Gypsy at the end because I remembered that this thing can get that tone REALLY well but then I decided it really deserved to be done right so I didn't go any further with it.

 

[212Mavguy]

Niiiiiiice! Way to go!

 

[DaveBorn2Rock]

Niiiiiiice! Way to go!

Thanks!
I'm starting to think it's a virus or something though because I'm already starting to make plans for modding it to a higher gain model. :lol:

 

[212Mavguy]

Nah, not a virus, only an infectious addiction! :shock: 8) Same thing that happened to me when I redid my silverface Champ...

 

[MrMason]

Sounds (and looks) awesome! Great job! :twisted:

 

[DaveBorn2Rock]

HAH!
I finally got the last parts I needed to finish modding this thing it to a heavy duty 80s metal machine!
Muahaha....
more pics/clips will come soon.

 

[DaveBorn2Rock]

UPDATE:
So about a week after finishing this amp. I looked at the next higher gain model and decided it looked to easy to mod my amp to that model that I couldn't pass it up.
I got all the parts and seven hours later was done....except I accidentally forgot to order 2 parts. So finally about 2 weeks after starting I was able to get my hand on those last parts and finish it. That was just over a week ago.
I spent the last week making clips so without further ado I present my new AX84 Single Ended Lead.

Since this was my first amp and my family has Norse heritage I've decided to name it Odin and hopefully when I'm COMPLETELY done it will look something like this:

If I can't get my hands on mesa knobs like that I'll probably just go for white chicken head knobs.
More photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39466758@N04/sets/72157621225481579/
I'm currently using an EL34 getting about 10 watts but if I want I can put in a KT88 or 6550 for about 20 watts.
The gain on this is GREAT and with a boost is
I spent this week making tracks for 3 Bad Religion songs (one from each of their last 3 albums). I also made a Coheed Cover but am still struggling to get some passable vocal
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/19-Supersonic.mp3
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/5-The Quickening.mp3
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/35-Requiem For Dissent.mp3
When I get time I will also do some Ozzy and some VH

 

[MesaGod666]

Very clean soldering. Cheers!!

 

[DaveBorn2Rock]

Very clean soldering. Cheers!!

Thanks.
Here's another quick clip I threw together.
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/49-Panama.mp3
Gain's maxed out volumes at 9 o'clock. I threw on some compression and a phazer in the DAW. It's just a quick single tracked job but I think it turned out alright. I just restrung my guitar so it went a little out of tune throughout the song so apologies for that.

 

[boogieslayer]

real nice job !

sounds great !

 

[DaveBorn2Rock]

real nice job !

sounds great !

Thanks
I have ONE more clip and then I'll stop bothering you all
This is a sloppy little cover of "Bark at the Moon" I threw together. I double tracked the rhythm guitars and single tracked the Solo.
http://www.netmusicians.org/files/8-Bark at the Moon.mp3

For anyone curious all the other songs were done with my Fat strat, I did this one with my Jackson Warrior.

 

[soundchaser59]

Very cool sound! Unexpected surprise! I could do this, thanks for the peek!

 

[clutch71]

Sounds good Dave. Can't wait to check it out!