Crafts
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Tips for Making a DIY Amplifier?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A DIY amplifier may be a great choice for anyone with basic skills and tools necessary to make electrical connections, but safety precautions must be taken and a bit of research beforehand will ensure a quality final product. The most important tip for building a DIY amplifier is to research the various plans available to ensure the finished product has the sound capabilities the builder wants. The cost of the project can vary depending on the type of amp being built, so a budget will also need to be drawn up to ensure the builder can afford the project.

Once the plans have been selected and the budget drawn up, the parts for the DIY amplifier will need to be assembled. This can be difficult if the amp will be customized, though most parts can be purchased at an electronics store. Tools will be necessary to complete the project, and one of the most important tools needed for the DIY amplifier project is the soldering iron. Soldering is the process of connecting metal elements using heated flux, and the process can take some practice. Before the builder decides to solder wires and other elements together, he or she should consider practicing soldering technique on scrap pieces of metal or wire. The process of unsoldering pieces should be practiced as well, as the beginner is likely to make some mistakes early on.

Vacuum tube amplifiers, which tend to produce louder sounds than solid state amps, were commonly used by musicians prior to the 1970s.
Vacuum tube amplifiers, which tend to produce louder sounds than solid state amps, were commonly used by musicians prior to the 1970s.

All the elements of the DIY amplifier will need to be contained somehow. The container for most amps is known as the cabinet, and very often the cabinet is made from wood that is cut and sealed properly. If the wood is not sealed properly, vibration can occur that will alter the tone of the amp and possibly lead to breakdown of components. The wood is usually covered with a protective material known as tolex, which is lightweight and durable enough to withstand scrapes and some impacts. Tolex is usually black, though other colors are available. The builder should plan out the size and shape of the cabinet before beginning work on the DIY amplifier.

The type of amplifier being built will often dictate not only what parts will be necessary, but also what kind of sound is produced once the DIY amplifier is complete. Tube amps use vacuum tubes that give a distinct sound quality, while solid state amps produce a different sound quality. The type of amp being built needs to be determined well ahead of time, as this will impact the size and shape of the cabinet, the sound quality of the amplifier, and the different components that must be used to create the circuitry.

Discussion Comments

Markerrag

@Logicfest -- I do wonder how popular a hobby this is these days, what with modeling amps and all sorts of inventions that allow guitarists to access a huge variety of tones and effects and blend them together as they see fit. An all digital amp or effects pedal that makes it relatively simply to customize everything to a ridiculous degree means those tone chasers likely have to twist dials rather than solder components together to achieve a certain sound.

Of course, there is still something to be said for finding out for yourself how an amp works. That might make it easier for people to understand how certain factors can affect the way an amp sounds and could help people program their digital amps just right.

Logicfest

This can be a difficult thing to pull off (especially for a novice) but the results may well be worth the effort. Take "tone chasers," for example. Those are the cats that want their guitar or bass to sound a certain way.

Brian May of Queen fame was one of those and he achieved his signature tone by using a custom, homemade amp.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vacuum tube amplifiers, which tend to produce louder sounds than solid state amps, were commonly used by musicians prior to the 1970s.
      By: SeanPavonePhoto
      Vacuum tube amplifiers, which tend to produce louder sounds than solid state amps, were commonly used by musicians prior to the 1970s.