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Old Radio Guitar Amps

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This is the group for Lo-Watt Rock & Blues.

Here is the place to post photos and information on how to convert vintage electronics into awesome sounding and really cool guitar amps.

I am not an expert at amps or electronics, I have dabbled off and on over the years and lately really finding my interest growing in the subject and have decided to put this group together for the more experienced people to join and teach us all...also a place to organize the info found on this site.

if you would like to study this topic more

visit the website

http://radio-guitar-amps.blogspot.com/

Here is an example of the great tone that can be found in a old radio.

there are several directions you can go in this area of amplification, you can hack and convert the existing electronics,(provided the radio still works) or you can convert new cigar box guitar amp kits that are for sale and just use the nifty 50's radio bodies for that awesome retro look and feel....They will match your cigar box guitar and really are a joy to play!

also Amp kits are a great way for the novice to join!

anyone can do it, give it a try, you'll never play name brand again!

Website: http://radio-guitar-amps.com/
Location: 3-string-guitar.com
Members: 258
Latest Activity: Sep 6

9 members like this

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Comment by Sean R. Thornton on September 3, 2016 at 10:53pm: This is perfect! I just picked up a Sears Silvertone 1966 tube radio at the local thrift store for $4.50!! My first thought when I saw it on the shelf was CIGAR BOX GUITAR AMP...

Comment by JohnMan on May 9, 2016 at 10:09pm: Blind Lemon Cello - Sweet. They are HARD to beat!

Comment by Blind Lemon Cello on May 4, 2016 at 8:10pm: Cool JohnMan! Love those EVJ's & Kustom 5 watt amps. Check out my tower of tone.

Comment by JohnMan on May 4, 2016 at 6:57pm: I hope to do a lot more!!! <a rel=nofollow href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7b2atjBsKA" target="_blank"></a><p></p>

Comment by JohnMan on May 2, 2016 at 10:20pm: Sweet

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on April 14, 2016 at 7:08am: Nice find, Bluesheart.

Comment by Bluesheart on April 13, 2016 at 11:26pm

Comment by Blind Lemon Cello on February 19, 2016 at 5:24pm: SWEET, Farmer Ted!!

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on February 19, 2016 at 8:18am: This was an RCA Little Nipper II tube radio which I converted to a guitar amplifier. I removed the old stained grill cloth and tuner dial, and installed a fresh grill cloth. It has my hand wired LM386 amp circuit installed, with a little something extra.

I added a small vintage vacuum tube to the perf board, and installed an LED behind it. When the amp is turned on, the LED lights up to create the illusion that the vacuum tube heaters are glowing. But the vacuum tube is not a part of the circuit.

Comment by Curio Bill on May 18, 2015 at 5:11pm: THANKS FOR STARTING THIS GROUP ON SUCH A FASCINATING SUBJECT!!!!! I have literally never touched a soldering iron before but I do want to learn how to do this!!!