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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on April 17, 2020 at 12:40pm

One puff is just a DIY if you dare sorta thing, but I haven’t seen anyone selling kits of them? Low watt tube amp kits start at about $200 & go up to $500 depending on output wattage? it’s kinda kool sounding, bluesey dirty delta sound at higher volume? If your looking to build a 1watt solid state, look for the Punch amp, a lot easier & safer to build, plus parts easier to find? Good luck :)

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on April 17, 2020 at 1:23pm

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Permalink Reply by Terry on April 17, 2020 at 1:29pm

I don't see your word, John. Can you try again, but click HTML editor before you post. It's in the top right hand corner of the reply text box.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Hunter on April 18, 2020 at 2:33am

Tube amps are cool but it the transmormers that bump the price. there are plenty of solid state amp kits at much more reasonable prices.  LM386 based amps are quite popular . or there are many circuits for transistor/mosfet based amps of various watages.. CB Gitty sell a kit with everything required except the box.

 

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on April 18, 2020 at 8:32am

Very true, a Hammond 125 output transformer starts at $45+

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Permalink Reply by David L. on April 18, 2020 at 11:23am

Hi,

There are plans for a low voltage overdrive circuit that gives a nice valve sound if you use it in front of a solid state amp circuit (or amp module).

The info is here 

http://beavisaudio.com/projects/valvecaster/

If you google “Matsumin  valvecaster” you will get many hits, but I found the Beavisaudio easiest to follow.  It will work off a 9 v battery, but will rapidly suck it dry so best to aim for a regulated wall wart power supply once you are happy the circuit works.

I liked this circuit due to the fact I could get it to work and it was low voltage (and so much safer for me to play around with). Another big plus is that you can get the 12AU7 tubes cheap off eBay.

It could be cheap alternative to get to play around with a valve circuit without the expense that comes with making a valve amp.

Regards.

David L

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on April 18, 2020 at 12:42pm

Yes, a good wall wart is the best thing for any tube pedal.(best not to buy a generic one?) But I would use a 12v power supply, 9v puts a clamp on the headroom & can get woofy or flat sounding depending on what tube is used: (AT7, AU7, AV7, AX7) the heater on 12A series preamp tubes require a minimum of 12.6v to operate? But this is a good preamp circuit, especially if you’re looking to push a tube amp over the edge, this can give it a kick?

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