A friend has asked me to build an AC30 clone. Having looked around all I could find was this:
https://www.freebird-guitars.at/ac30/en/
The physical layout doesn't look optimum but the circuit looks reasonable. Has anyone built it?
https://www.freebird-guitars.at/ac30/en/
The physical layout doesn't look optimum but the circuit looks reasonable. Has anyone built it?
Kind of an open question—Are you looking for a kit? Building from scratch? I haven't built an AC30 personally, but I have scratch built 10 guitar amps to date—Most of the major Fender circuits, 2 Trainwrecks, a Marshall and a Dumble. All are awesome in their own ways....Tube-town in Germany apparently has great kits (they used to have an AC30 clone kit), as does Mojotone in the US...
Here's the premier US landing spot for mostly Fender DIY builds.
The Fender 5E3 is also highly regarded and unique and oft compared to the AC30... My 5E3 gets daily use.
Here's the premier US landing spot for mostly Fender DIY builds.
The Fender 5E3 is also highly regarded and unique and oft compared to the AC30... My 5E3 gets daily use.
I would have bought a ready made chassis if one existed - well two as it is L shaped. I don't have punches so I'm not the neatest at cutting valve holder holes.
I was just wondering about the design - the physical layout is a bit strange and if I read it correctly the wiring diagram shows the ripple circuit wired through the star point. If the circuit itself is fine I can build it my own way.
I was just wondering about the design - the physical layout is a bit strange and if I read it correctly the wiring diagram shows the ripple circuit wired through the star point. If the circuit itself is fine I can build it my own way.
I think the chassis for that amp is overcomplicated in total when looking at the cabinet requirements etc. Were I to build one I'd probably change it. Half the fun of this for me is laying out a chassis...plus I tend to love master volumes and other mods—while still keeping the original circuit as an option, so not being beholden to another's idea of layout is nice.
Here's some schematics.
Grounding is of course some voodoo as usual. I'd peruse some of the layouts here where ground schemes are concerned...every one of the amps I've built following Rob's ideas are quiet to some varying degrees—"hiss" can be a thing depending on design and resistor methodology. And this treasure trove of good info.
I don't use punches—I might if I had a set—step drills are easy to use in aluminum or steel—the secret being to drill a pilot hole so the bits don't wander, get a deburring tool to go with. Not giving advice—just what I've found in this journey.
Here's some schematics.
Grounding is of course some voodoo as usual. I'd peruse some of the layouts here where ground schemes are concerned...every one of the amps I've built following Rob's ideas are quiet to some varying degrees—"hiss" can be a thing depending on design and resistor methodology. And this treasure trove of good info.
I don't use punches—I might if I had a set—step drills are easy to use in aluminum or steel—the secret being to drill a pilot hole so the bits don't wander, get a deburring tool to go with. Not giving advice—just what I've found in this journey.
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