I've really gotten into my Class A amp

[MadAsAHatter]

You may have caught my post from a few months ago about my Class A amp build. Since then I've been enjoying the hell out of it. It's not just bias because I built it myself. I really love the way it feels when I'm playing. It has such a dynamic response to my fretting and pick attack. And it's the only amp I have that I can crank into power amp distortion without blowing out my ears.

Granted, on it's own I'm not going to get more than 70's-ish rock distortion out of it. But with some high output pickups and a boost in front I can get into some early 80's metal territory. Even with the extra push out front it still retains the same dynamics.

The down side (if you can call it that) is it's only 5 watts. While this can get to a decently loud volume it's not going to keep up with anything more than light drumming and soft bass. I can compensate with my PS100 though to boost the volume.

This one is 100% a British voiced amp. I'm ready to expand into something American voiced to have more tonal range available to me. The next project in the lineup is to have a go at building an Allen Chihuahua. It's a 10 watt Class A and from my understanding it's based around a Fender Champ, but with more tonal shaping abilities.

The point I'm getting to is now that I've had the opportunity to play a Class A amp for more than 5 minuets I've really come to appreciate what they can offer. I've mostly been a high gain rhythm player, but the dynamics I can get out of this has truly opened a new path for me to explore. The lower distortion doesn't even matter. I can still play the thrash riffs I love. They sound just as good, but get a completely different feel and inspiration from playing them through my Class A.

 

[midnightlaundry]

Cool man. Class A is bouncy.
I had a Mesa Transatlantic 15. It had a 25 watt mode but it wasn't beefy enough to hang with a rock drummer. 4-El84's will get you there tho.
I really loved the Vox mode on it. It was glassy and greasy at the same time.

 

[griff10672]

Sounds like your ready for a bigger build !!

 

[EricRemillard]

You may have caught my post from a few months ago about my Class A amp build. Since then I've been enjoying the hell out of it. It's not just bias because I built it myself. I really love the way it feels when I'm playing. It has such a dynamic response to my fretting and pick attack. And it's the only amp I have that I can crank into power amp distortion without blowing out my ears.

Granted, on it's own I'm not going to get more than 70's-ish rock distortion out of it. But with some high output pickups and a boost in front I can get into some early 80's metal territory. Even with the extra push out front it still retains the same dynamics.

The down side (if you can call it that) is it's only 5 watts. While this can get to a decently loud volume it's not going to keep up with anything more than light drumming and soft bass. I can compensate with my PS100 though to boost the volume.

This one is 100% a British voiced amp. I'm ready to expand into something American voiced to have more tonal range available to me. The next project in the lineup is to have a go at building an Allen Chihuahua. It's a 10 watt Class A and from my understanding it's based around a Fender Champ, but with more tonal shaping abilities.

The point I'm getting to is now that I've had the opportunity to play a Class A amp for more than 5 minuets I've really come to appreciate what they can offer. I've mostly been a high gain rhythm player, but the dynamics I can get out of this has truly opened a new path for me to explore. The lower distortion doesn't even matter. I can still play the thrash riffs I love. They sound just as good, but get a completely different feel and inspiration from playing them through my Class A.



That's fantastic to hear, MadAsAHatter! Building and enjoying your Class A amp sounds like a rewarding experience. It's great that you've discovered the unique dynamics and versatility it brings to your playing. Exploring different tonal ranges with an American voiced amp like the Allen Chihuahua sounds like an exciting next step. As I was browsing through the CashtoCode casino world on casinosanalyzer, I came across the following cashtocode casino LeoVegas Mr Green Casumo All of these casinos are featured on our website. The ease and security of the CashtoCode payment system adds an extra layer of comfort to your online gambling experience. Rizk Casino Royal Panda Dunder These are just a few of the casinos that use CashtoCode as their preferred payment method. These casinos offer a wide variety of gaming experiences.

That's fantastic to hear, MadAsAHatter! Building and enjoying your Class A amp sounds like a rewarding experience. It's great that you've discovered the unique dynamics and versatility it brings to your playing. Exploring different tonal ranges with an American voiced amp like the Allen Chihuahua sounds like an exciting next step.

 

[LPMojoGL]

You may have caught my post from a few months ago about my Class A amp build. Since then I've been enjoying the hell out of it. It's not just bias because I built it myself. I really love the way it feels when I'm playing. It has such a dynamic response to my fretting and pick attack. And it's the only amp I have that I can crank into power amp distortion without blowing out my ears.

Granted, on it's own I'm not going to get more than 70's-ish rock distortion out of it. But with some high output pickups and a boost in front I can get into some early 80's metal territory. Even with the extra push out front it still retains the same dynamics.

The down side (if you can call it that) is it's only 5 watts. While this can get to a decently loud volume it's not going to keep up with anything more than light drumming and soft bass. I can compensate with my PS100 though to boost the volume.

This one is 100% a British voiced amp. I'm ready to expand into something American voiced to have more tonal range available to me. The next project in the lineup is to have a go at building an Allen Chihuahua. It's a 10 watt Class A and from my understanding it's based around a Fender Champ, but with more tonal shaping abilities.

The point I'm getting to is now that I've had the opportunity to play a Class A amp for more than 5 minuets I've really come to appreciate what they can offer. I've mostly been a high gain rhythm player, but the dynamics I can get out of this has truly opened a new path for me to explore. The lower distortion doesn't even matter. I can still play the thrash riffs I love. They sound just as good, but get a completely different feel and inspiration from playing them through my Class A.

I had the Allen Classic 10. Similar to the Chihuahua, single ended 10 watt amp, but I think more tweed voice and more available gain vs the more blackface voice of the Chihuahua. I could be wrong about that. It was a great amp. Loud 10 watts, with very direct feel, ton of bark, dynamics and harmonics. Tube changes made a big difference. Allen amps in general seem to be great. Looking forward to your build!

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Sounds like your ready for a bigger build !!

That's the plan. Even though I'm mostly confident that I could put something together only having a wiring diagram & schematic I still like the crutch of instructions as a fallback. I would have went with sourcing parts instead of a kit, but the Chihuahua is what I was looking for in my next build and just happens to be a kit. The ultimate goal is to tackle one of @burger PCB project boards. I'm eying and looking forward to doing either his Cali, MCII or MTL. At some point I may do all 3.

I need to PM you at some point when I'm ready to start a smaller project. I've been wanting to build a tube screamer to take the place of my TS5 if you'd be willing to sell one of yours as a DIY kit.

I had the Allen Classic 10. Similar to the Chihuahua, single ended 10 watt amp, but I think more tweed voice and more available gain vs the more blackface voice of the Chihuahua. I could be wrong about that. It was a great amp. Loud 10 watts, with very direct feel, ton of bark, dynamics and harmonics. Tube changes made a big difference. Allen amps in general seem to be great. Looking forward to your build!

I looked at the Classic 10 also. I decided on the Chihuahua because I wanted something with more that one knob for tone shaping. From clips I think they both have similar amounts of saturation once you start cranking them. Reviews I've read about the Chihuahua say pretty much the same thing as the Classic 10; loud for 10 watts, great bark with lots of dynamics. So I think it's more of a difference in voicing than anything else.

I probably won't order it until after the holidays, but I'll post a thread once I do.

 

[LPMojoGL]

That's the plan. Even though I'm mostly confident that I could put something together only having a wiring diagram & schematic I still like the crutch of instructions as a fallback. I would have went with sourcing parts instead of a kit, but the Chihuahua is what I was looking for in my next build and just happens to be a kit. The ultimate goal is to tackle one of @burger PCB project boards. I'm eying and looking forward to doing either his Cali, MCII or MTL. At some point I may do all 3.

I need to PM you at some point when I'm ready to start a smaller project. I've been wanting to build a tube screamer to take the place of my TS5 if you'd be willing to sell one of yours as a DIY kit.



I looked at the Classic 10 also. I decided on the Chihuahua because I wanted something with more that one knob for tone shaping. From clips I think they both have similar amounts of saturation once you start cranking them. Reviews I've read about the Chihuahua say pretty much the same thing as the Classic 10; loud for 10 watts, great bark with lots of dynamics. So I think it's more of a difference in voicing than anything else.

I probably won't order it until after the holidays, but I'll post a thread once I do.

It was good. Wish I still had it.

 

[DanTravis62]

Unlike most in this forum, i absolutely love class A stuff.

The dynamics can be unbelievable

 

[griff10672]

That's the plan. Even though I'm mostly confident that I could put something together only having a wiring diagram & schematic I still like the crutch of instructions as a fallback. I would have went with sourcing parts instead of a kit, but the Chihuahua is what I was looking for in my next build and just happens to be a kit. The ultimate goal is to tackle one of @burger PCB project boards. I'm eying and looking forward to doing either his Cali, MCII or MTL. At some point I may do all 3.

I need to PM you at some point when I'm ready to start a smaller project. I've been wanting to build a tube screamer to take the place of my TS5 if you'd be willing to sell one of yours as a DIY kit.



I looked at the Classic 10 also. I decided on the Chihuahua because I wanted something with more that one knob for tone shaping. From clips I think they both have similar amounts of saturation once you start cranking them. Reviews I've read about the Chihuahua say pretty much the same thing as the Classic 10; loud for 10 watts, great bark with lots of dynamics. So I think it's more of a difference in voicing than anything else.

I probably won't order it until after the holidays, but I'll post a thread once I do.

I've got all the pieces here in my shop to build a Cali .... including a fully populated circuit board .... I've only built one amp so far ... my 2204/JEL ... which I love ! So ... for me it requires that extra time to be able to " really " pay attention to stuff .... especially voltage .
And I just Aint got the time ....... lol .... unfortunately .
As far as a Screamer kit .... I could put one together for you no problem( every part you'd need ) .... I even have enclosures already done if you want to use my 808 Screamer enclosure .... if not we can get you a custom one .....