Metroamp kits ??

[JTyson]

Anyone have any hands on these? How close are they? Been kicking around building one of these forever. They get great reviews. I notice they have a new kit available that is a JMP clone, in addition to the Plexi kits. Anyone??

 

[killertone]

I have a 50 watt Metro plexi clone. It is awesome. Metro kits are the best out there by far. George knows his stuff and his kits ate right on the money as far as tone goes. I also built a PTP 2203 board that I am thinking about dropping in to my JMP when I get the time. I really couldn't recommend the Metro stuff more highly, they are just awesome. Also, the forum over there is really great for support during your build. Lots of knowledgeable people there that are always glad to help.

 

[Anonymous]

If what you seek is killer Marshall replica tone, accept no substitute. Great build instructions, unlike Ceriatone where you are pretty much on your own to figure it out...

Steve

 

[CaseyCor]

What kind of knowledge do you need going into this build?

 

[JTyson]

If what you seek is killer Marshall replica tone, accept no substitute. Great build instructions, unlike Ceriatone where you are pretty much on your own to figure it out...

Steve

yeah, I dwnldd the build manual, was very impressed with how well done it was. Its only 400 more for them to build it. That seems cheap seeing that it would take someone who is nothing more than a hack like myself quite a bit of time while I wrestle constantly with my OCD Sorry Steve, I somehow put half what I wanted to ask you in my reply to Casey maybe I should not do this eh??

 

[JTyson]

What kind of knowledge do you need going into this build?

From what I have read so far, if you can solder well, and know how to use a meter, and have a bit of fundamental electric knowledge, you could do it. They really lay it all out well for you. My problem would lie in the fact that if their was any kind of problem, I would be kicking myself for not letting them build it. I really want to do it myself though For someone like Steve, this would be like putting butter on bread. I have noticed in past threads that Steve has a signal generator and a scope on his bench, (if I remember correctly) I'm sure that stuff would greatly help if there was a problem- Steve- could you pull this off without them, and be confident in the result? I guess I'm trying to figure out wether or not I should try it. I have good quality meters (fluke) and some knowledge (I repair appliances for a living) a fantastic bench to lay it all out on, but have no amp-building experience, but I can solder well, and know how to use a meter. I do need an amp cradle though. I figure with so many Marshalls here, I could learn a thing or two Or build an expensive smoke bomb

 

[CaseyCor]

What kind of knowledge do you need going into this build?

From what I have read so far, if you can solder well, and know how to use a meter, and have a bit of fundamental electric knowledge, you could do it. They really lay it all out well for you. My problem would lie in the fact that if their was any kind of problem, I would be kicking myself for not letting them build it. I really want to do it myself though For someone like Steve, this would be like putting butter on bread. I have noticed in past threads that Steve has a signal generator and a scope on his bench, (if I remember correctly) I'm sure that stuff would greatly help if there was a problem- Steve- could you pull this off without them, and be confident in the result? I guess I'm trying to figure out wether or not I should try it. I have good quality meters (fluke) and some knowledge (I repair appliances for a living) a fantastic bench to lay it all out on, but have no amp-building experience, but I can solder well, and know how to use a meter. I do need an amp cradle though. I figure with so many Marshalls here, I could learn a thing or two Or build an expensive smoke bomb

That's about what I thought. Very cool.

Perhaps after I'm done putting together my Fibes Acrylic drum kit I'll spend some time building one of these.

I've always thought it would be cool to build a small-box Plexi style amp, with a Master/Effects Loop, and some gain mods. Like a 16 watt Plexi style, modded Marhsall tone in a small box.

 

[Anonymous]

What kind of knowledge do you need going into this build?

From what I have read so far, if you can solder well, and know how to use a meter, and have a bit of fundamental electric knowledge, you could do it. They really lay it all out well for you. My problem would lie in the fact that if their was any kind of problem, I would be kicking myself for not letting them build it. I really want to do it myself though For someone like Steve, this would be like putting butter on bread. I have noticed in past threads that Steve has a signal generator and a scope on his bench, (if I remember correctly) I'm sure that stuff would greatly help if there was a problem- Steve- could you pull this off without them, and be confident in the result? I guess I'm trying to figure out wether or not I should try it. I have good quality meters (fluke) and some knowledge (I repair appliances for a living) a fantastic bench to lay it all out on, but have no amp-building experience, but I can solder well, and know how to use a meter. I do need an amp cradle though. I figure with so many Marshalls here, I could learn a thing or two Or build an expensive smoke bomb

You'd be fine without a signal generator and a scope. If you can solder reasonably well and follow instructions a DMM is all you need to complete the kit. Give it a go!

Steve

 

[JTyson]

The way the boards are set up, it looks like they would be easy to get around. Thats what I was thinking too Dave, only after the amp shootout, I was gonna send it to have the HBE mods. I've never modded an amp. I've done some swapping out component stuff, and regular servicing. The components you can get in them are top shelf. Hhhmmmm..........

 

[JTyson]

What kind of knowledge do you need going into this build?

From what I have read so far, if you can solder well, and know how to use a meter, and have a bit of fundamental electric knowledge, you could do it. They really lay it all out well for you. My problem would lie in the fact that if their was any kind of problem, I would be kicking myself for not letting them build it. I really want to do it myself though For someone like Steve, this would be like putting butter on bread. I have noticed in past threads that Steve has a signal generator and a scope on his bench, (if I remember correctly) I'm sure that stuff would greatly help if there was a problem- Steve- could you pull this off without them, and be confident in the result? I guess I'm trying to figure out wether or not I should try it. I have good quality meters (fluke) and some knowledge (I repair appliances for a living) a fantastic bench to lay it all out on, but have no amp-building experience, but I can solder well, and know how to use a meter. I do need an amp cradle though. I figure with so many Marshalls here, I could learn a thing or two Or build an expensive smoke bomb

You'd be fine without a signal generator and a scope. If you can solder reasonably well and follow instructions a DMM is all you need to complete the kit. Give it a go!

Steve

Thanks man, I'm looking over it all now.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

If you feel comfortable with it and want to build your own amp, there is no better kit than Metro Amp..period. They are in their own category. Now that George is doing his masterbuilt Metropoulos amps, for those who wish to have a unique amp built by a master builder, than George's versions with NOS valves and components are the best value out there.
I have been following Metro since 2005 and when I went on the Internet for the first time, I had already bought my Marshall Handwired 1959 Super Lead and stack.
I would have ordered a Metro hands down of I had known about them back then.
George upgraded my 1959HW to such an excellent degree, that I am happy to have the amp in 'stock' form.
I had George fit his Dagnall clone output transformer, which I highly recommend, change to F&T filter caps, substitute Sozo's and add some Allen Bradley carbon comp resistors, plus Mullard reissue EL34's and Tung Sol 12AX7's, plus leaned up Marshall's (handwired build).
My issues are the incredibly dirty power at my residence and I finally established this recently and must say that George tirelessly worked with me, even going over my amp again, even sending me a fight case to return the amp with. His excellence of service and innovation, mixed with a respect for the classic circuits, makes Metropoulos Amplifiers in a different league form other companies.
To call a Metro amp a 'clone' is not really a fair description as they are so much more than that.
Having previously owned vintage Marshalls and as far back as when they weren't even vintage, I can safely say that Metro's are in my opinion the only Marshall's that are currently being manufactured. I would prefer to buy a build by George, over an original Marshall...every time. They are that good.
The support from George and the Metro forum is unparalleled in the amp business.
Currently certain models can be prebuilt at the shop, by an employee trained by George and each of these builds are personally gone over by George himself. These are excellent value for those who desire to purchase a pre-built amp, yet don't require a specialty amp, with the NOS components, ect.
The JTM 45/100 is one of the finest amplifiers I have ever heard, even comparable to an original.
The JTM 100, '67 plexi 10000 series is a great amp, then you have the '68 12000 series, which has a switch to give the instant brown sound. The JTM 45's are in a class of their own and now they are manufacturing the Bluesbreaker combos as well.
So any Marshall need is covered, with now the JCM 800 2203 MV circuit, boards and even kits I believe.
Yes I am somewhat biased, but I don't even own a true Metro amp myself, but my 1959HW rebuilt by George, I will never sell it..it does what it was supposed to do when bult by Marshall now and then some.
https://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/ ... %201959HW/
Thanks George
Atomic Playboy

 

[skoora]

I built a 69 superlead kit and have had no problems with it and it sounds fantastic. I've owned a few 72's and plexi reissues from the 90's and this build is truly the equal of any of them, surpassing most of them. I'm very happy with it. Before I had only done soldering in changing pickups and some light repair work on electronics. Just follow the instructions, don't rush, measure twice, cut once. Plus now I understand split and shared cathode, filtering, what they do to the sound and how I can tweak them to my taste.

If you want a plexi sound and have ever changed the pickups in your guitar I would not hesitate to get a kit and build it.

 

[droptrd]

Wow these sound like they would be an awesome project. Deffinately going on my wishlist. Great thread. Ive never heard of these guys before.

 

[JTyson]

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate the encouragement. I've been kicking this around for at least 2 years. I'm still looking at some options

 

[JTyson]

If you feel comfortable with it and want to build your own amp, there is no better kit than Metro Amp..period. They are in their own category. Now that George is doing his masterbuilt Metropoulos amps, for those who wish to have a unique amp built by a master builder, than George's versions with NOS valves and components are the best value out there.
I have been following Metro since 2005 and when I went on the Internet for the first time, I had already bought my Marshall Handwired 1959 Super Lead and stack.
I would have ordered a Metro hands down of I had known about them back then.
George upgraded my 1959HW to such an excellent degree, that I am happy to have the amp in 'stock' form.
I had George fit his Dagnall clone output transformer, which I highly recommend, change to F&T filter caps, substitute Sozo's and add some Allen Bradley carbon comp resistors, plus Mullard reissue EL34's and Tung Sol 12AX7's, plus leaned up Marshall's (handwired build).
My issues are the incredibly dirty power at my residence and I finally established this recently and must say that George tirelessly worked with me, even going over my amp again, even sending me a fight case to return the amp with. His excellence of service and innovation, mixed with a respect for the classic circuits, makes Metropoulos Amplifiers in a different league form other companies.
To call a Metro amp a 'clone' is not really a fair description as they are so much more than that.
Having previously owned vintage Marshalls and as far back as when they weren't even vintage, I can safely say that Metro's are in my opinion the only Marshall's that are currently being manufactured. I would prefer to buy a build by George, over an original Marshall...every time. They are that good.
The support from George and the Metro forum is unparalleled in the amp business.
Currently certain models can be prebuilt at the shop, by an employee trained by George and each of these builds are personally gone over by George himself. These are excellent value for those who desire to purchase a pre-built amp, yet don't require a specialty amp, with the NOS components, ect.
The JTM 45/100 is one of the finest amplifiers I have ever heard, even comparable to an original.
The JTM 100, '67 plexi 10000 series is a great amp, then you have the '68 12000 series, which has a switch to give the instant brown sound. The JTM 45's are in a class of their own and now they are manufacturing the Bluesbreaker combos as well.
So any Marshall need is covered, with now the JCM 800 2203 MV circuit, boards and even kits I believe.
Yes I am somewhat biased, but I don't even own a true Metro amp myself, but my 1959HW rebuilt by George, I will never sell it..it does what it was supposed to do when bult by Marshall now and then some.
https://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/ ... %201959HW/
Thanks George
Atomic Playboy

Wow AP, she is a beauty Is that one of George's boards, or the original? Very nice