• From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Topic: Amp Camps

I know several amp manufacturers occasionally put on amp building camps. Has anyone been to one and what do they REALLY encompass? Do they teach you anything more than how to simply assemble a basic 5E3 circuit? Or do they ACTUALLY teach you how to tweek a circuit or what???? Or is it just a way for a manufacturer to generate some extra income because they're slow?

I'm retired from a 30 year telecommunications career. I know how to solder, read schematics etc. However I'd love to learn some secrets of amps and tweeking a circuit, picking the mfg/builder/instructors brain etc. But, if it's nothing but a over priced soldering class they can kiss my arse.

Any sensible advice is more than welcome.

Thanks!

  • RickB
  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
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Re: Amp Camps

Spider wrote:

I know several amp manufacturers occasionally put on amp building camps. Has anyone been to one and what do they REALLY encompass? Do they teach you anything more than how to simply assemble a basic 5E3 circuit? Or do they ACTUALLY teach you how to tweek a circuit or what???? Or is it just a way for a manufacturer to generate some extra income because they're slow?

I'm retired from a 30 year telecommunications career. I know how to solder, read schematics etc. However I'd love to learn some secrets of amps and tweeking a circuit, picking the mfg/builder/instructors brain etc. But, if it's nothing but a over priced soldering class they can kiss my arse.

Any sensible advice is more than welcome.

Thanks!

Generically, as a field engineer who has attended numerous factory schools, 90% are a waste of time for those with basic skills and circuit knowledge. Sometimes you can pick the brains of the factory service techs and get some good dope on tweaking and adjustments.

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  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: Amp Camps

If you have some experience soldering and can read schematics/layouts then building an amp is a very rewarding experience. however if you are attending a beginers course you may get frustrated ...
contact the course  advisor and ask what it entails, in my experience if it gives you some confidence to go for a full build then it is wothwhile .. however if you are confident with your abilities then you need to got to the appropriate forums and sift through the posts to find what you are looking for ..

What did you have in mind mods or full build ???

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Amp Camps

SOFTMC wrote:

If you have some experience soldering and can read schematics/layouts then building an amp is a very rewarding experience. however if you are attending a beginers course you may get frustrated ...
contact the course  advisor and ask what it entails, in my experience if it gives you some confidence to go for a full build then it is wothwhile .. however if you are confident with your abilities then you need to got to the appropriate forums and sift through the posts to find what you are looking for ..

What did you have in mind mods or full build ???

I did talk to the guy who will be teaching the course and he is a very reputable amp tech.. As the location is only 2-3 hours away I asked if I could come there and talk to him in person and see their facilities before I pre-pay for the course. He said call and come on by. However from talking with him on the phone it appears the course leans toward a first timer to help them along to build their confidence. I'll pay them a visit before the weekend. Maybe then I can pick his brain and not have to fork over money and be bored to death for three days while others are being taught the proper procedures in soldering.

  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: Amp Camps

Spider wrote:
SOFTMC wrote:

If you have some experience soldering and can read schematics/layouts then building an amp is a very rewarding experience. however if you are attending a beginers course you may get frustrated ...
contact the course  advisor and ask what it entails, in my experience if it gives you some confidence to go for a full build then it is wothwhile .. however if you are confident with your abilities then you need to got to the appropriate forums and sift through the posts to find what you are looking for ..

What did you have in mind mods or full build ???

I did talk to the guy who will be teaching the course and he is a very reputable amp tech.. As the location is only 2-3 hours away I asked if I could come there and talk to him in person and see their facilities before I pre-pay for the course. He said call and come on by. However from talking with him on the phone it appears the course leans toward a first timer to help them along to build their confidence. I'll pay them a visit before the weekend. Maybe then I can pick his brain and not have to fork over money and be bored to death for three days while others are being taught the proper procedures in soldering.


Cool.. maybe he can accomodate you on a higher level , I know I would like to have a couple of hours with a good amp tech that knew what he was talking about as the forums are hard work sometimes....

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • RickB
  • RickB
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Re: Amp Camps

See if you can pay the tech for a few hours of his time when he is working on an amp on the bench and you will get a lot more useful information. Basic troubleshooting, biasing setup, types of caps to use and what the characteristics are... stuff like that. Just looking over his shoulder and asking questions could be just what you are looking for.
Rick

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  • From: Frederick County, MD
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Amp Camps

Spider wrote:
SOFTMC wrote:

If you have some experience soldering and can read schematics/layouts then building an amp is a very rewarding experience. however if you are attending a beginers course you may get frustrated ...
contact the course  advisor and ask what it entails, in my experience if it gives you some confidence to go for a full build then it is wothwhile .. however if you are confident with your abilities then you need to got to the appropriate forums and sift through the posts to find what you are looking for ..

What did you have in mind mods or full build ???

I did talk to the guy who will be teaching the course and he is a very reputable amp tech.. As the location is only 2-3 hours away I asked if I could come there and talk to him in person and see their facilities before I pre-pay for the course. He said call and come on by. However from talking with him on the phone it appears the course leans toward a first timer to help them along to build their confidence. I'll pay them a visit before the weekend. Maybe then I can pick his brain and not have to fork over money and be bored to death for three days while others are being taught the proper procedures in soldering.

Spider:  Just out of curiousity, is this the Diaz camp near the Poconos?  I was toying with the idea of signing up, but I'd be more the "target" (beginner) audience as I really have little to no experience with soldering or schematics.  Be a fun way to blow $1,400 (plus food & lodging) but not sure if it's worthwhile...I already have too many amps.

CarljMD

Takers get the honey, givers sing the blues

8 Reply by Spider (edited by Spider 2010-12-28 13:01:51)

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Amp Camps

Carl I'm looking into that one too. I'll let you know.

As a after thought, if your planning go to the Feb class at Diaz, I'll sign up for that and meet up with you there. My wife is really pushing me to go as a xmas gift!

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Amp Camps

RickB wrote:

See if you can pay the tech for a few hours of his time when he is working on an amp on the bench and you will get a lot more useful information. Basic troubleshooting, biasing setup, types of caps to use and what the characteristics are... stuff like that. Just looking over his shoulder and asking questions could be just what you are looking for.
Rick

Thanks Rick. That's what I'm hoping to do.

  • RickB
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
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Re: Amp Camps

Spider wrote:
RickB wrote:

See if you can pay the tech for a few hours of his time when he is working on an amp on the bench and you will get a lot more useful information. Basic troubleshooting, biasing setup, types of caps to use and what the characteristics are... stuff like that. Just looking over his shoulder and asking questions could be just what you are looking for.
Rick

Thanks Rick. That's what I'm hoping to do.

Sounds good. I do the same for cruising yachties to give them some practical hands on training so they can do basic troubleshooting and repair at sea. Knowing what you can do and when to stop and call an expert is the most useful thing I teach them from reports.

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
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  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Amp Camps

RickB wrote:
Spider wrote:
RickB wrote:

See if you can pay the tech for a few hours of his time when he is working on an amp on the bench and you will get a lot more useful information. Basic troubleshooting, biasing setup, types of caps to use and what the characteristics are... stuff like that. Just looking over his shoulder and asking questions could be just what you are looking for.
Rick

Thanks Rick. That's what I'm hoping to do.

Sounds good. I do the same for cruising yachties to give them some practical hands on training so they can do basic troubleshooting and repair at sea. Knowing what you can do and when to stop and call an expert is the most useful thing I teach them from reports.

LMAO sailing is a whole separate story in itself!! You'd have to meet my dad in person to appreciate the whole story! No port, no bar, too far!

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Amp Camps

I drove down (just a bit over a hours drive) and met with Peter at Diaz Amps today. He's a really great guy, easily to talk with and very knowledgeable. I really enjoyed the conversation. I went ahead and signed up for February's camp. Class size is small and I believe there's only a couple spaces left available if anyone is interested. Call Peter at Diaz Amps, 570-426-1417. Tell him Andy say's hello.

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Amp Camps

http://www.specimenproducts.com/guitar_ … lding.html

I've heard really good things about this place. They offer lots of different builds.  And I bet they would be open to you bringing your own kit if you wanted a challenge. 

One day I'll probably get into this.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Amp Camps

If you're good with soldering and have a basic knowledge of electronics, you can put together an amp kit. i wouldn't worry about taking a class.

I would order a Metropoulus Marshall clone. The guys there do a lot to help you out, especially if you can explain problems easily yet sound competent. Really nice guys, and top notch Marshall clones.
http://metroamp.com/

Ceriatone kits are cool too, and they have some smaller options if you want to start small.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool