Ceriatone and other DIY amps (Page 1 of 2)

Yes Nic, you are a dinosaur...if you're curious of what type, you're a Triceritops.

I've been reading about Ceriatone for a while now, and I've heard nothing but good things from the people (on the web) who get them. You can buy a DIY kit, or a completed amp.

The prices can't be beat...the 18 watt Marshall looks very interesting...and from what I've read, the customer service is excellent too, which is surprising to me since they're based out of Malaysia.

There's a lot of demos on youtube, but I haven't checked any of them out yet though.

You could build the ultimate poor man's Bonamassa rig with just their clones!

I, too, stumbled across the "Ceriatone" name here and another place or two and after doing some digging on the 'net, it seems like everyone is singing the praises of these amps, which you can buy in pieces and assemble yourself if you're so inclined, or buy completely built, for significantly less than the amps that they are "clones" of.  I would love to know if anyone within a few hours' drive of Maryland has the 18W Marshall (1974x) clone, I am seriously considering purchasing one but clearly can't go to Malaysia to try one.

I did help build a Heathkit color TV back in the 70's but don't trust my soldering abilities that much, and from the little I've read there's not much in the way of "instructions" so you probably need to have some idea of how an amp is built before you embark on the journey yourself, but the prices for the "complete" amps don't seem to be significantly larger, considering. 

The YouTube "demos" of these amps seem to generally sound pretty good, considering what kind of tone you can get with a camcorder, digitial camera or webcam, but I'm sure we'd all love to hear any personal testimony....

CarljMD

P.S.  Mitch:  Thanks for your reply in the other post.  I'll keep it in mind.

I don't put a lot of faith in demos but the YouTube stuff I'm hearing is amazing! I'm seriously considering ordering a overtone special 100. But I want one complete ready to go.

these do show up on ebay and other musician sites from time to time.  just keep watching the pages. 

I am a secure novice in the world of solder. I'm thinking I could possibly handle wiring one. I mean, you follow the schematic and just put it together. Maybe down the road.  Since I got this old Silvertone amp, my attention as drifted from getting more guitars to getting more amps!

- 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.

True.  Piece of mind goes a long way these days.

What is the difference is between the Ceriatone OTS and the HRM? Is there better qualities or functions of one over the other? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Thanks!

The original Overtone and S&M versions are based off of the 70's/80's pre Hot Rubber Monkey Dumble circut.  The HRM is a clone of the newer skyline Hot Rubber Monkey Overdrive Specials.  I have the 100 watt HRM version Ceriatone Overtone and it smokes.  The differences in tone probably boil down to what kind of player you are.  From what I gather the HRM amps are more "rock" oriented and have a tad more articulation and presense while the Non-HRM amps are smoother and more fusiony sounding.  I found my amp can do the Carlton/Ford fusion tones too but can also rock like a mother@#$@#!  You really can't go wrong with either.  Good Luck!