Thanks guys

Just so all are aware the poll was not to find out which is better, kit or pre-built.
Was just curious as to whether this forum has dried up a little due to the fact less people are building kits, and the ones that are building are now at TAG asking questions rather than here.
Seems there are just as many people here as before the kits ended, just less posts because nobody is working their way through builds anymore and needing help or suggestions from the rest who have already built these amps.
No doubt Niks crew builds some nice amps, just look at the gut pics on the website.
I also understand that it is Nik's business decision and I respect that. But it doesn't hurt to show him the interest is still there either.

Thanks again

Todd

ahh but he's promised a wider selection of amps, so it's a trade-off, I'll have to wait and see what new models arrive

Of course, that goes without saying. Every worldly thing is a compromise. But the one choice I was interested in will no longer be available. So, you're correct. For just the buyer and non-builder the choices will likely be wider. I'm certainly not going to fault Nik for doing whatever he wants to with his buisiness. Also, I would much rather see Ceriatone in business in any form than not at all.

I agree and certainly knowing how the amp is built, thanks mostly in part to the ones who have the time, patience, and skill to build it, have helped me alot in my modding and enjoyment, but I just don't have the time to do it. If I did, I would be alot more upset about the kits being discontinued (I was going to get a prinzetone kit and build it), but for now I'm just glad Nik is still in business. Who knows, he may bring the kits back one day

Hey Hywelg is there a particular amp you are interested in building? I got rather familiar with Mouser and what components to substitute when I built my TW express clone from scratch. Let me know if I can help!

Todd

It's easy to get sidetracked into spending too much time messing with gear to the detriment of one's guitar playing skills.

Thank you Nik for chiming in, and doing so as to not yell at everyone taking such liberties with YOUR BUSINESS... 

That does sound like a win/win, Nik.  Too many models, too many options, too many optional components... It has to become a nightmare at some point.  Maybe it did already!!!!

You shouldn't try to provide everything for scratch builders, but for those looking to build from a "kit" mentality.  People that can do some of it, but don't feel they can do it all (yet). Some might not have time (likfe me) to go get everything.  Personally, I think a board + assembly minus the trannies, tubes, and cab is a pretty reasonable compromise.  I'd say the board assembly would be a snap for me, but that is because of my experience.  Everything else will take some more care in my builds because that is where I have less experience.

If a customer wants to do more work, they need to provide more of the parts too.  (Personally, if I didn't build at least 90% of it, I would be concerned about having my name on it.  A subpar build by a novice doesn't help business.) If somebody is ready for a scratch build, they can get most of the stuff domestically for the same price or less after everything is factored in.  Ceriatone is selling its name (reputation), its know how, its quality component selection, and its build quality.  You give some of that away (more and more) the closer it gets to a scratch build.

If you try to do too many versions of the amp line as kits, I think it would become total chaos...