The FM50 is great! I got it as a pack 2 kit in late Feb and it took under 2 weeks to build. I have only gone one day sine then without playing it and that was because I was too busy building my latest kit ( 2550 ), check the British section of forum for info on that!
Just replaced my K-lator with a C-lator on saturday. Much better.

You asked what sold me on the FM50 rather than the others.
Well I honestly was having trouble making up my mind, because every model looked good to me. I like some RF music but wouldn't even put him in my top 20 on favorite musicians, although I love the guitar tone he gets. ( Not to fond of his singing ).
It was really a throw of the dart.
If I had picked any other model I doubt there would be any regret!
Although HRM something is in the Horizon

I found my way into the D-style amps by reading a post on Joe Bonamassa's forum regarding getting the Big Reverbicated tone about 6 months ago. That led me to ceriatone, and from there its been 1 heck of a learning experience.
I too have been working in the electronics field since out of high school so the wiring and soldering was nothing to worry about, its learning what all the different components and what they do that can be difficult.

Until I played the FM50 that I built for the 1st time, I had never played another D-style amp so cant give any comparison between models.

Hope that helps a little

Todd

Welcome aboard Jon

There is a really good video by Tony McKensie on the OTS HRM build which is relevant to all OTS builds or any amp build for that matter.

I just left pics of a 2550 build in the British section here . The steps are really the same. Start by mounting all hardware, tube sockets, jacks,etc.
Then just work from the outside in.
Either way things will get tight and difficult.But persist
Needlenose pliers with a 45 degree bend at teeth are priceless for this stuff!
I took all components and stick them with scotch tape to a large print layout ( go to kinkos if you dont have access to plotter )then mark the points you connect/solder as you go.
Always double check your connections before soldering.
I use Loctite blue on all screw/nut's
Hmmm
thats all I can think of for now but its my bed time

I built the OTS FM50 first and it is a difficult but very rewarding project so good luck
and keep us posted.

Todd

Hey man
I built the OTS FM50 Modern eagle as my first kit build.
Its a great amp, and I am still learning new uses for its settings all the time.

You should contact Nik by email and express your tonal desires, using as many descriptions you can think of.

As far as "modding switches" that is pretty vague ?
Lots of the guys on this site do all kinds of various mods as required. They are usually seasoned builders I would suppose.

What mods do you refer to?

Are you going to build this kit?Or pre-built?

Todd

Cant really compare the SED's with anything yet!
Only other amp I have with El34's is the JSX and they are crappy GT's that really need to be replaced but thats another project!
I have been tuberollin with the OTS and so far am liking the NOS stuff.
I wont know about the SED'd really until I get some proper 12ax7s pushin em.

This amp drips frickin Rock and Roll. It's got that Low end Thunk that Marshalls are known for!

Todd

It sounds great!!!
Had a wiring problem with the OT primary and had to de-solder and swap primaries.
I've heard builders experience this often, it made a crazy as sound when wired wrong!
But since I got that fixed early this morning Ive put about 4 hrs on the amp so far.
I have tried the settings you recommended and WOW.
I Likeee
It will definitely compliment the ODS I have. Just gotta get a good ABY now!

Todd

Thanks I appreciate the compliment.
As far as documenting it , no problem at all just took a few pics really
Im not sure the caps but I bet he'd be willing to help you get some if you need'em

Todd

Thank you Plasticvonaband, I appreciate the compliment!
Now the only trick will be to power up without letting the smoke out of the components:)

Todd

Would still be trying to figure out the PT wiring if it weren't for you Soundperf!
So double thank you!

Todd

OK I think that's it!
I still have a little tidying up to do!
I ended up getting a pair of matched SED =C= EL-34's
Will use JJ 12ax7's until I can get some better pre's
Most of the solid wire you see inside the amp is 18AWG solid that I reaped from lighting ballast's ( It's easier for me to work with ).

If anyone has any questions or suggestions please speak up!

Thanks
Todd

Day 3 amp completed

Day 3 amp complete continued

Day 3 amp completed continued

Day 3 amp complete continued

day 3 amp completed continued

Day 3 amp complete