I have the klein u lator and yes it will require more cables than a normal setup. I use time based effects in the Klator/effects loop only. All others (wah )can go in front input. I have the Klator sitting next to Amp with short cables to the send/return.
You will end up with 2 cables going from the k-lator to the delay/reverb pedals on floor, In/Out. And then 1 cable from guitar to all other effects ( OD, Wah, Volume pedal, etc. )
So between your pedal board and amp will be 3 cables.
Zip tie them together every couple feet and its not so bad.

Main thing is you need to put all time based effects after the OD section of amp or else it will sound horrible when your in OD channel
Hope that shed some light.
Todd

Yes they all have lethal voltages.
If you build one though there are no lethal voltages until you power up for the first time. So if you build it correctly triple check all connections and then power up you will not have to deal with putting yourself at risk by poking around on the inside. But if you have any kind of problem you should then bring to an amp tech.
I read Dave Hunters the tube amp book and that helped with alot of the terminology you will come across.
Honestly the OTS is more complicated than alot of the other amps, but you will get more support from the forum on that than any other amp because so many have already built it.
None of the members here are telling you you cant build a good amp if its your first try, just trying to let you know what you are getting into.
My first amp build was the OTS and it went great, but I have been working in the electronics filed for the last 15 years so I wasnt exactly GREEN.
The 2 most important things will be your solder connections are good and your lead dress ( How the wires are ran, cut and separated from eachother ) is good.

If after all youve heard you still want to try a build by all means do it!
Disclaimer.... ( Building amps is addictive )
Todd

If you cant afford a Dumble clone you probably really cant afford a MESA!
My OTS head  cost me less than $1000. Less than my POS (piece of doodoo) Peavey JSX even costed me.
Just sayin Mesa aint cheap either!
Todd

Funny just asked the same question recently.

The LNFB loop is located at V1b if you check the layout for either the OTS FM50/100 or the standard HRM model you will see how it wires to the switch.

From turning it on and off during normal play I can tell you the difference is very subtle. Almost like deep boost but much less of a volume jump just the voice changes a little.

Another person mentioned liking the cleans better when it is off and the OD better when it was on so they modded their amp that way.

THats the best I can do for now

I have never even heard a Bugera played, only checked out the aestetics at GC and was not impressed with the quality. ( plastic knobs, fake chrome ). I did have a conversation with someone about how they used pretty cheap material for parts so to make it affordable to normal guitar players that aint rich.
After long enough any amp I own will look like crap from being moved banged and beatup. What really matters is how it sounds and like I said that sounded good for what it is.
The biggest complaint I have heard on the Bugera's is the durability. If its for home studio recording that shouldnt be an issue since it should stay put.

Either way you will like the OTS.

Hi there
I would definately suggest doing a small effects pedal kit or something along those lines first. It will prepare you for the soldering although its PCB rather than wire hookup its still soldering, plus if you have issues or have to learn something the hard way it will cost less than $100 rather than over $500. YES even if you are just soldering in the OT PT and Choke. If not I would suggest having Nik ship you the partial amp then bring it and the Iron to an amp tech.
I didnt know Nik would do a partially complete amp either, that means he has a set of test trannies to setup the amp and tweak it before undoing everything just to ship it to you. It would seem easier just to give you the trannies.
This is all just MHO, but I would hate to pay $$$ and then smoke the amp
Todd

Hello
To start every young man should have a father like you. That is really cool, I am trying to get both my 9 and 5 yr old boys into music as well.
As far as your question goes, heres my 2 cents.
I purchased the OTS FM50 pack 2 kit and built it with great success.
Just last Tuesday I brought the amp to my local music store to show it off to the owner Larry who is a huge Robben Ford and Larry Carlton fan. In fact hes the only person I've talked to that already knew who Dumble was, other than on these forums. Anyways brought the amp in for him to play just to get a non subjective opinion ( I built it so of course I'm gonna love it ). He plugged in his LP pulled a slide out of his pocket dimed the knobs ( He likes it loud as heck ) and made the amp sound better than I have heard it ever.
I told him I wanted to AB it with a Twin Reverb. He said it would be a waste of time hes gigged just about every holy grail amp I could name and none have sounded as good as the OTS just did.
The point of the story is you really cant go wrong with the OTS.
I have only played the FM50 so cant speak for all other models but can say they are the real deal.
Hope your decision just got easier.
BTW the cleans on the OTS are sweet as well, may sell that Twin to make room and help pay for the OTS

Todd

BTW I am just kidding, although a shirt would have been nice I am soooooo happy with my OTS.

OK now I am pissed
You got a free T-shirt

Whats up with that Nik

Nice woodwork, looks good!
Make sure and post pics once its completed

I recommend you follow the layout grounding scheme. I built an OTS and it had about 5 grounding points in different areas of the chassis. A ground is a ground anywhere on the chassis but the shorter the run for whatever you are grounding the better. In other words you dont want to run a ground wire from one side of the chassis to the other just to ground it to the chassis, although it could work it may also cause issues. The lead dress will look better as well!
Hope that helps.
Todd

Just found a fairly cheap ABY from Redzone pedals called the Splitzo. Anyone know if these are anygood?

Nik could probably answer this best!
I see alot of guys on this forum with the HRM but not too many with the MK2 version.
If anybody has the MK2 please chime in.
On the layout there are few differences I've noticed such as LNFB switch on the HRM and a few components values changed, but dont know what the difference in sound will be.

What do you mean you have to do a lead dress
Are you building the bluesmaster yourself, if so you will have to do alot of lead dress.
Pics of OTS lead dress are on the Ceriatone website and also alot of forum members have put their pics on this forum.
Im still not sure what you mean though, could you explain further? Why did you have to do a lead dress on the first OTS you ordered?
Todd

Hey Brian
Just heard a couple of your songs and they sound good! What amp/gear did you record those with? Certainly sounds better than any Bugera I've heard. Ya got some Paul giilbertish licks going in the katy perry rape song.
Like Soundperf said the OTS is probably the way to go. There are a few versions of the amp that are all described throughout this forum, so make sure and do the research.
I brought my OTS to my local music store the other day and Larry the owner played it for a little while. He knows amps and was completely blown away with the sound!
The only bad reviews I've read on these amps are from people that think because the company is in Malaysia quality will suffer and stuff like that. I can honestly say that is BS.
Hope this all helps.
As far as getting an amp that will be your end all last amp ever bought, I dont believe one exists. Each amp fits its purpose. I am already GASsing for a Marshall clone to run dual amp with my OTS.
Some get the non HRM than GAS for the HRM so they get both and vice versa.
Oh and then there are Trainwreck clones, so much stuff and I want it all..

Good luck