I just received the OTS kit 2.

EDIT: If you happened to have read what I first posted please disregard.

So many parts... where to begin?

Thanks

Ahhhh so those boards are rectifier boards? The diodes are being used in place of a recetifier tube which, from what I'm learning is something Dumble did with many (if not most) of his designs.

One more question. Is there supplied wire to make any final connections?

Thank you for your help. I just finished building a beginner amp to help me understand some basics and I'm looking for the next build.

A couple of questions.

When you receive a kit, does it contain items such as
1. BOM or list of parts
2. Instructions

Also, looking at the diagram of the OTS there are two boards on the far left side. I can read some of the values of the caps/resistors, but there are a few that just look black with one stipe. What are those two boards and what are the values of those black one? Am I missing something looking at those?

I think I understand why you're going to do this, but I don't like it. I know I'm not a customer yet but, I was considering ordering a board kit for an express and a HRM and I am in the U.S.

Another down side it the cost of shipping for the #2 kits with the extra weight of the trannies.

I've been waiting to see what is developed and comes out, but I grow weary of the wait. Those Brown Note 22watt amps sound pretty good.

I've been comparing the price difference in the kits on Ceriatones site. Of course each kit is more expensive due to the parts and labor each kit adds.

I've also read from others that Nik uses decent quality parts, but it seems to me that it is cheaper to buy the OT and Pt in the country I live (America) than to pay the shipping from overseas.

Is it possible to find good quality trannie parts from some place like Mojo musical supply (or others) or do you reccomend just getting the complete kit?

Kit 1 = $450 + shipping of $77 = $527
Kit 2 = $650 + shipping of $142 = $792

That's a pretty big difference (shipping within country for the PT and OT is cheaper).

What did you guys do? Are the materials in Kit 2 going to be that much better?

Ok so I want to build an amp and the recommendation is to learn all I can before i begin. So, I've been checking out videos on building amps and reading info on-line.

I bought this book titled "The Guitar Amp Handbook" by Dave Hunter and it seems good so far as explaining things.

What do you suggest would be good to read/learn before I take on the task of building?

Books or Web pages

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and every one here.
I'm a noobie, but you guys have always been helpful. This may not be the forum with the most traffic, but always good information for me.- Thanks again.

Thanks for the input. I guess I really need to look closer at the thread on finished amps.

Right now, I'm on a tone quest and my thinking (be it right or wrong) tells me that if I'm going to spend the money on an OTS then I don't need the cab & speakers to be the weak link in the chain.

I'll wait until I have the amp or build the amp before getting the cab unless I get a great deal. So it may still be a while. I'm in the investigating and learning stage right now prior to building my first amp which may be the OTS 5watter they are expecting to put out soon.

Thanks again.

For those of you with an OTS head: What cabinet and speakers are you using and why?

Is this the cabinet you just happen to have or since you went out of your way to make/buy an OTS are you also seeking the best sounding cabinet/speakers too?

This is a long shot question - have any of you tried Port City amp cabinets?
http://www.portcityamps.com/

Sorry if something on this line has been posted, I've searched some but I've not found anything.

The S&M is not the amp Nik is talking about in this thread. I am a total newby when it comes to building amps so I asked you guys about your thoughts on building the OTS as a first build and I also emailed Nik to get his opinion and mentioned this thread - a 5watt mini.

Here is his reply to my email,

"Indeed, I'd not recommend the OTS as 1st time build, it can get complicated although some others have done it successfully. Yes, we're releasing a single ended D style amp, that one will be much simpler to do! Perhaps wait for that one, at the end of the month? Thanks!
Nik"

I've already decided I am going to build my next amp and I really want an OTS so I'm waiting and watching!!

Hey Jonathan welcome to the forum.

I too am new and this is the amp I want. I have never built an amp. In fact, I posted a similar question about 3-4 weeks ago - this link should take you there http://ceriatoneforum.com/index.php?topic=825.0. You can read it and find the different answers. A few will tell ya that it can be done if you go slowly and carefully. Others will tell you that it may be too difficult for a first amp.

I also email Nik about what he thought. He suggested I wait for a new one he is working on. It will be a 5watt mini overtone special. It should be a little easier to build. He also expressed he hopes its out by the end of this month (Dec).

Personally, I'm waiting to take a look at the new one and then make a final decision. One thing I have decided is that I definately want to build at least 1 amp in my life and I've heard only good things about ceriatone so I'll be buying from them.

If the S&M is what he was talking about it's not any cheaper than the OTS. 

as a beginner who has yet to build his first amp, I am curious about this one. I'm itching to order my first kit and try building.

All great advice thus far folks. Thank you.

I'm very rusty with the volt/ohm meter so yes I'll have relearn using it. I have been reading ot to drain the electrical charges too. I've not learned how to set bias, but I have come across some articles on how to do that. I also live close to a guy that repairs amps so perhaps if I get into trouble when (if) I build I can get some hands on advice.

I've also seen some of the videos on youtube - Soundgaragetales.com and in fact I emailed the guy, Gabi and asked him what he thought about a beginner building this amp. His recommendation was to try something easier to get my feet wet - like the 18watt british series.

I've not decided what to do at this point, but I will for sure keep investigating and learning before buying.