DIY bass amplifier.

[wesman26]

So I don't know that this really belongs here...  This is diystompboxes afterall.  But we'll see.  I'm also pretty new.  I've made a good few pedals, but nothing too difficult, so if you think this project might be too difficult for me don't hesitate to tell me.

I'm looking to upgrade from my Peavey MAX115  which was my first bass amp ever.  I've been looking into building something myself because that's just how I am but I'd like some advice.

As far as a preamp goes I like what I've heard about the Alembic F-2b, and it's a fairly simple design.  Let me know if you disagree.  I'm running into trouble more with a poweramp, since I have no idea what to look for, nor can I find a whole lot of schematics about the internet.  I plan on using a Celestion BN15-400S (or possibly the 300S) for a speaker.

I considered the idea of making a Tiny Giant and throwing that into the case of my homebrew F-2b, as more of a temporary fix than anything, but it definitely doesn't seem like the best choice.

I hope to hear back soon,
--Wes

[theundeadelvis]

You should clarify what you will use this amp for. Are you just looking for a bedroom practice amp or something you could eventually gig with. This info will to help point you in the right direction.

[Mike Burgundy]

There's way more knowledgeable people over here who are sure to chime in, but bassists need power (if you're planning on carrying the audience with your own rig at *least* twice the guitar's power, more depending on style) and big amps and their power supplies aren't easy. No idea if there are kits around.
I've been getting interested in some class D stuff (there's ready made kits available, people have been talking about those here as well if memory serves) but I just don't have the time to do anything about it.
For some reading, chack out Rod Eliott:
http://sound.westhost.com
Lotsa projects on amps, with explanation.
It might be a better bet to buy an amp, but design and build your own cab - which is what I did.

[DavenPaget]

So I don't know that this really belongs here...  This is diystompboxes afterall.  But we'll see.  I'm also pretty new.  I've made a good few pedals, but nothing too difficult, so if you think this project might be too difficult for me don't hesitate to tell me.

I'm looking to upgrade from my Peavey MAX115  which was my first bass amp ever.  I've been looking into building something myself because that's just how I am but I'd like some advice.

As far as a preamp goes I like what I've heard about the Alembic F-2b, and it's a fairly simple design.  Let me know if you disagree.  I'm running into trouble more with a poweramp, since I have no idea what to look for, nor can I find a whole lot of schematics about the internet.  I plan on using a Celestion BN15-400S (or possibly the 300S) for a speaker.

I considered the idea of making a Tiny Giant and throwing that into the case of my homebrew F-2b, as more of a temporary fix than anything, but it definitely doesn't seem like the best choice.

I hope to hear back soon,
--Wes

For stage gigging ?
Class D amps of 500W minimum (Coldamp ? ) and SMPS , so you don't break the bank trying to buy a 500VA transformer or your legs .
The https://www.coldamp.com/store/sonora-s450.html is a good idea , with a https://www.coldamp.com/store/sps80.html
OR :
https://www.coldamp.com/store/sonora-s750.html with a https://www.coldamp.com/store/sps80hv.html

Bedside playing ?
https://www.coldamp.com/store/sonora-s250.html 250W is a little overkill , but it's a good thing with a https://www.coldamp.com/store/sps30.html

[wesman26]

This would essentially be my amp for general purpose gigging/recording.  Based on what I'm looking at on coldamp I am impressed and mostly sold.  They're kinda expensive but it would save me plenty of trouble.

The only question I have is whether it would be possible (or advisable) to put a volume pot on the power amp.

[DavenPaget]

This would essentially be my amp for general purpose gigging/recording.  Based on what I'm looking at on coldamp I am impressed and mostly sold.  They're kinda expensive but it would save me plenty of trouble.

The only question I have is whether it would be possible (or advisable) to put a volume pot on the power amp.

Uhh not very advisable .
Do it on a preamp of your choice .

[slacker]

Uhh not very advisable .

Why? The amps linked to include the option of a volume pot, so there's no reason why you shouldn't.

If I was doing this I'd probably have a look at second hand Disco/DJ power amps or small PAs, you can pick those up pretty cheap, and then build a preamp.

[Mark Hammer]

Another alternative, though not necessarily the best one, is to pick up one of those car stereo amps with, say 40-60W a side.  They are often small in size, because they rely on the car for power supply and don't need a big chassis to keep the power transformer a safe distance from the audio path.  You can easily attach one of those to a cab with 2 speakers (or use it in bridged mode with one speaker), whip up a preamp, and get some sort of external power supply.  It won't be the sort of thing that a guitar player might want, but it may be ideal for bass.

[DavenPaget]

Uhh not very advisable .

Why? The amps linked to include the option of a volume pot, so there's no reason why you shouldn't.

If I was doing this I'd probably have a look at second hand Disco/DJ power amps or small PAs, you can pick those up pretty cheap, and then build a preamp.

Well i forgot to read the 'sheet .

[DavenPaget]

Another alternative, though not necessarily the best one, is to pick up one of those car stereo amps with, say 40-60W a side.  They are often small in size, because they rely on the car for power supply and don't need a big chassis to keep the power transformer a safe distance from the audio path.  You can easily attach one of those to a cab with 2 speakers (or use it in bridged mode with one speaker), whip up a preamp, and get some sort of external power supply.  It won't be the sort of thing that a guitar player might want, but it may be ideal for bass.

Car stereo amps , most of them are mostly inferior  , really .