18 watt test drive

I purchased the tubes I needed yesterday and fired up the amp using the speakers on my JCM 800 combo. They are the original G 12-65's and the sound was great. I had to move one wire that I misplaced on the board for the boost but other than that and a ground I forgot to solder there were no issues.

The sound is exactly what I was looking for. Tube distortion and tube rectifier sag. I should have my head and cab next week.

Amp build

Well, here is the completed kit:



Took me about 20 hours in total I think. It's ready for tubes and the head box. Here's a shot of the power tranny:


Here's a shot of the board. It's a little blurry. Okay, it's a lot blurry but you can still get a good idea.


I still have to get tubes for it. I still have the 12ax7's that originally came with my JCM800 which I will use so I just need the rectifier tube and two el84's. I had the head and cabinet done in red tolex, just to be different. Upon the recommendation of a local amp guru I went with a greenback clone from Eminence. They were a good enough price that I don't mind taking the chance.

18 watt kit

I pulled the trigger on a kit yesterday. Can't wait to get my hands on it. I chose one that is similar to the original Marshall with the tremolo channel. This one can be jumpered for some extra overdrive. If this one goes well I think the next one will be a jtm 45 clone.

I'm back

Well the Casino is over so I now have the time to start blogging again. I bought the Cream book a while ago and now I can't find it. I was going to start that once I had the time and post a review. I'll be damned if I know where it's gone.

I'm a little pissy that Guitar One ceased publication. I am now getting Guitar World without the cd which is a waste of time. Now I have to hunt for a new magazine.

Mojo picks

Just received the one I ordered the other day. Nice little pick. Made out of a 1944 quarter, the year that Jimmy Page was born. You can get other years that famous musicians were born in as well.

It plays really sweet. I can't believe that a metal pick would feel as nice as it does against the strings. Just glides right over them.

Here's a link to check them out: Mojo Picks

The Band - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (Live) 1976

One of my favourites from this band. I've been a fan of theirs for quite a while. As a matter of fact I keep finding out that they did a lot of my favourites. You know what I mean, you hear a song every so often that you like and then find out later who it is.

On-line lessons

Here is a site I stumbled across ( well okay, I admit I followed an advertisement link) that features on-line guitar lessons. It has a lot of variety on it. From country to heavy metal, fingerpicking to shred. I signed up for the free account but when I have the time I am definitely going to get the full membership.

Here's the link: Guitar Tricks