About to start the first build! (12000)...and some questions

[drunken_robot]

Hi Everyone!
Been browsing the board for years now and also wanted to start a build for a long time but was always a little "afraid" that I´m not up to it.
So I started to study electrical engeneering this semester and decided that it`s time to pull the trigger and start a build
But before I get the parts I need some help from you guys...
I`m not sure whether to source the party "myself" and order them via the checklist at valvestorm http://valvestorm.com/12xxx%20Series" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and get the iron from metro OR I order a Kit from TAD, since I live in Germany. Of course the TAD would be much cheaper but I definitely want to go for the 12000 series specs!
So since this is my first build and there are no instructions available for a 68 spec build, can I use George`s Instructions for the 69 spec kit as a guideline and the board layout found on the wiki page? As far as I know there is just a layout for the board included in the TAD kit.
And also if I go with the valvestorm checklist and the chassis is era correct, where do I get those NOS Amphenol tube sockets from? ebay?
Regarding Transformers: What would be the best choice for the build? Heyboer? ******? Marstran?

best regards

Help would be much appreciated
And of course I`m gonna document the build in this thread!

[julkke]

TAD's quality is pretty good and you can mod it to 12xxx later. I'd go TAD in Europe.

[drunken_robot]

Well the TAD kit seems to be unavailable this time
But no doubt their quality is good.

[ams1aw]

I would recommend starting with a jtm45 or 1987 unless you are set on a 1959.

Mojo and Weber also have kits but Mojos are closer to marshalls.

There are other kits on Ebay as well. Just look around; Google 'em and lurk just like you are doing.

I actually bought nos goodies then a kit from George (when he sold them) , brians boards, mercury magnetics iron, then built a KILLER jtm45 for my very first build!

WARNING: if you use Mercury transformers you are going to need to pay special attention to the wiring to save yourself moocho headaches.

Also, if you do a 1987 beware there was a bad batch of bridge rectifiers that were being sold with the kits from Metro. I had a HELL of a time trying to get my 1987 to fire up! Couldn't get anyone to on the forum to help me with it either.

Finally ended up copying my Blockhead "batwing" type rectifier diodes to get it to fire up!

Welcome to plexi 101. Remember, once you build one you will be hooked and its' "GOODER THAN SEX"

[demonufo]

For the transformers I'd go with Marstran every time, if you can get them. You won't find a massive variation between them and the Metro spec'd Heyboers though.

MM, meh, I'd pass. Definitely not authentic sounding, very tight and authoritative though, but too bright with it.

George's '69 instructions followed by the changes required should be easy enough. The differences aren't great.


All it takes is a half-round file and a couple of minutes to get other sockets to fit. No big deal. Obviously being around these parts I have to suggest the Metro-Valvestorm combination to you. To be fair, I have NO experience with the Tad stuff...

[ams1aw]

Marstrans are just so/so. Basically budget priced get/bys.

Mercurys are WAY better soundwise. Lots more bright, lively and dynamic. I and others swear by them. Read the posts.

BE CAREFUL if you use Mercs though: the wiring is different and you can't go by Metro instructions when installing the mercs as the tabs are not wired but numbered and you have to know what the numbers correspond to.

Also, check and recheck your rectifier because there are bad ones being sold as brand new and will give you fits because you will blow fuses and not know why.

[demonufo]

Marstrans are just so/so. Basically budget priced get/bys.

Mercurys are WAY better soundwise. Lots more bright, lively and dynamic.

But absolutely nothing alike old-school Marstran transformers, in either construction, or sound. They are a higher quality transformer that impart a very modern sound to most amplifiers. I think you'll find most of the hardcore builders will totally disagree with you on this issue.

As for the Marstrans being so-so, they don't come more authentic sounding than Marstran or ******. They are absolute top-shelf.