Amp Maker news

Since 2005. How it all started.
The big 2020 reboot. Why do I do it?

Summer 2023 plans

I am reopening the web shop after my prolonged Spring Break. Currently catching up with the email inbox and outstanding queries, and also restocking on certain components. Unfortunately, some parts are still in short supply – especially valves – and some suppliers are working on much longer lead times than previously.

So there are some delays to amp kit availability. I am restarting with N5X kits and then a small batch of P1800 kits. Then the WF-55 will be back online. Please keep an eye on each kit’s web page for detailed updates.

Spring 2023 closure

Amp Maker is closed between the 17th March and 22nd May. I am taking a break for Spring (so apologies for late replies to any emails). I am also finalising the updates for the 18W amp kit which has been delayed while I found time to tweak the circuit. Ordering is suspended until the shop reopens.

Status

March 22nd: Amp Maker is now open again. Still lots of disruption on part availability. I am staggering the availability of kits to keep things manageable.

Parts shortages – valves

Due to the Russian war in Ukraine, and the sanctions that have followed, the global market for valves is disrupted. Unfortunately, I have had to temporarily remove the valves from sale with the kits. You can still buy the kits without valves and source valves yourself. Each type (ECC83, EL84 and 6V6) is interchangeable between different brands with no need to adjust bias, so the testing and tone will be the same. This is a great time to try old/vintage valves. Check Ebay listings and other marketplaces.

Valve availability

April 2022: Due to the Russian war in Ukraine, and the sanctions that have followed, the global market for valves is disrupted. Unfortunately, I have had to temporarily remove the valves from sale with the kits. You can still buy the kits without valves and source valves yourself. Each type (ECC83, EL84 and 6V6) is interchangeable between different brands with no need to adjust bias, so the testing and tone will be the same. This is a great time to try old/vintage valves. Check Ebay listings and other marketplaces.

New focus in 2021

I have decided to focus on amplifier kits from mid-2021. This means that the sale of components will end in the next few months. All components that are not used in the amp kits will be moved to the Clearance section, at a huge discount. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Bear in mind that some product pages will disappear, so don’t be too surprised if you see the ‘404’ error page as I move stuff around.

The time that I regain (once component sales stop) will be used to create more amp kits, and to redevelop those that are currently ‘on hold’ – this includes the 18W and the Double Six.