Amp Maker news
The big 2020 reboot. Why do I do it?
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 17th: Amp Maker is closed until 22nd May, as I take a break and then finish the development of the new 18W amp kit.
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.
April 2021 changes
After shutting down the web shop to make many changes to the workshop, I have reopened having made some important decisions about the direction of Amp Maker. From this point on, I will focus on amplifier kits and I will clear out all other small components and parts.
Over the next few weeks, many parts will be drastically reduced in price and moved to the Clearance section. Once sold out, these parts will be discontinued, and no longer available to buy. Unfortunately, with just me here and trying to get a decent work/life balance it isn’t possible to maintain viable stocks of the smaller components.
Instead, Amp Maker will focus solely on amplifier kits, chassis and transformers. More choice, better documentation and better availability. I’ve had many ideas for kits – and some kits offline for too long – and the time that I don’t spend buying and packing small parts is time that I will dedicate to kit development.
In addition, there are also new cabinet maker options to bring on board in the next few weeks. Chris (Cabs by Chris) is slowly retiring and so I have lined up some other suppliers. Watch this space for news on that.
The images below show a few amplifiers picked at random from the Customer Amp Gallery. Click any of them to read more.
