Quote from: bluesky6 on May 20, 2014, 10:07:16 AMQuote from: Roly on May 20, 2014, 05:51:57 AM
Aside from agreeing with Enzo's precision lawnmower, the Frontman is the last circuit I would suggest as a first build project.
^^^ agree x10000
The Fender SS pre-amp circuits are really VERY complex compared to some others that I've seen.
I would humbly suggest the Vox Pathfinder 10 circuit as a good starting point for a DIY build. It has a very simple PRE->GAIN->TONE approach with just 3 op-amps. The same design approach (including clipping diodes) are used in the Pathfinder 15R, SS Cambridge Reverb, AC15VR (with transistors) etc.
I had a Vox pathfinder 15R. It was a good amp that also offers a lot for the money, but the tone of it compared to the Frontman was a bit too nasal and boxy for my taste. This is where the Frontman works for me. It's not nasal, boxy or midrangey like many other amps I compared it with. The voice is super clear or maybe somewhat scooped, which is where my preference is.