I've seen a few references to building tube preamps e.g. https://www.instructables.com/id/The-ValveLiTzer-Low-voltage-Tube-Booster/
https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Valve-Caster-20-Tube-Boost-and-Overdrive/
Any comments on whether this is worth doing e.g. will it really sound any different to  solid state version?

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OK I built up a buffer with MPF102. Definitely brightens the sound compared to going directly into my Kemo 40w power amp but less so in front of the TDA2003 or the LM386. This is using a 6" speaker, and fairly short guitar cables. Now to try it via my 1x12 and longer cables.

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Thanks for that. Think I'll just get some MPF102 and J201's as recommended.

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these are the ones I've tried without success but maybe I need to mess around a bit more

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2304095.pdf?_ga=2.184256102.1389724509.1573081103-1254332340.1566743493

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Thanks for that. I think this one may fall into the correct range.
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1796807.pdf?_ga=2.8128754.1389724509.1573081103-1254332340.1566743493

I note that the datasheet says , it used for '... low level switching...chopper-stablilised amplifiers...' etc. DOes that have a bearing on my intended use?

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Could I get some guidance on how to select 'equivalent' transistors, for example where a J201 or MPF102 is specified but not available. Apart from just googling 'J201 equivalent', is there way to select based on specs in the data sheet? At present I am planning a preamp to go in front of my TDA2003 amp.

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Small bass amps are sometimes recommended for cleans. Also check out some Steel Guitar forums.
They often favour clean SS tones with Peavey and the Roland Cube range often coming up (though the latter use modelling a lot).

The ones I have are a few years old and Ni-Cad. I was using them to power a TDA2003 amp drawing up to 500mA. My hungriest battery driven pedal draws 30mA and the rest are single figures.

Maybe I just need a newer set of batteries. Worst case I leave a pedal powered on overnight and need a new battery.

Are Rechargeable 9v batteries a viable option for pedals?

Just asking cos I have some, and I broke my fx power supply. The ones I have claim 350 mAh capacity but interestingly the only major brand ones I can find are Duracell with 170 mAh. Are the claimed mAh values reliable in your experience?

I neglected to add reverse protection to my LM386 amp and broke. It is basically the Little Gem/Smokey amp.
https://goo.gl/images/3dqb9b
It powers on but no output. I am checking all the caps and the IC.
Anything else I should check?
What type of diode should I (have) use(ed) for reverse polarity?

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Surely the Tube Sound happened by accident. Tube amplifiers were used to make guitars louder and they did. Then SS amplifiers were used and they also made guitars louder using smaller components and less energy. But they sounded different. Why should we strive to make them sound tubey?

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The mains adapter that worked has now died. Any tips on how to buy a new one that is not noisy?

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I would. I don't know the actual product but I've often bought stuff that 'sounds terrible' and been delighted with it. Even as a cab it would be cool. Stuff like sealant/glue around speakers should be easy to fix. Maybe some say  'sounds terrible' because its solid state.

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Quote from: joecool85 on January 08, 2019, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: flester on January 08, 2019, 07:46:38 AM
In which case they may sound a bit like my diy tda2003 amp so probably not worth my buying one. Looking for something to feed my diy 1x12 cab. At rhe moment I'm using various pedals with my diy amps and happy with that for now. I also play a lapsteel BTW.

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Just because they use a TDA2003 does not mean it will sound anything like your amp at all.  By definition, chip amps do not color the sound.  The "sound" of the amp is defined by the preamp.

OK fair enough. Havent seen them in shops to try out but planning to buy or build something for my 1x12 cab


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In which case they may sound a bit like my diy tda2003 amp so probably not worth my buying one. Looking for something to feed my diy 1x12 cab. At rhe moment I'm using various pedals with my diy amps and happy with that for now. I also play a lapsteel BTW.

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