How to Build a Guitar Amplifier

Build your own guitar amplifier to save money.

A guitar amplifier is an essential tool for musicians. However, amps can be very expensive, so building your own is a way to not only save money, but also to build your general musical knowledge. Building the amp requires several tools and some used parts. While there are hundreds of specialty guitar amps, this building guide is for a simple volume-, bass- and treble-controlled amp.

Things You'll Need

• Box, preferably an old amp box
• Amp instruction manual
• Screwdriver
• Wrenches
• Pliers
• Electrical wire
• Clamps
• Speaker
• Pre-Amp
• Power Amp
• Switches and knobs
• Saw

Instructions

1. Organize your equipment. This is crucial for making the process fast and easy. If you have decided to use a regular box instead of a used amp box, then you will have to make the appropriate cuts for wiring holes.

2. Understand the three main components, which are the pre-amp, the power amp and the speaker. Connect them properly and you have a good amp. Buy these components or find old or used working parts. Building each component is time-consuming and rather difficult.

3. Install the pre-amp. The pre-amp consists of knobs and switches, and its purpose is to receive the electric signal from the guitar. This is the location of the bass and treble controls. Certain pre-amps have reverb and some other distortion elements in them, but these are typically the more professional and expensive models.

4. Install the power amp. The power amp takes the signal from the pre-amp and amplifies it through the speaker. Features such as base and treble adjustments are also sent to the power amp and played from there.

5. Install the speaker. The larger the size of the speaker, the larger the sound. No matter what size you wish to do, make sure it can fit within the amp box.

6. Play the guitar and make sure everything works correctly. If the amp is not producing any sound, check for faulty wiring, or the input/output may be loose. Check the wires to make sure they did not get pulled apart while closing the box or anytime during the installation process. As for the input/output problem, the nut may be loose, causing a static sound. This can be solved easily be either tightening it up or replacing it altogether.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using any used parts to the amp, make sure to check it out and see if they work before building the amp itself.

• An amp instruction manual is needed for visual references, as well studying what you are building ahead of time (see Resources).

• Be careful when installing electrical circuits.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Manual n Guide: Amp Manuals