Fender 57 Custom Tweed

[G the wildman]

Hi Friends,

Yesterday I traded my Blues Junior, Headrush Gig board and a fist full of dollars for a handwired champ. (New).

The head headrush was killing me I am too OCD to own one - all tweaking no playing.

Any I can't believe how much I spent on this new toy.

First up it gives the tone I have been looking for. My SV20 also satisfied in that way.

But the 57 is so small. I need to do a lot of work with it to see how to use it. The sweet spots that I have found are gorgeous but to loud in my studio, I will have to deflect the sound some how.

Anyway I have always wanted one and now I have it. I will feed back reports over time.

G

 

[Springfield Scooter]

Congratulations!
If your a D.I.Y.er, you might consider building a 1 watt Micro-Champ!
Very similar with great tone!
HNAD!

 

[Im247frogs]

I just built a Tweed Deluxe. The thing is rad. I thought they'd ne one dimensional hence boring but that's not the case at all. HNAD.

 

[G the wildman]

I just built a Tweed Deluxe. The thing is rad. I thought they'd ne one dimensional hence boring but that's not the case at all. HNAD.

Where did you buy the kit.

Was it hard to build.

Are u a tech

How much was it.

 

[Im247frogs]

Where did you buy the kit.

Was it hard to build.

Are u a tech

How much was it.

I've built about 10 amps.

I've never purchased a kit, for some reason I prefer to source all the parts from different places, buying the exact components I want, and to make the whole thing more challenging. I've learned more by going of the schematic and the layout than following instructions.

I'd like to think I've done my level best at resurrecting some old tired amps to their former glory, and reversing other peoples amp-butchery before passing them on, but I've not taken an amp in for repair or advertised for such.

A Tweed Deluxe kit is a very easy and straightforward circuit for a beginner, however the standard tweed-type chassis is a pain in the ass to solder in, especially if you are a neophyte, especially if you have big hands.
A Mojo kit including a cab and speaker is under 1K, I did mine for a few hundred less. Saved a bunch by drilling the chassis myself, waited for a dirt cheap cab to come along, etc.

I agree w Scooter, the Tweed Champ is a super popular kit and the usual first build for 1000's of people for very good reasons- there's literally nothing simpler, they sound awesome, you will learn a ton by doing it. And they all come w easy to follow instructions. Also anyone here or on the TDPRI forum can help you troubleshoot it easily.

Hope that helps!

 

[Springfield Scooter]

I've built about 10 amps.

I've never purchased a kit, for some reason I prefer to source all the parts from different places, buying the exact components I want, and to make the whole thing more challenging. I've learned more by going of the schematic and the layout than following instructions.

I'd like to think I've done my level best at resurrecting some old tired amps to their former glory, and reversing other peoples amp-butchery before passing them on, but I've not taken an amp in for repair or advertised for such.

A Tweed Deluxe kit is a very easy and straightforward circuit for a beginner, however the standard tweed-type chassis is a pain in the ass to solder in, especially if you are a neophyte, especially if you have big hands.
A Mojo kit including a cab and speaker is under 1K, I did mine for a few hundred less. Saved a bunch by drilling the chassis myself, waited for a dirt cheap cab to come along, etc.

I agree w Scooter, the Tweed Champ is a super popular kit and the usual first build for 1000's of people for very good reasons- there's literally nothing simpler, they sound awesome, you will learn a ton by doing it. And they all come w easy to follow instructions. Also anyone here or on the TDPRI forum can help you troubleshoot it easily.

Hope that helps!

I just purchased a ebay 5E3 kit for $289 shipped. No speaker, no cab, but everything else including Psvane tubes.
Im looking forward to building it when things slow down.
I like the 5E3, and looking forward to adding one to my stable, but just cant justify spending a lot of money one one.
Maybe after building it, I will change my mind???

 

[G the wildman]

I just purchased a ebay 5E3 kit for $289 shipped. No speaker, no cab, but everything else including Psvane tubes.
Im looking forward to building it when things slow down.
I like the 5E3, and looking forward to adding one to my stable, but just cant justify spending a lot of money one one.
Maybe after building it, I will change my mind???

I know what you mean. Mine cost £1140.00
Even now when I look at it, I can see it was too much money.

But it is all I am playing through at the moment and it is nice. BUT it does need pedals.

Anyway I have done it now.

This hobby is so addictive and takes money if you let it.

I will take it to my practice group this Monday and see how it holds up. I think the drummer may drown it.

G

 

[pedecamp]

I just purchased a ebay 5E3 kit for $289 shipped. No speaker, no cab, but everything else including Psvane tubes.
Im looking forward to building it when things slow down.
I like the 5E3, and looking forward to adding one to my stable, but just cant justify spending a lot of money one one.
Maybe after building it, I will change my mind???

I'm looking at 5E3 kits on ebay too right now, I cant justify spending a fortune for one so these cheap kits look interesting, do you have the link so I can see what you got?

Only thing I'm worried about is I've not built anything before and fear screwing up this cheap build and costing me a fortune in tech fees to get it working!

 

[StrummerJoe]

The sound of a cranked Tweed Deluxe is a glorious thing. The clean sounds are great too, IMHO.

Try something like a Bad Bob boost in front of it and stand back!

 

[G the wildman]

Hi Stummer Joe,

When I switch this tweed on the Tone is there every time. I could never quite get this on my modeller.

I have just spent a few hours with pedals including a Spark Boost,

Sound glorious. If it had a ten inch speaker I think it would be better. But it is a 57 Tweed Champ and that is what it is.

It is very loud in my studio so needs pedals. But Monday coming I will crank it with and without pedals at my music club.

Can’t wait.

G

 

[StrummerJoe]

Hi Stummer Joe,

When I switch this tweed on the Tone is there every time. I could never quite get this on my modeller.

I have just spent a few hours with pedals including a Spark Boost,

Sound glorious. If it had a ten inch speaker I think it would be better. But it is a 57 Tweed Champ and that is what it is.

It is very loud in my studio so needs pedals. But Monday coming I will crank it with and without pedals at my music club.

Can’t wait.

G

A Tweed Champ is a very cool amp too, IMHO.

Have a blast blasting it!

 

[Springfield Scooter]

I'm looking at 5E3 kits on ebay too right now, I cant justify spending a fortune for one so these cheap kits look interesting, do you have the link so I can see what you got?

Only thing I'm worried about is I've not built anything before and fear screwing up this cheap build and costing me a fortune in tech fees to get it working!

Here is the link to the $289 kit that I recently purchased:

5E3 Deluxe Guitar Tube Amplifier 6V6 Push Pull Amp Kit DIY For Fender | eBay

Built your own 5E3 Tweed Deluxe Clone Amp Kit 1set. 1pc 5E3 turret board. If you dont know how to finish the kit, pls dont buy. Weight: appro 6.5KG. Pls dont forget to check our other parts.

www.ebay.com

The sellers states, that there is no tech advice included at that price!
Imagine that!
So please keep that in mind!
I just purchased and received one.
It arrived extremely fast from China!
6 days transit time total.
Unbelievably fast shipping.
The kit includes everything except cab and speaker.
The quality is decent for a $289 5E3 kit!
The chrome chassis is very nice.
The pre-amp tubes that I received are Psvane.
It comes with a schematic, but thats all the help you get from seller!
However, there is plenty of info on 5E3's on the web.
The transformers are my biggest concern at this point, as there are many spare wires, with no instructions, but I believe I have figured it out.
The big bag of resistors are not labeled, so you must be able to "read" them based on their colored stripes.
Ive listened to one and they sound great, just like the $600 kits.
But be forewarned....
If you order one, your going to get a big box of parts, and must figure it out yourself!
Thats half the fun!

 

[G the wildman]

Here is the link to the $289 kit that I recently purchased:

5E3 Deluxe Guitar Tube Amplifier 6V6 Push Pull Amp Kit DIY For Fender | eBay

Built your own 5E3 Tweed Deluxe Clone Amp Kit 1set. 1pc 5E3 turret board. If you dont know how to finish the kit, pls dont buy. Weight: appro 6.5KG. Pls dont forget to check our other parts.

www.ebay.com

The sellers states, that there is no tech advice included at that price!
Imagine that!
So please keep that in mind!
I just purchased and received one.
It arrived extremely fast from China!
6 days transit time total.
Unbelievably fast shipping.
The kit includes everything except cab and speaker.
The quality is decent for a $289 5E3 kit!
The chrome chassis is very nice.
The pre-amp tubes that I received are Psvane.
It comes with a schematic, but thats all the help you get from seller!
However, there is plenty of info on 5E3's on the web.
The transformers are my biggest concern at this point, as there are many spare wires, with no instructions, but I believe I have figured it out.
The big bag of resistors are not labeled, so you must be able to "read" them based on their colored stripes.
Ive listened to one and they sound great, just like the $600 kits.
But be forewarned....
If you order one, your going to get a big box of parts, and must figure it out yourself!
Thats half the fun!

Are kits available for dummies. With step by step instructions?

I am /was a builder so I am practical. But not technical. I don’t even know what a transistor is or does.

G

 

[G the wildman]

I do know the Doc fitted a flux capacitor to the DeLorean. But he look pretty brainy.

 

[pedecamp]

Here is the link to the $289 kit that I recently purchased:

5E3 Deluxe Guitar Tube Amplifier 6V6 Push Pull Amp Kit DIY For Fender | eBay

Built your own 5E3 Tweed Deluxe Clone Amp Kit 1set. 1pc 5E3 turret board. If you dont know how to finish the kit, pls dont buy. Weight: appro 6.5KG. Pls dont forget to check our other parts.

www.ebay.com

The sellers states, that there is no tech advice included at that price!
Imagine that!
So please keep that in mind!
I just purchased and received one.
It arrived extremely fast from China!
6 days transit time total.
Unbelievably fast shipping.
The kit includes everything except cab and speaker.
The quality is decent for a $289 5E3 kit!
The chrome chassis is very nice.
The pre-amp tubes that I received are Psvane.
It comes with a schematic, but thats all the help you get from seller!
However, there is plenty of info on 5E3's on the web.
The transformers are my biggest concern at this point, as there are many spare wires, with no instructions, but I believe I have figured it out.
The big bag of resistors are not labeled, so you must be able to "read" them based on their colored stripes.
Ive listened to one and they sound great, just like the $600 kits.
But be forewarned....
If you order one, your going to get a big box of parts, and must figure it out yourself!
Thats half the fun!

Thats the same one I'm looking at! Heres a video explaining the transformer:

 

[Springfield Scooter]

Are kits available for dummies. With step by step instructions?

I am /was a builder so I am practical. But not technical. I don’t even know what a transistor is or does.

G

MojoTone offers a nice kit and sells for $580.
That might be a better option for you:

Tweed Deluxe® 5E3 Style Amplifier Kit

Kit Build Difficulty:EasyDifficultThis kit has a lead time. Check here for more information.Please read our article 'Mojotone Amp Kit Building Primer' along with our amp kit disclaimer located in the Specs tab before buying this kit.Mojotone’s Tweed Deluxe Style Amp is based on the popular 5E3...

www.mojotone.com

I assume they offer telephone help, and they do have numerous YouTube videos on the assembly of THEIR kit.
They also sell finished cabinets and speakers.

MojoTone also offers a 2 day class, for $1000, where you show up in North Carolina, and get hands on help over the coarse of 2 days.
Theoretically, 2 days latter, you walk away with a complete and working 5E3, including cab and speaker, that YOU built!
They offer the class quarterly, so I believe a new class will be offered soon???

So here are some of your options in a nut shell:

1. $289 Chinese kit with absolutely no help.
2. $580 MojoTone kit with very good help.
3. $1000 MojoTone class that includes cab, speaker, and hands on instruction.
4. Aprox. $600 up to $40,000 Purchase a used or new assembled 5E3 .


Unbelievable what these vintage Fenders are selling for!

Fender | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[Springfield Scooter]

Fun Fact:

The 5E3 is the "Most Recorded Amplifier" in the world.

 

[pedecamp]

MojoTone offers a nice kit and sells for $580.
That might be a better option for you:

Tweed Deluxe® 5E3 Style Amplifier Kit

Kit Build Difficulty:EasyDifficultThis kit has a lead time. Check here for more information.Please read our article 'Mojotone Amp Kit Building Primer' along with our amp kit disclaimer located in the Specs tab before buying this kit.Mojotone’s Tweed Deluxe Style Amp is based on the popular 5E3...

www.mojotone.com

I assume they offer telephone help, and they do have numerous YouTube videos on the assembly of THEIR kit.
They also sell finished cabinets and speakers.

MojoTone also offers a 2 day class, for $1000, where you show up in North Carolina, and get hands on help over the coarse of 2 days.
Theoretically, 2 days latter, you walk away with a complete and working 5E3, including cab and speaker, that YOU built!
They offer the class quarterly, so I believe a new class will be offered soon???

So here are some of your options in a nut shell:

1. $289 Chinese kit with absolutely no help.
2. $580 MojoTone kit with very good help.
3. $1000 MojoTone class that includes cab, speaker, and hands on instruction.
4. Aprox. $600 up to $40,000 Purchase a used or new assembled 5E3 .


Unbelievable what these vintage Fenders are selling for!

Fender | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

This is exactly what I was thinking, build the Chinese kit with Mojotone instructions and layout.

I have a speaker cab and speaker I dont use I can adapt into a combo.

 

[Springfield Scooter]

This is exactly what I was thinking, build the Chinese kit with Mojotone instructions and layout.

I have a speaker cab and speaker I dont use I can adapt into a combo.

Thats exactly my game plan.

Maybe have $750 invested in it when finished.

I hope it sounds and looks like this, because I dont have $10,000 laying around!

 

[pedecamp]

Thats exactly my game plan.

Maybe have $750 invested in it when finished.

I hope it sounds and looks like this, because I dont have $10,000 laying around!

View attachment 110384

$750 invested?? How did you go from $289 to $750? If youre gonna spend that much you might as well have one built for you from Vintagetone which was my original plan but I chickened out due to the price. $289 sounds better