Marsh Amp kit question 5E3 vs 5F1

[Mike Irvin]

Hi Gang,

As some of you know I've been researching amp kits, and parts, and will soon begin my first amp build. Before I get to my questions, let me say thanks again for those who post tips and "Gotchas" for us new to amp building. And the safety tips!!!

Since i'm wanting to build a tweed style amp, I'm thinking the Marsh amp kits are looking pretty good.

Has anyone built from his kits, and have any advice should I go with Marsh?

Secondly, I'm bouncing between a 5F1 Champ and a 5E1 Deluxe. Whatever I build will be for in home use and will need a good sound at lower levels. The Champ wins there. If I go with the Champ, I'll do the 10" speaker baffle mod and most likely a Weber 10" speaker.

Any thoughts / directions for you guys who know?

Thanks!

[hipofutura]

I vote for the 5F1. 5 watts is ideal for home use. It's such a simple design that you can later play with modifications. You may decide to turn it into a hi-gain amp. Great platform to play with. However, the Deluxe is a great amp!

[jbrookeiv]

The guy that runs Marsh Amps lives about 20min from me, one of my co-workers is good friends with him. Never heard them in person, but man do they sound go in videos!

[Case24]

I have one of his Vibro Champ kits. Very good quality components. Mine was built by Mike, so I can't honestly speak of his kit instructions; but, from the testimonials on his website and Harmony Central reviews, I would have to say that Mike does a good job of his instructions. When I look at his solder work, I can tell he knows how to put an amp together. I have e-mailed Mike on a couple of occasions and he always gets back to me within a day. He shipped my amp all the way to Canada by USPS without any issues.

My suggestion would be to go with the 5F1 kit and upgrade the OT to a Mercury Magnetics, I have a Heyboer in mine and I should have gone with the better OT. The 10 inch Weber is another good idea.

When you are more comfortable with amp building, order up a 5E3 and have the best of both worlds!

[TeleDog]

Ceriatone kids are also great!

Like Don said, a Champ is great for home use. I like the tone of those old amps, so I guess I would try to build as close to the original specs as possible. Those amps had limitations, but that's part of the magic IMHO.