A DIY amplifier may be a great choice for anyone with basic skills and tools necessary to make electrical connections, but safety precautions must be taken and a bit of research beforehand will ensure a quality final product. The most important tip for building a DIY amplifier is to research the various plans available to ensure the finished product has the sound capabilities the builder wants. The cost of the project can vary depending on the type of amp being built, so a budget will also need to be drawn up to ensure the builder can afford the project.
Once the plans have been selected and the budget drawn up, the parts for the DIY amplifier will need to be assembled. This can be difficult if the amp will be customized, though most parts can be purchased at an electronics store. Tools will be necessary to complete the project, and one of the most important tools needed for the DIY amplifier project is the soldering iron. Soldering is the process of connecting metal elements using heated flux, and the process can take some practice. Before the builder decides to solder wires and other elements together, he or she should consider practicing soldering technique on scrap pieces of metal or wire. The process of unsoldering pieces should be practiced as well, as the beginner is likely to make some mistakes early on.
All the elements of the DIY amplifier will need to be contained somehow. The container for most amps is known as the cabinet, and very often the cabinet is made from wood that is cut and sealed properly. If the wood is not sealed properly, vibration can occur that will alter the tone of the amp and possibly lead to breakdown of components. The wood is usually covered with a protective material known as tolex, which is lightweight and durable enough to withstand scrapes and some impacts. Tolex is usually black, though other colors are available. The builder should plan out the size and shape of the cabinet before beginning work on the DIY amplifier.
The type of amplifier being built will often dictate not only what parts will be necessary, but also what kind of sound is produced once the DIY amplifier is complete. Tube amps use vacuum tubes that give a distinct sound quality, while solid state amps produce a different sound quality. The type of amp being built needs to be determined well ahead of time, as this will impact the size and shape of the cabinet, the sound quality of the amplifier, and the different components that must be used to create the circuitry.