Fender Champ Amp replica

This guitar amplifier is an exact replica of a 1957 Fender Champ 5F1. These amplifiers use vacuum tubes instead of transistors, and regularly retail for around \$3000. Procuring my own parts I was able to replicate the functionality and tone of the amplifier for under \$250. Construction of this amplifier required working with high voltages and delicate vintage components. I find it a wonderful excercise working with technology of the past, not only does it massively elucidate the origins and ethos of modern technology (one can clearly understand how moving from vacuum tubes to transistors was a logic step) but it offers a chance to step away from the rigour of modern digital electronics, and re-enter a world where engineering decisions were made on gut feel and practice. This amplifier sounds amazing, I have frequently received praise from talented guitarists who have played through it. One day I’d like to build it a proper era-appropriate tweed enclosure, which I’ll do when I have the time and the plywood.