I’ve been building amps for years. Great hobby. It should be mentioned that Alexander Dumble knew his amps were unique so he coated most of the inside with a black silicone so amp builders couldn’t reverse engineer them. I could only imagine the guys that picked all that out of one of his amps just so I could be cloned. Great channel!
Man...... I created my own branched 9vDC power supply long ago.... I took a year of electronics in Highschool... Thought It'd be a cake-walk.... I encountered problems just with the SUPER-SIMPLE design I came up with... To take this project on.... You're the man....!!!
Dude this is so incredibly f'kin rad. This is an intensely complicated circuit and you absolutely nailed it. Your patience and methodical approach paid off and I applaud you for showing that kind of stamina. Even if the amp sounded like garbage this would be a massive win, but it sounds phenomenal from this side of the digital fence. Just dealing with the Mouser interface alone for sourcing all these caps and resistors is a huge time investment, let alone comparing schematics and photos for proper layout. For this to be your third amp build is unbelievably righteous. Bravo man!
Very nice build. Have you ever thought of building a trainwreck? I've built a couple express'. They can do anything. Incredible cleans , all the way to super saturated, gorgeous, harmonically rich overtones. I've always been into tweed and plexi amps, but they do not even compare to a trainwreck.. the honeymoon phase will never end, lol. They are a very simple build as well
Thanks! I have actually and even a tarted researching it but got busy. It seems like a pretty easy build overall especially compared to this one. I still can’t believe it fired up first time 😂
Absolutely amazed and impressed Michael! As others have said, the pretty and clean wiring job alone is a work of art. I think it's safe to say that the immense amount of time you put in on this build was more than worth it-that Dumble 124 of yours is a radiant beast! Man, when you cranked it up it had me grinning, that is one serious amp you have there! Congratulations sir!
Congratulations for your hard work. I am a happy owner of a Dumble clone like yours with 15W output and you are right, this amp is just magic ! I wish modern amps could be built that way. Sure you now understand how hard it is to build this amp (and probably other types of amps are easier to build, who knows). Play a lot and if you can improve your amp please do it and show us all how beautiful your mind can be creative 🙏 A big thank you for your hard work ❤️
Nice job for your third build! Especially with a Dumble clone. You took your time instead of rushing to see if it’ll work. That makes a HUGE difference. The only problem with building an amp that works right away is you miss an opportunity to learn why it’s not working. So if you or anyone watching builds an amp and it doesn’t work, just know you’ve been presented a great opportunity to learn about amps instead of just following directions. 🙂
Hello Michael, great video, thank you. I too (started to) build a Dumble myself years ago. What an experience, as the electric idiot I was by that time, just with a pro looking over my shoulder from time to time and keeping me from lethal mistakes. I had a lot of flaws in it and it landed as a project in the basement, quite an expensive collection of spareparts. Your video encouraged me to restart and finish the project soon. Thank you for the impulse. May the electric shock be with you.
You did well to build that amp and not have any teething issues, congrats! I built a Ceriatone Kit of Robben Fords Amp, and it came out great ...no issues at all! I spent almost a month studying the schematic, the circuit layout & some high resolution photos on Ceriatones Build albums. I copied the lead dress from the photos, and the Amp has a very low noise floor ...super quiet! One thing that I did when I was working on the Front panel controls was to install the pots & switches thru the front panel & inverted, so I didn't have to work in the tight chassis. Once I was completed with that, I just removed the assembly and installed it correctly. Very happy with the amp! Enjoy yours!
man, I can hear all kinds of nuance in the sound, whether clean or some overdrive, and I'm not even picking the guitar -- yet I can hear how it's responding to your picking, I can really hear it!! You must have done a good job, well done!
Sounded absolutely killer dude! And you are such a dynamic player, you deserve a Dumble! You are a very tasteful player and it responds to your touch! Good job fella! That's your amp!!! Live it!
I remember reading about the time/process Dumble created... I found out that even the length of a jumper wire could effect the build when my AC30TBX 63' reissue needed some love ..
Positive unintended consequence: I am not prone to try something like this. That said, I was encouraged or even strengthened to think more positively about some work I will be doing on some gear soon. So, it may not have been the intent, but the timing of this video is perfect for me. Interesting for sure knowing Dumble history and such, but also helpful because it inspired some confidence. Thanks MW. Always appreciate the straightforward and unassuming approach. Take care. No pressure to respond to this comment by the way.
@@MichaelWWestbrook I did a repair I will not mention here because I would get roasted ( I was successful, but if CZcams knew what I did... might as well Mod a Klon!)... I did it because no techs here in my area returned my call! One was a friend. But it is videos just like this that gave me confidence. Sincerely. I very much love your humble approach and honesty about limitations... all while still showing it can be done. No pontificating on how easy it is, or how right your way is, or how 'anyone can do it' as though there is not some real need to take it seriously and try to learn. Just right... in my opinion.
Great looking and great sounding build Michael. I know exactly what you meant when you mentioned it took longer than you first thought but I am sure its worth it!
Congrats and Kudos on your successful Amp build. Sounds good! I use a Modeler, but I also listen to Amps for comparison, and even watch some Amp Repair Channels to improve my understanding of how vintage Amps work, sound, where things tend to break, and how to fix them. The Psionic Audio Channel is one of my favorites.
Congratulations on an awesome build man. I'm building a tweed princeton this weekend, but taking a class to do it not being tech savvy - more like technophobic. Cheers!
Best of luck building the tweed. I built a Princeton Reverb last year and it is glorious. I would recommend that you check out Rob Robinettes site. Also consider adding the negative feedback switch to add some versatility to the amp. Cheers
if i had the patience..id love to build a great handwired amp, but id build many of them. It seems like you did a super job. Looking forward to hearing that beast!
What an epic video, holy cow. I've done a few DIY pedals, but never an amp. This is just fantastic! Beautiful work, and your tone and playing is great too. Oh, and nice Vita hat!
Nice video! Here’s a great learning exercise: build a tweed deluxe kit, then converted to a Marshall Plexi circuit. You will learn things most have never experienced! Especially especially the Power supply.
Hey Michael, beautiful build man! I love how neat and tidy you made the amp inside. I have built a few amps and that’s something I always shoot for. Makes a difference to noise levels and also looks amazing. The amp sounds amazing too man. Well done on the build. I have 3 builds which I need to do this year! Your video has reminded me that I need to get started! Lol! I’m gonna go check out the other build videos you have done too 😊 have a great day man.
After I saw your 5e3 vids I decided to build something. I found a series of videos by lowhearoom on CZcams. It was litterealy a step by step 5e3 build. Gave me so much insight and removed any doubt that I could pull it off. He has been very helpful . I chose the 5e3 because it was cheaper. But damn it sounds heaveny. I'm on my second build now. A guy named Jake has a couple vids and has also been very helpful so I'm doing his build, converting a fender hot rod deville. Tore out the pcb and I'm building a 59 bassman, plexi mix.. close to being done. Rob robinette mods .. Next up is a 18 watt marshall.. I think its an addiction lol
I'm following a layout diagram from another youtuber right now, he has been VERY helpful but the layout is reeeeally confusing so i have been referencing Rob Robinette and the original 5f6a ( which sadly has just confusedthings further ha) its forced me to learn a whole lot more though , and more importantly, come to the conclusion I need to learn to read proper schematics ..Its a 59 bassman with some plexi mods. Pentode triode switch, nfb switch, lar mar ppimv and I'm using a hot rod deville 410 as a donor. For that reason I'm using a diode rectifier . Man I vould have built half a dozen 5e3s in the time it's taken me to get this almost figured out 😅 .. Next up is a 18 watt tmb. A much easier task.. Also if you look there's a video of a guy who converts a hot rod fender amp to dumble. He uses an aftermarket pcb. An interesting build. Looks.quick and easy
just accumulated all the parts for a tw express build. I'm thinking i shoulda gone with this instead. I've built quite a few amps and complex ones at that with several relays and daughter boards.. The tone on this is outstanding
Great work! I had the pleasure to play a Howard Dumble Steel String Singer way back 40 years ago in a guitar shop but couldn't afford it. Will regret it until the end of my life.
It's near to a miracle that all worked well at the first fire up for a such complicated amp!! You should be very well organized! Congratulation for this built and your implication in it. It's definiteliy my next amp build... I already have collected some informations, including the schematics of the #102 #124 and #183. And I would be very interested in your Dumble amp photo library!!
BTW cant't wait to see the next video about this amp and the demo you managed to do. And know if you consider that the input FET preamp stage is really needfull or not!
Thanks! Yes, I was very happy I didn’t have to trouble shoot anything. The photos are out there! Check TAG. The original link is dead but they’ve been moved to a new location. I found it deep within the #124 info thread.
WowZ thats amazing first time i love , it hope yer so proud of yer self thank you for doing this remarkable video im a guitarist but would love to understand amp building keep on bringing us yer amp knowledge thanks so much
Man what an undertaking but kudos to you buddy!! Such a cool project and serious rabbit hole to jump in. Really think this is awesome content though thank you!!
For sheet metal, you really should use christmas tree or conical bits. Twist drills are hopelessly bad on anything thin; you'll get all their bad sides.
The plastics used on the control knobs wasn't produced in a factory located at the correct altitude from sea level, if you listen to the mids you can tell...
Live Stream with lots of playing here: czcams.com/video/v0FoXf8-ACM/video.html
Im in love. Amp garage Saturday! Birthday gift June 2025 starting today! ❤
I’ve been building amps for years. Great hobby. It should be mentioned that Alexander Dumble knew his amps were unique so he coated most of the inside with a black silicone so amp builders couldn’t reverse engineer them. I could only imagine the guys that picked all that out of one of his amps just so I could be cloned. Great channel!
Man......
I created my own branched 9vDC power supply long ago.... I took a year of electronics in Highschool... Thought It'd be a cake-walk....
I encountered problems just with the SUPER-SIMPLE design I came up with... To take this project on.... You're the man....!!!
Dude this is so incredibly f'kin rad. This is an intensely complicated circuit and you absolutely nailed it. Your patience and methodical approach paid off and I applaud you for showing that kind of stamina. Even if the amp sounded like garbage this would be a massive win, but it sounds phenomenal from this side of the digital fence. Just dealing with the Mouser interface alone for sourcing all these caps and resistors is a huge time investment, let alone comparing schematics and photos for proper layout. For this to be your third amp build is unbelievably righteous. Bravo man!
Thanks for the kind words. Your so right about mouser 😂 Getting the right parts from them alone is a win
I can’t even imagine how satisfying it was to work through this project and have it turn out so successfully. Congrats!
Yeah, for sure! Thanks!
Very nice build. Have you ever thought of building a trainwreck? I've built a couple express'. They can do anything. Incredible cleans , all the way to super saturated, gorgeous, harmonically rich overtones. I've always been into tweed and plexi amps, but they do not even compare to a trainwreck.. the honeymoon phase will never end, lol.
They are a very simple build as well
Thanks! I have actually and even a tarted researching it but got busy. It seems like a pretty easy build overall especially compared to this one. I still can’t believe it fired up first time 😂
Absolutely amazed and impressed Michael! As others have said, the pretty and clean wiring job alone is a work of art. I think it's safe to say that the immense amount of time you put in on this build was more than worth it-that Dumble 124 of yours is a radiant beast! Man, when you cranked it up it had me grinning, that is one serious amp you have there! Congratulations sir!
Thanks!
Congratulations for your hard work. I am a happy owner of a Dumble clone like yours with 15W output and you are right, this amp is just magic ! I wish modern amps could be built that way. Sure you now understand how hard it is to build this amp (and probably other types of amps are easier to build, who knows). Play a lot and if you can improve your amp please do it and show us all how beautiful your mind can be creative 🙏 A big thank you for your hard work ❤️
Nice job for your third build! Especially with a Dumble clone. You took your time instead of rushing to see if it’ll work. That makes a HUGE difference. The only problem with building an amp that works right away is you miss an opportunity to learn why it’s not working. So if you or anyone watching builds an amp and it doesn’t work, just know you’ve been presented a great opportunity to learn about amps instead of just following directions. 🙂
Very true!
Hello Michael, great video, thank you. I too (started to) build a Dumble myself years ago. What an experience, as the electric idiot I was by that time, just with a pro looking over my shoulder from time to time and keeping me from lethal mistakes. I had a lot of flaws in it and it landed as a project in the basement, quite an expensive collection of spareparts. Your video encouraged me to restart and finish the project soon. Thank you for the impulse. May the electric shock be with you.
Awesome! You got this!
IT'S ALIVE.....!!!!
You did well to build that amp and not have any teething issues, congrats! I built a Ceriatone Kit of Robben Fords Amp, and it came out great ...no issues at all! I spent almost a month studying the schematic, the circuit layout & some high resolution photos on Ceriatones Build albums. I copied the lead dress from the photos, and the Amp has a very low noise floor ...super quiet! One thing that I did when I was working on the Front panel controls was to install the pots & switches thru the front panel & inverted, so I didn't have to work in the tight chassis. Once I was completed with that, I just removed the assembly and installed it correctly. Very happy with the amp! Enjoy yours!
Awesome! Thanks!
man, I can hear all kinds of nuance in the sound, whether clean or some overdrive, and I'm not even picking the guitar -- yet I can hear how it's responding to your picking, I can really hear it!! You must have done a good job, well done!
Michael, looks and sounds great. That moment of flipping the switch, been there, felt that moment many times. Well done. 👊
Awesome. I have a 183 build planned. Finished an SSS 002 recently (thanks to the amp garage).
Are there any low wattage builds?
Sounded absolutely killer dude! And you are such a dynamic player, you deserve a Dumble! You are a very tasteful player and it responds to your touch! Good job fella! That's your amp!!! Live it!
Thanks, I really appreciate it!
It's always nice when you fire up your amp build and the Magic Genie Smoke doesn't escape.
Absolutely!
I remember reading about the time/process Dumble created...
I found out that even the length of a jumper wire could effect the build when my AC30TBX 63' reissue needed some love ..
Yes, there are a lot of variables for sure!
Amazing looking wiring internals, something to aspire to for us small build enthusiasts! Very nicely done, Mikey!
Thanks!
Good on you bruh! Proud of you taking on a project like this! (100 watts…your neighbours must love you!)🇨🇦
Dumble build for your third amp? You have my respect sir 👍 One of these days I have to take the leap. Great video!
How cool would it be if a legendary amp builder is born through this "rabbit hole?"
Great to see your project come to life. Nicely done.
I'm really impressed when i see a man create an amp or guitar.
Incredible. Well done. Sounds great. Looking forward to the demo video. Congratulations.
I'm late to party here. I just wanted to say NICE! JOB!. I would love to build an amp, one day. Congrats!
Thanks!!
@@MichaelWWestbrook Any way we can pay for a parts list? Your real world experience in invaluable, as some internet lists arent accurate.
@@MichaelWWestbrook Also love your tele. What brand?
Wow, I love that. I feel very inspired! If a year long video in the making doesn’t deserve a like, none do! Great stuff Michael 🎉
What an incredible sounding Amp!!
Great Job
I saw and touched a Dumble 25 yrs ago. Wish I'd got to play it. Yours sounds nioice. Can't wait for the demo video.
This is awesome that someone would take the time to do this right.
Yeah, I wasn’t sure if I’d do it again (even though I’d love to) so I figured I would do it as well as I could with quality parts and whatnot
Positive unintended consequence: I am not prone to try something like this. That said, I was encouraged or even strengthened to think more positively about some work I will be doing on some gear soon. So, it may not have been the intent, but the timing of this video is perfect for me. Interesting for sure knowing Dumble history and such, but also helpful because it inspired some confidence. Thanks MW. Always appreciate the straightforward and unassuming approach. Take care. No pressure to respond to this comment by the way.
Awesome! Glad to hear it. A few years ago I would have never attempted something like this. It gets easier the more you push yourself
@@MichaelWWestbrook I did a repair I will not mention here because I would get roasted ( I was successful, but if CZcams knew what I did... might as well Mod a Klon!)... I did it because no techs here in my area returned my call! One was a friend. But it is videos just like this that gave me confidence. Sincerely. I very much love your humble approach and honesty about limitations... all while still showing it can be done. No pontificating on how easy it is, or how right your way is, or how 'anyone can do it' as though there is not some real need to take it seriously and try to learn. Just right... in my opinion.
This is amazing. What a journey, and great tones. Looking forward to more videos featuring this amp.
Great looking and great sounding build Michael. I know exactly what you meant when you mentioned it took longer than you first thought but I am sure its worth it!
Absolutely worth it! Nothing quite like playing a great sounding amp that you built yourself
Oh man, that's awesome, I started planning my ODS build this week!!!
Great job man! The first play tones sound great!
Congrats 😊
Can’t wait for the full on demo!
Thanks Jag!
Congrats and Kudos on your successful Amp build. Sounds good! I use a Modeler, but I also listen to Amps for comparison, and even watch some Amp Repair Channels to improve my understanding of how vintage Amps work, sound, where things tend to break, and how to fix them. The Psionic Audio Channel is one of my favorites.
Yeah, love that channel!
Congratulations on an awesome build man. I'm building a tweed princeton this weekend, but taking a class to do it not being tech savvy - more like technophobic. Cheers!
Awesome, have fun!
Best of luck building the tweed. I built a Princeton Reverb last year and it is glorious. I would recommend that you check out Rob Robinettes site. Also consider adding the negative feedback switch to add some versatility to the amp. Cheers
Pretty incredible project, Michael. Very well done.
if i had the patience..id love to build a great handwired amp, but id build many of them. It seems like you did a super job. Looking forward to hearing that beast!
I like your build process. I need to apply it to my projects.
The wiring looks beautiful!
For 3 amps in.. your build skills are looking solid! Very nice results!
Thanks! I try to take my time
Great sound! I can tell you put in the needed time to make this project a win, congrats!
That's got to be a fun and rewarding project, but way above my pay grade.
Sounds fantastic. I could really hear someone like David Grissom rockin the daylights out this. A very toney beast you've created there!
Yeah, for sure! I’ve always thought of him as a Dumble style player even though I don’t think he’s ever had one (could be wrong, not 100%)
Congratulations. A great accomplishment. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! 😮 So cool man! I admire your patience!!
Congrats - it sounds AMAZING!
What an epic video, holy cow. I've done a few DIY pedals, but never an amp. This is just fantastic! Beautiful work, and your tone and playing is great too. Oh, and nice Vita hat!
Thanks! Good eye on the hat! I stopped in on a tour date last year
Sounds really good 👍
Nice video! Here’s a great learning exercise: build a tweed deluxe kit, then converted to a Marshall Plexi circuit. You will learn things most have never experienced! Especially especially the
Power supply.
Thanks! Sounds fun
@@MichaelWWestbrook Are you in the Atlanta area? I'm up north of Atlanta. We could geek out if we're local to each other.
I am, I’m in Decatur. Sounds fun!
I shall endorse what others have already stated and just add that it sounds great. Fantastic work.
Sounds fantastic! Congratulations on a successful build!
Thanks!
Very cool amp you built there. Sounds great. There's a lot going on in one of these
sounds good.
Hey Michael, beautiful build man! I love how neat and tidy you made the amp inside. I have built a few amps and that’s something I always shoot for. Makes a difference to noise levels and also looks amazing. The amp sounds amazing too man. Well done on the build. I have 3 builds which I need to do this year! Your video has reminded me that I need to get started! Lol! I’m gonna go check out the other build videos you have done too 😊 have a great day man.
Awesome! Thanks
Loving that amp...and that nasty ass Gold Top!
Congratulations...
Hello from England. The amp sounds really good.
After I saw your 5e3 vids I decided to build something. I found a series of videos by lowhearoom on CZcams. It was litterealy a step by step 5e3 build. Gave me so much insight and removed any doubt that I could pull it off. He has been very helpful .
I chose the 5e3 because it was cheaper. But damn it sounds heaveny.
I'm on my second build now. A guy named Jake has a couple vids and has also been very helpful so I'm doing his build, converting a fender hot rod deville. Tore out the pcb and I'm building a 59 bassman, plexi mix.. close to being done. Rob robinette mods ..
Next up is a 18 watt marshall..
I think its an addiction lol
It is addicting for sure! I made a big jump between my second to third build - 18 watt Marshall w/6v6’s to Dumble 😂 Now I feel like I can do anything
I'm following a layout diagram from another youtuber right now, he has been VERY helpful but the layout is reeeeally confusing so i have been referencing Rob Robinette and the original 5f6a ( which sadly has just confusedthings further ha) its forced me to learn a whole lot more though , and more importantly, come to the conclusion I need to learn to read proper schematics ..Its a 59 bassman with some plexi mods. Pentode triode switch, nfb switch, lar mar ppimv and I'm using a hot rod deville 410 as a donor. For that reason I'm using a diode rectifier .
Man I vould have built half a dozen 5e3s in the time it's taken me to get this almost figured out 😅 ..
Next up is a 18 watt tmb. A much easier task..
Also if you look there's a video of a guy who converts a hot rod fender amp to dumble. He uses an aftermarket pcb. An interesting build. Looks.quick and easy
Sounds solid dude! The tones you are bringing out Of the amp in the end 🎉 congrats on your build!
Thanks! I’m sure it will only get better over time too!
Congratulations! So cool that it finally runs! 👍🎸☺
Wild Man, Real Wild Daddio. Sounds Amazin'
just accumulated all the parts for a tw express build. I'm thinking i shoulda gone with this instead. I've built quite a few amps and complex ones at that with several relays and daughter boards.. The tone on this is outstanding
Thanks! I’d love to build an express one day.
Great work! I had the pleasure to play a Howard Dumble Steel String Singer way back 40 years ago in a guitar shop but couldn't afford it. Will regret it until the end of my life.
Oh, man I’ve got a few of those though maybe not to that level!
Great tone.
Really cool! Sounds great on here! Impressive!
Cleans were awesome
It's near to a miracle that all worked well at the first fire up for a such complicated amp!! You should be very well organized! Congratulation for this built and your implication in it. It's definiteliy my next amp build... I already have collected some informations, including the schematics of the #102 #124 and #183. And I would be very interested in your Dumble amp photo library!!
BTW cant't wait to see the next video about this amp and the demo you managed to do.
And know if you consider that the input FET preamp stage is really needfull or not!
Thanks! Yes, I was very happy I didn’t have to trouble shoot anything. The photos are out there! Check TAG. The original link is dead but they’ve been moved to a new location. I found it deep within the #124 info thread.
Excellent work. Very rewarding.
Wow, great….good job.
great job , sounds good
WowZ thats amazing first time i love , it hope yer so proud of yer self thank you for doing this remarkable video im a guitarist but would love to understand amp building keep on bringing us yer amp knowledge thanks so much
nice finish.
From my phone the tone is really good. I like your channel.
Incredible, just wow! I built overdrive/distortion pedals in my teens, I know it's like building a "child"! Impressive it worked right away, congrats!
Dang, that thing sounds good!
What a great sounding build. Congrats mate :D
Great job!
Miss ya bro. That was cool live stream about a year ago
A little Wishbone Ash, nice! Sounds great!!
I have to admit, I wasn’t familiar with Wishbone Ash so I had to look it up. Looks like I’ve got some homework to do, but sounds cool so far!
Check out Argus, a fine album. I thought you played a riff from Throw Down the Sword. But that amp...sounds great!!
Actually it's The King Will Come track. Sorry.
Sounds fantastic
that sounds so sweet, congrats.
Amazing! Well done!! Your playing is good too!
Amazing.
This is awesome! A really great vid and a spectacular amp build. Crazy cool!
Bravo, my friend !
Sounds killer. Cheers from Brazil
Must be very satisfying to build an amp that sounds that good yourself .
Man what an undertaking but kudos to you buddy!! Such a cool project and serious rabbit hole to jump in. Really think this is awesome content though thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks
For sheet metal, you really should use christmas tree or conical bits. Twist drills are hopelessly bad on anything thin; you'll get all their bad sides.
Yeah for sure. Didn’t have anything like that but it worked out.
@@MichaelWWestbrook Results sure sounded great. And the video looks great. I can just feel the pain of working with twist drills 😀
Congratulations. Sound killer.
Thanks!
I'm feeling super inspired! Sounds awesome!
Wow man, this is so friggin cool! So happy for you, this project was very difficult and you made it look so easy haha. I say Job Well Done!!!
I wouldn’t say it was easy! I tried to take my time and really make sure everything was right.
The plastics used on the control knobs wasn't produced in a factory located at the correct altitude from sea level, if you listen to the mids you can tell...
Incredible !! It sounds great !!
Sounds awesome !!!
This is awesome. I love stuff like this.