Quote from: gordo on December 01, 2012, 03:01:08 AM
You will have to put your hands in a live amp to check voltages etc. The best advice in this thread is the hand in pocket thing. Make yourself a capacitor drain and always check for voltage on caps (electros). Other than that relax and have fun. You'll likely get bit sooner or later and it hurts, not that I'd know this from experience... Getting flustered and rushing during troubleshooting is usual breakdown of safety standards so just be aware of what you're doing.
The first time you make an amp that sounds even remotely good you're screwed because amp building is at least as addictive as pedal building.
"Hi...my name is Gordo...I'm here tonite because I build amplifiers..."
It's definitely much more addictive than pedals for me. The only reason I build more pedals than amps is cost.
Keeping your left hand in your pocket (so the high voltage will not pass directly through your heart if you accidentally shock yourself) is a very good idea. Wear thick rubber-soled shoes and be at your highest awareness. I'm not an expert by any means but I've been building and repairing/tinkering for about 5 years now (and reading for years before that) and even I slipped up a couple of weeks ago and got zapped while working on my vibro champ. It is very scary. I'm not trying to deter you but you should make sure you are comfortable with what you're doing.
Another thing is to build cleanly. The last thing you want is to troubleshoot a rat's nest of wires at lethal voltages. It will also pay off in that you will reduce risk of excess noise by keeping your wiring short and neat.
Here's my 5E3 and vibro champ guts (although I will be changing the red heater wires to green cloth-covered wire soon to match the rest of it)
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