BLAZE AMPS - "Sparky"

The "Sparky" is based on the 18 watt Marshall circuit. Like the original it has the simplest of preamps with just Tone and Volume controls and a no-frills cathode-biased 18W power stage, but the combination creates a dynamic and touch-responsive medium-gain amp that's perfect for blues and classic rock. At 18W, it's loud enough to keep up with most drummers for pub and small club gigs.

To hear a clip of this amp click hear -

“Sparky”-18 specifications

+ All-valve signal path   + 18W output + Push-pull cathode-biased design + 2 ECC83 and2EL84valves + EZ 81 Rectifier valve   + Hand-wired eyelet board + Volume & Tone controls  + Normal & Hot inputs + 8 ohm speaker outputs   + 120V mains

Building this amp is a very rewarding experience. Its somewhat less complex and not as labor intensive as some of my other designs but the end result is a very pleasing appearance coupled with stunning tone and an excellent array of complex sounds.

Punched chassis and maple end caps.

Chassis before installing the maple end caps.

Here are the transformers before installation. The roll cage is made from 3/8” aluminum bar & stainless steel cross bars, polished and the ends drilled & tapped so it can be bolted to the chassis. The bottom plate is brush finished aluminum.

In this picture the circuit board transformers and tube sockets are installed. The chassis is an 1/8 of an inch thick which facilitates tapping holes for screws to thread into.

Top view of the chassis with the transformers & tube sockets installed.

Wiring finished and ready for testing.