Red Roo Rockstar Guitar Amp - An Amp Camp experience

The Red Roo Rockstar guitar amp kit is a new and innovative design by legendary tube amp designer Phil Wait. Build the Rockstar at Amp Camp in the Blue Mountains. Class sizes up to 6 builders. Get a group together and ask about a package deal including accommodation.

Overview

The preamplifier section is a multi-stage progressive distortion design, with several 12AX7 stages in cascade, alternatively biased hot and cold. An effects loop can be connected between the preamplifier and power amplifier sections, with an effects by-pass switch if not required.

The power amplifier section uses a 12AT7 voltage amplifier and an NPN transistor phase splitter driving the output stage. The output stage is push-pull using either EL34 or 6L6 tubes giving about 20 Watts RMS into 4, 8, or 16 Ohm speakers. Using a different type of output transformer, it can be configured as a parallel/single-ended output stage giving about 8 Watts of pure Class-A sound from two 6V6 tubes. Presence and Depth controls tailor the feedback response around the output section.

The front panel has controls for Gain, Bass, Midrange, Treble, Volume, Presence, and Depth. This combination gives the player a great ability to tailor the sound according to taste. The separate gain and volume controls provide adjustment to the amount of overdrive at any volume level.

There is a Mute switch with its own indicator light, and, for kitset safety the power supply uses an external 12V 10A desktop power adapter.

The rear panel has 6.5mm jack connections for the effects loop and speaker outputs, and an effects bypass switch. 

Most small components are mounted on a PC Board, so tricky point-to-point wiring is minimised. The front panel components (potentiometers etc.) can either be soldered or plugged-in for ease of assembly and replacement.

Red Roo kits are professionally designed and use top quality components. They sound great and should last a lifetime.