Ceriatone Kits

[indysmith]

For my final year project at uni next year, I'm building a JTM45 over the summer (although I expect it'll take me about 3 days in real life), and over the next academic year I'll be investigating into the best ways of bringing it down to volume levels suitable for the studio and/or at home, whilst retaining as much of the original tone as possible.
I'm looking at the Ceriatone website for a JTM45 kit, and I'm not understanding it at all.
http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/BSJTM45/BSJTM45Kits.htm
On this page, is the bottom option what I need? It says "full working chassis"... Does that mean it's pre-built? I don't want it pre-built, lol. I simply want all of the components (incl. valves and transformers), the board, chassis with hardware, and a head cabinet for it.
How much is this all gonna cost me?

If anyone knows of any other better '45 kits, or cheaper, more student-friendly options please let me know!

Thanks!

Also, has anybody here dealt with Ceriatone before? What are they like to deal with, and how is the quality of the amps?

[PhilKing]

Nik at Ceriatone will build the amp if you want but if you get the kit the components will all be mounted to the main board, you just need to connect the wires (including all the ones to the valve sockets, pots, transformers, etc).  I have 2 and they are great amps and are very good quality.  I got the assembled ones, but have been thinking of getting another as a kit.   If you want to assemble it, you need Package 2.  If you want a full kit of parts look at Weber or Torres.

[Denim n Leather]

The Ceriatone amps that I've played @ Phil's (LOUDLY) will definitely scratch the vintage amp itch of most!

[hamfist]

Nik at Ceriatone is a top bloke, and very easy to deal with.  THey usually don't sell completely un-assembled kits, but I'm sure Nik would be more than happy to sell you one if you ask. Email him at nik@ceriatone.com . He usually replies within 24 hours.

  I have owned 3 Ceriatone amps. All have been of a very good quality. My perception is that they are definately a step above the Weber kits, but not quite up to the vintage accuracy of a Metroamp kit.

[horsehead]

I have a ceriatone Bassman that Martin built for me & I've got to say the quality is amazing, not only with Martin's work, bu the beauty of the kits as well. Already I'm jones-ing for another one (their matchless lightning)!

[Twinfan]

I have owned 3 Ceriatone amps. All have been of a very good quality. My perception is that they are definately a step above the Weber kits, but not quite up to the vintage accuracy of a Metroamp kit.

Vintage accuracy in looks?  I agree, Metroamp kits have the 'look'.

With regard to tone, there won't be a lot (if anything) in it.  And as Marshall changed specs like their underpants back in the sixties, there is no one reference 'tone' anyway!

The Ceriatone stuff is great Indy, drop Nik an email and fill your boots  :D

[indysmith]

Thanks guys, I'll email Nik now. TBH it's looking to be a lot more expensive than I'd hoped; I may have to downsize my project to an 18W. :|

[gwEm]

i have vague future plans in the future to own a ceriatone 18w, TMB with cascade mod.

[sgmypod]

I fancy building the 18w and the jtm50...by the way is that your clips on the 45 Hamfist

[PhilKing]

i have vague future plans in the future to own a ceriatone 18w, TMB with cascade mod.

If you get the 18 go for the TMB and EF86 - that is the preamp I have on my JTM45 and when you jumper them they have a great rock sound, clarity with breakup when you want it.

[hamfist]

I fancy building the 18w and the jtm50...by the way is that your clips on the 45 Hamfist

Yes, there's a couple of my JTM45 clips on the Ceriatone site.

[Denim n Leather]

They make a 'wreck clone that I've been looking at ...

[mikey5]

Man I really want one of these. what do you guys think. Is this option better than buying something that might cost a few hundred dollars-pounds more? Or is this something that people who want to build entry level amps do. Is this Professional stuff to state my point? Good for gigging and such

[mikey5]

I would probably buy a totally assembled one if that is an option

[hamfist]

Man I really want one of these. what do you guys think. Is this option better than buying something that might cost a few hundred dollars-pounds more? Or is this something that people who want to build entry level amps do. Is this Professional stuff to state my point? Good for gigging and such

Yes, absolutely. A fully built Ceriatone amp, will be a nicely constructed, beautifully hand-wired, "professional" standard amp. The quality of components and transformers etc is easily up you a standard Marshall/Fender tube amp. But, being hand-wired, the amp will be much easier to mod or repair in the future.
 Being Ceriatone, you can also basically choose your circuit and get Nik to customise it with all sorts of extras too (like FX loops, PPIMV etc). for minimal extra money.