Amp Kit - MOD® Kits, MOD102 guitar amplifier
The MOD 102 is a great place to start for those interested in building their own tube amp. It is based on a classic American tube-circuit design combined with a British-style Class A output tube section. At low volume it produces a clean, chimey tone that moves into smooth overdrive at higher volumes. All parts are included along with a pre-drilled steel chassis, wire, and tubes (1 EL84 and 1 12AX7). Puts out at least 5 watts. The chassis layout is open for easy assembly using the clear, easy to follow instructions. You will need your own tools and solder.
MOD 102 Guitar Amp Kit Features:
- All Tube Design (solid-state diodes used only for full-wave rectification)
- 5W output power into 8 Ohm
- 1 channel
- Vintage channel controls: bass, treble and volume
- Vintage pilot lamp and screw-on jewel cover for power-on indication
- Output Impedance: 8 Ohm
- Tubes included: one 12AX7 (preamp), one EL84 (JJ Electronic brand)
- Hammond Mfg 269EX power transformer and P-T31 single-ended output transformer
- Cathode biased class A power tube operation (no bias adjustment needed)
- Point to point hand wiring using terminal strips
- Carbon film resistors
- Metalized polyester coupling caps
- Pre-punched steel chassis
- Assembled Kit Weight: 4.25 lbs.
- Assembled Kit Dimensions: 10" Width x 6" Depth x 5-⅛" Height
MOD 102 Instructional Features:
- Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions include high resolution computer drawings for parts list and every step of assembly
- Tips for soldering and wiring
- On-line technical support
Height | 5.125 in. | |
Item Height | 8.5 in. | |
Item Length | 12 in. | |
Item Width | 10.5 in. | |
Length | 10 in. | |
Output Impedance (Zout) | 8 Ω | |
Output Power (POut) | 5 W | |
Width | 6 in. |
Packaging Dimensions | 13 in. × 11 in. × 9 in. | |
Weight (Packaging) | 6.4 lbs. |
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Specifications, Files, and Documents
Sound Samples:
Sound Sample01:20https://www.amplifiedparts.com/sites/default/files/associated_files/mod_102_sound_sample.mp3
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Questions and Answers
Click each question to see its answers.
2 answers
Why doesn't it use a printed circuit board i mean the thing looks like a mess inside?
Asked by Anonymous on October 24th, 2017.
The whole point of the kit is to build it yourself to learn and expand knowledge of electronics and amp building. A printed circuit board would essentially eliminate that process. It's called point to point hand wiring.
I don’t know if you’ve ever played a hand wired amp but once you do your question will be answered. The response from quality handwired components is so much better...
1 answers
Would this amp work for bass guitar? Do you have a kit to modify it for bass guitar?
Asked by Anonymous on January 8th, 2016.
I was able to check this amp out with bass and it did well at bedroom levels.It did clean tones and had a nice breakup when you crank it. I wouldn't say that it could be used for bass at gigging levels but it did a good job for bass.
1 answers
Would I be able to use a p-t125cse transformer instead of the p-t31 transformer.
Asked by Anonymous on August 18th, 2016.
We recommend P-T125J. This kit was designed around 5k so there is a slight difference since the P-T125J is 4k.
1 answers
Is it possible to convert a 102 into a 102+ or it is too expensive ?
Asked by Anonymous on September 28th, 2016.
For technical questions please send your email to [email protected]
1 answers
Would it be difficult to change to use a 16 ohm speaker?
Asked by Anonymous on December 29th, 2017.
You would have to replace the stock transformer P-T31 with the P-T125CSE.
1 answers
In the event of needing to replace a tube, what would be options for that, especially if I found vintage 12ax7s or el84s?
Asked by Anonymous on February 7th, 2020.
You are free to use any 12AX7 (or 12AX7 variant) in the preamp and any EL84 (6BQ5) in the power section. New old stock tubes are certainly included in that list.
1 answers
Is it possible to mount an external switch to add the Turbo function from the 102+ to the 102?
Asked by Anonymous on April 11th, 2020.
Yes, you can use the following link for guidance on converting your 102 to a 102+. https://www.amplifiedparts.com/sites/default/files/associated_files/mod102_to_mod102-plus_conversion.pdf
1 answers
Can a passive effects loop be added?
Asked by Anonymous on June 2nd, 2020.
There is no guide or parts provided for this but adding an effect loop is possible.
1 answers
Can add the Mid boost to the Mod 102 by adding a 250k push pull pot and resistors like in the 102+ layout?
Asked by Anonymous on September 30th, 2020.
You can add the mid boost switch or any of the additional features of the 102+ to the standard version. See this file for more information. https://www.amplifiedparts.com/sites/default/files/associated_files/mod102_to_mod102-plus_conversion.pdf
1 answers
Can you replace the pilot light and wire in LED strip lights instead? I’m wondering if I can just have the inside of a home made head-cabinet light up rather than a traditional pilot light. See link below.
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Flexible-Waterproof-Shopping-Lighting/dp/B01EA94REQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=26PTR83TKDWGV&dchild=1&keywords=led+strip+lights+orange&qid=1607529651&sprefix=Led+strip+lights+or%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMkhaTE5URlZPQlFaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTQyNjQ2SlVFUEZUVFFUWFpPJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMTM3NDEyRU5TT1FGTlVTUzROJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Asked by Anonymous on December 9th, 2020.
While it certainly may be possible, we would not be able to advise on how to modify the circuit of this amp in such a way.
1 answers
What are the dimensions of the chassis without the handles? I am looking for an amp I can install inside an antique tabletop radio cabinet and need to know if this will fit. Also, how thick is the chassis sheet metal? I'd like to install the power switch and indicator lamp on the back of the chassis - I don't care that the front will still have holes pre-cut, but I'd like to know if I'll be able to drill new mounting holes with an ordinary step bit. Thanks!
Asked by Anonymous on January 3rd, 2021.
The chassis measures 10" x 6" x 2" but the gauge of the steel in the chassis is not specified by the manufacturer.
1 answers
Would the power and output transformer handle an el34?
Asked by Anonymous on January 19th, 2021.
We only recommend building the kit in its standard EL84 / 12AX7 configuration. The output transformer has a 5K ohm primary and the plate voltage on the power tube is ~258V.
1 answers
I built a 102+ kit and it worked great for several weeks. I could not be happier until it just quit. I started down the troubleshooting guide. HV DC voltage is 282 and B1 a paltry 7v DC. All other voltages down the list are too low as well. I do not know how to correct this. I have re-tightened all grounds and checked solder connections. Please help!
Thanks
Asked by Anonymous on January 27th, 2021.
We aren't able to offer troubleshooting tips beyond those included in the instructions, but you can contact MOD Kits DIY and they may be able to offer more detailed information.
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Product Reviews
This will be my third amp build, always quality parts and sounds great. Signal breaks up nicely when turned up. Used the Jensen Vintage Ceramic speaker in 2 of them, nice warm tone that compliments the circuit.
Great little amplifier! Sounds excellent and was fun to build. MODkits was also very helpful when I inevitably needed help troubleshooting a mistake I made. Would recommend this for anybody looking to build their first amp but I would strongly recommend you build a pedal first and practice your soldering skills. I have build several pedals and this was still a challenge.
I spent three evenings building the MOD102. The instructions are very easy to understand and the amp has a great Fender sound. I had one grounding issue that was easily fixed with a little help from tech support, which was excellent. If you're good at following step by step instructions and can solder well this is a fun little amp to build. Only small issue is the labels. They could stand an improvement.
I just finished this amp build and it sounds fantastic! I also just finished a Marshall 18 Watt clone and I have to say that the Mod102+ holds its own very nicely alongside the Marshall. In fact, I will probably use the Mod102+ for recording because it sounds amazing at lower volumes (the Marshall is loud AF). Honestly, if I were only going to build one of them today, it would be the Mod. I'm blown away by the tone! Great kit with excellent instructions. Great bang for the buck. The parts all seem to be top quality. I love the old style cloth solid core wire, too. I find it much easier to work with than modern stranded wire. The labels are a bit lame but I covered them with packing tape as suggested before cutting them out and they look fine. If you're thinking about building an amp, build this one.
First the down side: I found the labels to be subpar. Printing was flawed with black areas having many non-printed areas leaving a spotted background. When I attempted to cut the labels out with my X- ACTO knife they shredded. I ended up using a label maker.
Now the up side: This was a fun kit to build. I followed the suggestion of a previous reviewer and made sure that all paint was removed where terminal strips mounted to the chassis. I then verified solid ground connections were made using an ohm meter. The component layout diagrams are very helpful for component placement. However, I found it useful to change the sequence of some steps. For instance, where wire or components are soldered to the lower hole on a terminal strip I found it easier to do that before soldering components on upper parts of the strip. I also assembled and soldered the T2/T3 assembly externally by screwing them to a wooden block, soldering all components and then installing it as a unit into the chassis.
The schematic with voltages given for key points was very helpful when I inadvertently skipped a step and the amp did not work. Standard troubleshooting techniques using the schematic found the problem.
Customer support: There was a mix up in parts, partially my error and partially Amplified Parts error. Customer support by Wesley Fleck was superb and reason enough to buy from them. The issue was quickly resolved. Thank you again Wesley!
I will be buying another kit in the future from Amplified Parts.
I got this kit one year ago and built it in about two weeks of evenings. I had a little solid state combo amp with a ten inch speaker that had died on me. So I removed the solid state chassis and fitted the Mod 102 chassis inside the cabinet. With a few slight modifications to the cabinet, and turning over the graphics on the Mod 102 panel, it looks almost like it could have come from the factory that way. The best part is the sound and performance. It sounds much better, much more organic than the SS amp ever did, esp[ecially when pushed a little. Generally I run it with the knobs all on about 6, and there is a nice, soft edge to the distortion. I turn the guitar volume down or play lightly for clean tones and turn it up or dig in for distortion.
It's not only a great little practice amp, but I mic it and play it as a worship leader at my church.
finished the amp. had tons of help from tech support. They were always quick to answer questions and offer advice. All of the problems I had were my own doing, but they made it right. really pleased
Love the sound of this little amp. I took my time. Painted it yellow. Changed out the Chinese tube for a Tungsol. Running it through a 1X12 cab with a Jensen. Classic sound. Overdrives nice a higher volumes.
Use an "external tooth lock washer" between the
chassis and whatever you're grounding. It will cut
through the paint.
I just completed my Mod 102 kit. An excellent experience! I was delighted with the quality of components, clarity of instructions, and, perhaps most importantly, the sound of the amp. It is very loud - currently running into my Fender Twin Reverb cab (2x12) and very sweet! I will be running it into a new 1x12 cab with a new Celestion G12 M Heritage 'Greenback' when I get a case for the speaker (on order).
My only criticism (and something to look out for) is that the chassis is very nicely painted in gray gunmetal paint. Even following the directions to file all the holes, it is very hard to get a good ground connection at every point a terminal strip connects. I worried about this, and about 1/3rd of the way through the build, took an ohm meter to check all the connections, and as I had suspected, some of the connections were not great (9-10 ohms or so!) So I removed the terminal strips (with the components I had already soldered still attached) and scraped away the paint under the tabs of the strips to ensure a good connection. Re-testing showed virtually zero resistance. I'd strongly recommend scraping the paint away at all holes under the chassis before getting started on the build. Even better, suggest that Amplified Parts leave the inside chassis unpainted (at least around the important holes).
Aside that one criticism, I am delighted with the kit and with Amplified Parts. Everything was delivered promptly and they are a class outift. I'll probably try some of their other kits soon.