Anybody know how to build guitar amplifiers?

Question

I've got some schematics published in this month's Make magazine. What a hoot! Build an amp using a cereal box as the case. So here's one of my first questions I hope somebody can discuss.

Does the type and capacity of a battery affect an amplifier's ability to output volume? Some of the teeny little practice amps run on a 9v battery but can't be heard well outside. Given the other concerns being met is it possible to get more volume using a different power source such as a battery from a laptop computer typically 10.8v or some other battery type with greater voltage?

Eeyore · Accepted Answer

Very much so. Larger capacity batteries have lower internal resistance and that equates to the voltage sagging less when some power is demanded, so it sounds louder.

Internal resistance will vary with battery 'chemisty' too.

Graham

John McMillan · Answer

Yes of course.  You'll do much better if you use a lead-acid truck battery.  And if you can lay your hands on an old submarine batteryyou'll be able to play really loud.

Marra · Answer

I design and build my own amplifiers.My current one is used for a disco and a guitar.I play along to CD's in pubs and clubs.My latest amp is 600 watts RMS.It would need a pretty big battery LOLIt uses a differential amplifier driving some 20 amp MOSFETS

Eeyore · Answer

The last MOSFET amp I designed has *24* mosfets and was rated at 1200W at thenominal load impedance and 1600W into 2 ohm loads.I've designed bigger bipolar amps since (up to 2kW)Graham

Homer J Simpson · Answer

Yes. Either use D cells or a small 12 V sealed lead acid battery for more power, and design an amp around that.Try (build your own portable guitar amplifier) or look at

Anybody know how to build guitar amplifiers?

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