Based in Melbourne Australia we hand build guitar amplifiers, using our own PCB's, inspired by modern high-gain amplifiers.
We specialise in a range of custom designed PCB's suitable for the DIY tube amp builder, making your next build easy!
If you have an existing amplifier and have been thinking about having it modded, then we can help with that too.
PCB Price List
US$25 flat rate shipping worldwide.
See the Build Gallery page for detailed PCB pictures
MCII PCB - rev.2
US$35
Recreation of the Modern Classic II in a simple to build PCB format. Can be used for 25w, 50w or 100w builds and includes a tube buffered fx loop.
100% verified.
This 2 channel amp can be built with 5 pre-amp tubes if not using the onboard tube FX loop, or 6 with the tube loop. It's possible to build with 5 and then add one of our FX Loop PCB's for a transparent loop.
Comes with complete build documentation including schematic, layout, switching setup and BoM.
PCB is 443mm x 74mm.
MTL PCB
US$35
Recreation of the MTL in a simple to build PCB format, for 25, 50 or 100w builds.
100% verified.
Requires 5 pre-amp tubes. Add a Loop PCB for a transparent FX loop.
Comes with complete build documentation including schematic and layout.
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PCB is 443mm x 74mm.
Zero loss FX Loop PCB
US$10
LND150 based transparent FX loop (the industry standard) PCB for your DIY builds. 1.5" jack spacing.
PCB is 80mm x 44mm.
Mini PCB - JJ Jr.
US$30
Build your own 'Jr.' with this super flexible PCB. It will do any of the mini range such as the PT20, Runt20 etc. However includes a bunch of killer new features over and above the JJ Jr.
- Fixed and/or Cathode Bias
- Supports 2 gains/masters for the dirt channel for 3 channels, build a JJ Jr. deluxe!
- Relay switchable plexi, boost & JBE modes
You could just build a single channel, cathode bias PT20 with this PCB, or right up to 3 channels of flexibility.
PCB is 304mm x 73
Relay switcher PCB
US$10
Cater for 3 x DPDT mini relays for your next amp mod project. PCB also includes rectifier section to allow you to create a DC supply for the relays. This is geared towards adding relay switching to an existing amp, note our other full boards do not require this aux board.
Check out our YouTube channel to see and hear the Ceriatone plexi to Friedman Smallbox conversion completed using this PCB.
Also available shorter boards for 2xDPDT or 1xDPDT relays. The two smaller boards do not have a r
VH4
US$40
Full VH4 schematic in a single PCB, sized for WIMA caps per the VH4.
Build your own 4 channel monster, or a VH2...or a VH3!
Available in either traditional Headfirst white text on black PCB, or black text on gloss green.
Channel switching for this build requires a mutually exclusive 4 way switcher. Our MIDI switcher is perfect for this (even if not using MIDI control, as the MIDI switcher can be controlled by momentary panel switches)
PCB is 529mm x 78mm.
Marshall 1959/1987/2203/2204 ST1 project board
$30
Sized as a drop-in replacement of a Marshall ST1 sized PCB, with the standoff holes in the same location. This board can be used for a standard 4 hole plexi, or a JCM800/JMP 2203/2204 build. Full power & screen filter caps on board, no need for external can caps. If using with external filter caps, just wire them to the PCB.
Layout/wiring doco provided, along with schematic and PCB documentation.
PCB is 297mm x 80mm
MIDI Switcher
$25
4 x 4 MIDI controlled switcher. Arduino implementation of a 4 channel and 4 toggle state switcher,
Comes with PCB and atmega168 chip loaded with firmware with 28 pin socket.
Control up to 4 channel amp, and 4 independent options (fx loop, boosts) with momentary panel switches and/or footswitches and/or MIDI. Responds to CC & PC messages. Up to 128 presets can be stored in the atmega's chip EEPROM for instant recall. Include mute control output.
Please see the Documentation page for more info...
Marshall Jose/Cali Project Board
35
This board takes the basic Marshall plexi design and fully converts it into a roaring Jose modded Marshall. Featuring a classic Jose pre tone-stack Master setup, this boards adds a number of killer features:
- Relay switchable 2 x Masters (a la CCV)
- Each Master has it's own gain structure, allowing independent settings for diode clipping
- Choose between transistor (MPSA06) or Zener clipping, or no-clipping for vintage tones
PCB is 350mm x 80mm
See the Documentation page for more details...
Double Shirley - DS40
US$30
Love the DS40, but you wished you had a channel switching 2 gains/2 masters option? Or you want the easiest way to build your own single channel DS40? This board will do both.
Not quite a Twin Sister, this design maintains a shared tone stack, however independent Gains & Master and the addition of a relay activated cathode bypass boost (Structure) make this flexible. Add our FX loop PCB to this one if wanting a loop. Custom chassis is available too.
Board is 263mm x 80mm
High Voltage FET Boost - Mod Board
US$15
Killer FET gain stage to add to your amp, to be wired in as your first gain stage. Killer addition to any amp, Works especially well with JCM800 and Plexi based amps. PCB includes switching relay and rectifier and can be powered off low voltage AC wind, even off your heaters.
PCB is 90mm x 43mm
DC Heater Supply PCB
US$10
A small aux board, setup for doing DC heaters, or a regulated DC supply for any type of use. (E.g. 5v MIDI chip supply)
The heatsink makes it perfect for 12v heaters, the board is essentially the DC supply setup I have on the main PCB's but carved off into a small form factor.
The hole spacings are deliberately sized for hanging off the end of a Marshall ST1 board.
PCB is 80mm x 45mm
Fully populated PCB's for a head-start
We can ship fully soldered PCB's, contact for exact pricing but range is between US$280 and US$300.
Chassis & Faceplates
We have range of custom designed chassis's for builds with our PCB's.
Contact for ordering - chassis are manufactured to order by Ceriatone, who can supply matching Headcabs too. All Headfirst Chassis designs are drilled for Alpha 24mm M8 thread/bushing pots.
468mm x 170mm
Standard Marshall smallbox chassis, fits a standard Marshall headcab.
5 novals and room for 9 pots inside a standard Marshall headcab front panel opening.
580mm x 171mm
Extra wide chassis for 11 or so front panel pots, however still fits inside a Marshall smallbox headcab and requires a 510mm front panel opening.
171mm depth suitable for builds up to 50w.
200mm depth option also available for 100w builds.
#1 50w MCII/MTL. (2 octal). 580mm
#2 100w MCII/MTL (4 octal). 580mm
#3 50w Cali (drilled for Ceriatone Gargoyle trans set). 468mm
#4 45w Double Shirley (no trans holes) 468mm
#5 50w Cali (no trans holes, 2 octal) 468mm
#6 100w Cali (no trans holes, 4 octal) 468mm
#7 50w MCII/MTL. (2 octal). (drilled for Ceriatone Gargoyle trans set). 580mm
#8 100w MCII/MTL. (4 octal). (drilled for Ceriatone AH100 trans set). 580mm
#9. 45w Double Shirley (driller for JTM45 laydown PT, OT & Choke) 468mm
Custom faceplates
Matching faceplates for the chassis range.
Plates can be fully customised, text, logos and a range of materials available.
Faceplates are made to order and can be customised.
Please contact us for arranging. Plates are US$100 for a matching front and rear set.