
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.
See the Build Gallery page for detailed PCB pictures
Recation 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.
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.
.
PCB is 443mm x 74mm.
LND150 based transparent FX loop PCB for your DIY builds,
PCB is 80mm x 44mm.
Build your own Friedman Mini with this super flexible PCB. It will do any of the mini's such as the PT20, Runt20 and the JJ Jr. This PCB 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
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. (contact for pricing)
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.
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
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...
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...
Love the Friedman Dirty Shirley, 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
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 94mm x 43mm
We can ship fully soldered PCB's, contact for exact pricing but range is between US$280 and US$300.
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.
Standard Marshall smallbox chassis, fits a standard Marshall headcab.
5 novals and room for 9 pots inside a standard Marshall headcab front panel opening.
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 (pre-drilled for Ceriatone Gargoyle transformer set). 468mm
#4 50w Double Shirley (upright PT) 468mm
#5 50w Cali (no transformer holes, 2 octal) 468mm
#6 100w Cali (no transformer holes, 4 octal) 468mm
#7 50w MCII/MTL. (2 octal). (pre-drilled for Ceriatone Gargoyle transformer set). 580mm
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.
Copyright © 2021 Headfirst Amplification - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder