Fender Deluxe Reverb RI vs DIY amp kit

[Faldoe]

Anyone own one? Thoughts, reliability. They go for around $700 used. Thinking of getting one.

Also thinking of building an equivalent amp from a kit thoughts?

[Boxbie]

I've built kit 50's deluxe. sounds great, but cost way more than just the cost of kit (replaced parts). Fun, but a steep learning curve. The deluxe reverb would be a whole lot more complicated again.
Unless you already know electronics pretty well, the reissue would be waaay cheaper.

[Boxbie]

And its a pretty good reissue!

[gaussgunn]

depends on the particular kit parts but good kit with fender logo wins lol

[Faldoe]

I've built kit 50's deluxe. sounds great, but cost way more than just the cost of kit (replaced parts). Fun, but a steep learning curve. The deluxe reverb would be a whole lot more complicated again.
Unless you already know electronics pretty well, the reissue would be waaay cheaper.

I've never built an amp but built many a pedal and serviced the tube amps I've owned in the past - ampeg V4s, Gemini, Traynor… I'm pretty sure I could built one. Especially with the built diagrams most amp kit companies provide.

I'd also probably skip on having a speaker or even tubes included to lower the kit cost, and source those things myself, to get exactly what I want.

[amnesiac305]

If you havent built an amp before I would suggest just go ahead and get a used DR and make sure it really fits your style. Meanwhile, if you really want to get into amp building I would start with a more basic amp. Ultimately, there are nice DR kits available but I think the reissue is pretty nice particularly with a mod or two. I did the Fritz mod on mine and I would never go back.