Mainline, first-time build

rickdagless

New member
Hey there!

I finished up the Mainline build (along with the interconnect and power cable kit) just a couple days ago.

I'm a first time solderer/builder and was initially overwhelmed at the prospect of building this kit, but everyone on the forum was so positive and confident that I felt that, as long as I stuck with it, I would eventually have a successful build.  I took my time and went extremely slowly.  I can't even count how many times I would check my work.

Still, by the time I had finished, I doubted my solder joints would really work.  And to my surprise, the kit passed all the tests.  That felt great.  But still, I needed to see if it would really work.

I hooked everything up, turned the attenuator to a low-ish setting, put on my headphones and flipped the switch.  The startup ringing sound came on, and went away.  Then the fuzz came, and went away in each channel.  And I was then completely enveloped by silent darkness.  With baited breath I played the first song -- Bill Evans' Israel from the album Explorations.  Stunning.  It hit hard, crisp, but was so smooth.  And everything worked!  Wow!  Been spending a lot of time with the Mainline since.

I didn't know I could do it and I truly doubted myself -- it's no small thing to be able to prove your own doubts wrong.  So thank you to the Bottlehead crew for this kit, and also to everyone on the forums.  What an experience!

I've posted some pictures below and, if you don't mind, would love to hear your feedback regarding the wooden base.  It's the one thing I didn't finish yet.  I'm still not sure where I'd like to go with it, but I really liked what tdubl07 did here: http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=6070.0.  I think a distressed/vintage look might look really cool.  The top is powder-coated black, by the way.

Thanks for reading!
 

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Congratulations, I think that is a pretty amazing achievement for a first build. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with the base.
 
Looks like a very clean build. For a first attempt, it is a job very well done. From your post, I can only conclude that listening to it is a real joy.

If you like the distressed / vintage look, on my Crack I initially used a dark-brown all-in-one oil-based varnish on mine, but was not entirely pleased with my finishing. Sanded it down with 80 grit, which left some light scratches. I then sanded with 120 grit, but it did not get all of them out. 240 grit got all of them out. I sanded off a lot more than tdubl07, but the base still looked great. Unfortunately I have no pics of the base in that state as it was always meant to be finished again and I started applying varnish again.

Worst case scenario, if the distressed look does not work for you, you can always apply varnish again. I am still working on my base, but it seems to take the varnish much better than it previously did.
 
wullymc said:
Wow!

Great job.  Looks amazing.

I would just put a few coates of Danish oil on and there you go!

That's not a bad idea perhaps follow it up with a wipe on antique style dark wax which would add some age and luster.
 
Geeze, that is an incredibly clean first build.  It certainly shows that you took your time, that could pass as the build in the manual!
 
Thank you for all of the kind words and suggestions!

The idea built up by wullymc and Jamie is looking pretty enticing -- the natural color of the alder with the black top is growing on me.  If it's too bright, maybe then I'll give Grausch's a go.

I also recently ran into Adrian's post (http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=6926.0) and that's got me thinking, too...
 
Vahe:

I used a simple Ebony stain on the base.  Depending on how long you let it sit before wiping it off (1-3 minutes) and how much you wipe off will determine the look (dark to light).
 
Rickdagless,

I was very fortunate when I ordered my Quickie that I got one that was a mat black top plate.  I put this on my Crack base.  I finished my Crack base by simply applying a few coates of clear poly.  It looks pretty nice.  I can send you an image once I find my camera if you'd like.

Take care...Dave
 
wullymc said:
I was very fortunate when I ordered my Quickie that I got one that was a mat black top plate.
You are indeed very lucky, I think there have been fewer than 10 of those over the entire production of the Quickie.

-PB
 
Great Job Rick! Very impressed this is your first build. Did the DIY bug bite? Are you already thinking about what you'll put together next?  ;)
 
Skip the "for a first build", that is some fine work. My 2 cents: with a stock or near stock base, simple is better. The fine work you did on the top plate will be shown off with a clean, simple finish. 
 
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