OTOH, I am considering buying a guitar amplifier kit for my son who just
bought himself an electric guitar.? In that case, it will take more time to
assemble the kit than if we went to Guitar Center, say, and bought a working
amp.? But the cost of the kit is considerably less than that of the
off-the-shelf amp.? The tradeoff in reverse.? And since I've been a
professional EE for almost 37 years and have been soldering since I could pick
up an iron, assembly and test are no issues.? And the dad-and-son time
assembling the kit together is a huge bonus (Heathkit, I miss you from the
1970s when I was a kid).
If the kit is one those 5F1 Fender Champ all tubes amp, they are tons of fun to assemble.
Plus, you can source better quality parts, etc.
Also, effect pedals are a very good way for a kid to get into electronics.
