This Tiny LEGO Fender Guitar Amp Conversion Really Works

Pseudonymous Canadian maker "technologyguy," hereafter simply "Guy," has turned a decorative LEGO replica of a Fender amplifier into a fully-working universal guitar amp — for those looking for a more compact approach to rocking out.

"LEGO makes some realistic looking kits. One of my favorites is the Fender Telecaster Guitar and Amp, but it would be more fun if these models actually worked," Guy explains of the project's inspiration. "With that in mind, I modified the model Fender amplifier into a working unit with volume control, speaker, input jack, switch and pilot light. I tried to retain the original appearance by clustering the controls on the back panel and replacing the LEGO pilot light on the front panel with a working LED. The result is a tiny portable amp that works with any electric guitar."

The heart of the build is, of course, the LEGO Fender Telecaster Guitar and Amp boxed set, though the model guitar goes unmodified — and, given its nature and size, is non-functional. It's the amplifier that is the focus of Guy's work, playing host to an LM386-based amplifier connected to a 9V battery, 1/4" input socket, and a 2" speaker.

The new electronics replace LEGO replicas included as part of the kit, the removal of which makes room for squeezing in functional equivalents. Some modification is required, however: the red LEGO piece standing in for the power LED needs to be removed and a hole drilled to accept a real LED in its place, while the bottom panel at the rear needs to be drilled out for the input jack, power switch, and potentiometer volume control.

"If it all works," Guy advises those looking to build their own as they get to the end of the conversion process, "mix the epoxy and glue the rear (magnet end) of the speaker to the inside front of the cabinet so the cone points toward the rear. Stick down the battery with double sided tape. Replace the rear panels. You may want to glue the bottom one with all purpose glue to keep it in place while unplugging your guitar jack."

The full guide is available on Instructables, including a parts list for the electronic components.