I can read basic schematics and i can solder well and have made small electronic projects in past, i wouldn't say hell yea i can build a tube amp,but i can try.The reason i like the look of a kit is that i don't wanna spend most of my time hunting for components and actually fancy a little tube amp for the house, i know its not cheap just like building guitar isn't gonna save you money soi m guessing it gonna cost $500 to get it finished inc speaker/cab etc.