Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: balcorn80 on October 23, 2009, 11:53:07 am

Title: Things to do before my next build
Post by: balcorn80 on October 23, 2009, 11:53:07 am

So I just finished my first build, a 5e3-based gut-and-rewire job on a Precision Electronics PA amp, using a hoffman board, following the diagrams, and making it look like it did on the paper. And I ended up with an amp that works. Amazing. Only thing is I really have no idea why I wired it the way it is, how it works, how I can modify/change/adjust things, etc..

And now I would like to build something a little... More. I Really wanna build something with reverb, and a good amount of clean headroom, and maybe around 25-30 watts. Something like a Deluxe reverb maybe, but maybe running on 6l6s, but I'm open to suggestions...

But before I get to that, is there any books anyone would suggest getting/reading before I attempt another more complicated build? Like I said, I don't really know why i did what i did when I built my amp. I just followed the directions and put it together...

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: tubesornothing on October 23, 2009, 12:19:45 pm

Are you into theory, with math and such?  Then look at Richard Khuenel's books

If you are into some theory, a tiny bit of math, and some practicality, then look at Kevin OConnors TUT series (complete, but expensive and a little disorganized) or Merlin Blencoe's Tube Amp Book (a favorite of mine, focused on intermediate to experts)

If you are looking for more practical things, and not so much as why, perhaps look at some of the books by weber (a lot focused on repair and mods, but good tips), or Gar Gillies book (another practical favorite of mine breakes down all sections of amps and shows a variety of ways to do it).

Look under the tech tips section, there is also another new guitar amp book out there, focused on entry level.  There is also a review of it.

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: jjasilli on October 23, 2009, 12:54:05 pm

Best 1st guitar amp book IMHO is "Inside Tube Amps" by Dan Torres.  As you seem to be "build-oriented", I think this book will make the most sense to you.  I wish I read that one first.  I know Torres often gets a bad rap, b ut thast's unrelated to the quality of this book.  The fact is that book often has the answers to many questions posed on this Forum, and I quote it a lot.
 
I agree that many other books are good too, even better where deeper theory is concerned, and it's worth acquiring a reference library over time.  But to start I'd go with "Inside Tube Amps".

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: Iannone on October 23, 2009, 01:45:54 pm

Another great read is The Electric Guitar Amplifier Handbook by Jack Darr.

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: balcorn80 on October 23, 2009, 03:42:28 pm

Thanks guys!

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: Fresh_Start on October 24, 2009, 08:55:33 am

+1 on The Ultimate Tone - start with Vol 1 and/or Vol 3.  1 is basic theory.  3 focuses on classis amp circuits and walks you through them. 

Check out the "References" sticky at the top of the "Tube Amp Building" board here.  There are a lot of good, free information sources out there.

Chip

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: sluckey on October 24, 2009, 10:23:31 am

I like the Jack Darr book too. It's the only guitar amp book I have. I still have my hardcopy that I bought in the early '70s.

Here's a link to a pdf copy. Better get it if you're interested. The book is back in print and soft copies may dissappear.

http://ozvalveamps.elands.com/jackdarrhandbook.htm

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: Shrapnel on October 24, 2009, 09:25:49 pm

Ch 9, Ch 10, & Ch 11 are not linked... but 1-8 are available for download

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: sluckey on October 24, 2009, 10:16:19 pm

Quote

Ch 9, Ch 10, & Ch 11 are not linked... but 1-8 are available for download

1-8 is the book. 9-11 is just schematics of commercial amps.

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: Frankenamp on October 25, 2009, 03:45:32 pm

Quote from: Iannone on October 23, 2009, 01:45:54 pm

Another great read is The Electric Guitar Amplifier Handbook by Jack Darr.

+1

I forgot about that book. Wont now for a while- I just D/L'ed it and am already into chapter 3.  THANKS!

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: tubeswell on October 25, 2009, 06:09:38 pm

Merlin Blencowe's site is also very handy and his book is very handy too.  (Ch 1 is on the site)

http://www.freewebs.com/valvewizard/index.html

Title: Re: Things to do before my next build
Post by: RicharD on October 25, 2009, 07:59:37 pm

The Kuehnel books are awesome.  I've read the preamp book twice and I'm still on the 1st go round with the power amp book.  Not exactly light reading, but very well organized.  If I can grasp it, anybody can.