Tube amps for beginners

[Beyer160]

I'm a reasonably accomplished solderer and have a basic understanding of electronics, but I'm looking for a resource that will explain tube circuitry. I just picked up a silverface Vibro Champ, partially because I figured it'd be a simple platform to learn about tube amps. I've figured out how to recap it, but I'm in the dark about terms like "cathode" and "B+ voltage" and I want to learn more about how it works, instead of just doing simple part replacements. Any suggestions?

[Enzo]

Some threads:

http://music-electronics-forum.com/t14381/

http://music-electronics-forum.com/t29876/

[big_teee]

I like the Merlin tube info.
How to design valve guitar amplifiers
T

[Tom Phillips]

...I want to learn more about how it works, instead of just doing simple part replacements. Any suggestions?...

That's a wise approach which will work out best in the long run.

Checkout the downloadable book scans at Technical books online
Since you want to learn the basics I would recommend that you start with the three volume "Basic Audio" series by Norman Crowhurst. They are listed in the HI Fi section but don't let that worry you. His information is good basic physics and electronics. There is no whacked out audiophile nonsence. One you have a good grasp of basic theory then you can understand other recent publications that are specific to musical instrument amplifiers. You will also then be able to sort out the good from the incorrect information in the musical instrument amp discussions.

Regards,
Tom

[Beyer160]

Thanks guys- lots to digest, which is exactly what I wanted.

[Austin]

There is no whacked out audiophile nonsence.

Lol, to be fair I have met some pretty whacked out guitar players too, just sayin'...

[Tom Phillips]

Lol, to be fair I have met some pretty whacked out guitar players too, just sayin'...

Agreed. That's a very good point.
I am reminded of those who ask all the wrong questions first. For example, asking endless questions about the type of caps, wire insulation resistors etc that are in the amp and making a judgement before they even listen to it. Kinda like salting your food before you taste it.

[Enzo]

MY favorite was someone who wrote in to say "I just ordered a new (whatever) amp, what mods should I do to it?"

[Alan0354]

I have the Guitar Amplifier Power Amps by Richard Kuehnel. It has raving reviews. I read a little before I was introduced to RDH4 by Enzo, But I don't think RDH4 is for beginners and it's not a guitar amp book either. The Kuehnel book is deep enough for a lot of tinkerers, the part I read was very clear. I just like the RDH4 better.

I am not sure the Champ is the best amp to learn, my understanding it's a single end power amp. I would consider a tweed amp kit where they provide you with the chassis. board, components and all. You build it yourself and testing it. I would work with a push pull power amp. Something like this:

http://ceriatone.com/

I don't know how good they are as I never try one, just an example where to start. I used a Fender Twin and now a Bassman 100 as the platform, rip most of it out and redo myself.