Anatomy of an Amp 101

[OnlyVees]

Is there a good site that explains in simple terms, what the bits and pieces inside an amp actually do, and/or how they work? :dunno

I just ordered a Weber kit, and it'd be nice to know what's going on as I'm putting this thing together...

[jay42]

Is there a good site that explains in simple terms, what the bits and pieces inside an amp actually do, and/or how they work? :dunnoStart at www.geofx.com (http://www.geofx.com) There are a ton of other sites with info at different levels. I'm not sure I like this guy's moniker, but the site is very good. http://www.freewebs.com/valvewizard/index.html
Also see the Tech Pages at aiken amps. http://www.aikenamps.com/

[AR-305]

http://www.pacificrecone.com/JackDarrBook.html

The Electric Guitar Amp Handbook by Jack Darr is where I got started as a kid It also contains many vintage schematics. You can download the entire book here. It is long out of print. Also the RCA Receiving Tube Manual is an invaluable asset to the builder and tech. Everything you'll ever want to know about our beloved tubes.

[TweeDLX]

OnlyVees,
I sent you a picture via your yahoo account.

Hope it helps.

Mike

[OnlyVees]

Thanks guys, that all helps. I found a wealth of info over at the Mercury Magnetics site, under FAQ. (and some really pricey bits) Check it out if you're in a learning mood...

http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/mainframe.htm

Can someone tell me what a phase inverter does?

[Structo]

A great book to get it Dave Hunter's, The Guitar Amp Handbook.

He starts at the beginning and goes through an amp stage by stage.

There is also a single ended amp project near the end of the book you could build if so inclined.

[Structo]

Thanks guys, that all helps. I found a wealth of info over at the Mercury Magnetics site, under FAQ. (and some really pricey bits) Check it out if you're in a learning mood...

http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/mainframe.htm

Can someone tell me what a phase inverter does?


The phase inverter is usually the last tube before the power tubes.

It is what drives the power tubes.

It outputs two voltages with one that is 180 degrees out of phase with the other voltage, this is fed to the power tubes to amplify.
In a push-pull amp, this phase difference is then combined for the final output.

The most common is called the long tail pair and is what Fender and Marshall use.

Here's more on it:
http://www.aikenamps.com/LongTailPair.htm

[skipm45]

A great book to get it Dave Hunter's, The Guitar Amp Handbook.

He starts at the beginning and goes through an amp stage by stage.

There is also a single ended amp project near the end of the book you could build if so inclined.


+1
Probably one of the most easy to read and understand "basic" books out there.


Skip
www.skipzcircuits.com (http://www.skipzcircuits.com)

[Braxtone]

+1 again. But that's because it's the only book I've read so far. That said, Dave Hunter does a great job explaining how tube amps work without getting rediculously technical. I bought and read the book about 2 months ago and since then I have become obsessed with anything related to tube amps. A fellow member also recommended the RCA tube manuals. Those are next on my list. I feel that my interest is mutating into an addiction and I am loving every minute of it.

[smolder]

A great book to get it Dave Hunter's, The Guitar Amp Handbook.

He starts at the beginning and goes through an amp stage by stage.

There is also a single ended amp project near the end of the book you could build if so inclined.

+1

Great 101 amp course

[guitarsnguns04]

Gerald Weber has some great book as well...his opinion is a bit biased but he knows what hes talking about

[mooreamps]

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


Yes, and how I find it just "so" interesting that valvewizard is starting to publish articles on lamp biasing. Funny, I don't see anyone "Flaming" them for it.....

-g