Volume 2 of the most complete and practical modern reference on tube guitar amplifiers
In Volume 1 we've laid the groundwork for more practical aspects of guitar amps that will be covered in this volume, namely amp troubleshooting & repair, modifications & improvements, and construction (building). Out of necessity, Volume 1 was a bit more theoretical of the two. Understanding operational principles and design & analysis tools is necessary to fully master the hands-on stuff, so you will know not only what should be done and how, but also why or why not.
The first two chapters of this volume deal with the final stages in the amplification chain, namely output transformers, loudspeakers, attenuators and headphone/line out circuitry.
Chapter 3 covers the basic troubleshooting and amplifier repair tools and methods.
Chapter 4 discusses practical wiring, soldering and circuit modification issues seldom or never mentioned in other books.
Although numerous circuit modifications and improvements have been dispersed throughout both volumes, chapters 5 and 6 cover two specific areas where mods are particularly effective and noticeable, namely in power supplies and in tone changes through simple changes such as tube and component substitutions.
Chapter 7 is a review and analysis of a few modern push-pull amplifiers such as Orange Tiny Terror, Jet City JCA20H, Fender Excelsior and Epiphone Electar Century. These case studies illustrate common issues and improvement options.
The DIY project section (last five chapters) will take you through a dozen or so unique amplifier designs, some single-ended, other of push-pull, using different preamp and less common output tubes, such as 12FQ8, 12A6, 5687, 12AU7, 6SN7, 6AR6, 6BX7, 6EM7, ECL86 and PL508. Of course, there are also designs and DIY projects with much loved favorites such as EL84, 6V6, 6L6, EL34, and 7027A.
Finally, we look at examples of vinta
