Books & DVDs

The follow up to Volume 1 in the series, covering more advanced amplifier construction projects for the experienced builder. Includes detailed plans for the following five classic tube amplifiers:

• Deluxe (5E3) 15 watt amp with push-pull 6V6s
• Bassman (5F6A) 50 Watt amp with push-pull 6L6s
• AC30 Top Boost 30 watt amp with quad push-pull EL84s with Top Boost Mods - minus Vibrato circuit
• Plexi Super Lead (1959) 100 watt amp with quad push-pull EL34s with master volume mod
• Twin Reverb (AB763) with quad push-pull 6L6GCs wi

London Power DIY Speaker Cabinets for Musical Instrument Applications. Speaker cabinet design is mysterious to most people, but it doesn't have to be - especially when it comes to speakers for musical instruments. Cabinet evolution is described culminating in Kevin's own designs built by London Power, based on 20+ years of experience and input from expert speaker designers. Resonant and non-resonant cabinets are explored, along with the choice for building materials, finishes, woodworking techniques, installing grill cloth, and the use of wheels and handles. Driver selection and mixing is detailed, covering driver impedance, power ratings and wiring.

TUBE AMPS 101 or Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started - DVD
Over 1 ½" hours of video that is like standing over the shoulder of an amp tech for a day, minus the technical jargon. Learn all kinds of tips and tricks, while you watch from your easy chair. This video focuses on an amp that is presented as a 1964 Fender Deluxe Reverb and shows you how to determine its exact date of manufacture. While you go through the test amp you are shown all the things to look for in rehabilitating an old amplifier, things like seeing if the caps are bad and replacing resistors.

Volume IV: Noise, Tips and Troubleshooting Chapter List includes:

1. 3 Prong conversion - the RIGHT WAY! (Super Reverb)
2. "Red Plating" Power Tubes ('77 Princeton)
3. Replace a Bad Power Transformer ('79 Champ)
4. Test and Replace Coupling Caps ('57 Tweed Champ)
5. HIGH Noise Floor? (Silverface Deluxe Reverb)
6. Buzzing Noise?

This book presents vacuum tube amplifier theory using modern, web-based design tools and computer visualizations to eliminate the usual litany of mathematical formulas. The book begins with the fundamentals of electronics and vacuum tubes. It then proceeds through each stage of a modern guitar amplifier, including preamp voltage amplification stages, cathode followers, tone stacks, power amps, phase inverters, and power supplies. The final chapter is devoted to the craft of controlling overdrive dynamics and harmonic distortion.