Designing Tube Preamps for Guitar and Bass is the world's first comprehensive guide to the design of tube-based preamplifiers, specifically for musical instrument use, in a single volume.
From the input to the phase inverter, this book discusses the inner workings of every part of a conventional guitar preamp, including the use of triodes, pentodes, tone controls, effects loops and much more. Eliminating all 'guess work' and 'audio myths', this book reveals the science behind good tone.
Not intended for the beginner, it brings the intermediate-level circuit designer to the advanced level, with over 200 circuit diagrams and figures, as well as new research into the distortion mechanisms of tubes and unique tone manipulation techniques. An essential reference text for any amp enthusiast!
While not being a dedicated guitar amp builder, upon brief familiarising myself with the content of Mr. Blencowe's website I decided to order the this book. I wish all technical stuff I have to read is written this way. Excellent book.
Blencowe's way of explaining the guts of designing vacuum tube gain stages is not to be missed. This guy's work gets 5 stars. His explanation of the direct-coupled cathode-follower helped me to understand the first stage of the Ampeg SVT's preamplifier better than anyone else's ever could have. If you're on the fence, don't forget to check out his website - http://www.freewebs.com/valvewizard/. If that helps you any, then you definitely need to buy the whole book!
This is *the* authoritative, must-have book on instrument tube amplifier design. Very highly recommended. The language is accessible and understandable, but still provides a rigorous treatment of the subject area.
A CUTE BOOK IN APPEARANCE, THAT PACKS A MEGATON WORTH OF WALLOP WITHIN ITS PAGES! This, in my opinion, is one of the most well written, and comprehensive books on this subject. It will hold the attention of any reader who is interested in this subject matter, and is not dry as many scientific publications can be. For a breath of fresh air, Merlin also refrains from passing on his own personal biases, and preferences as fact to the reader, which unfortunately has plagued many other modern publications regarding Amplifier design. What is stated as fact however, is certainly backed up by empirical data, and cited references for further research, if the reader chooses. I can not advocate for this book enough, and I think it is worth a lot more than its price! I look forward to more books by Merlin Blencowe in the future. -Joey
