![]() The other problem with the inability to make tubes with fairly consistent and predictable performance and operational parameters is that it makes building things like the typical push-pull 2 or 4 tube Class AB1/AB2 power amplifier extremely difficult, as the tubes must be fairly close in there operational parameters or the unbalanced circuit will likely destroy the tube(s) of one side that conduct the most current. What you end up doing is making a tube using 'best guesses' and test/measure the tube's operational parameters and design the circuit around those parameters, rather than the other way around. To get predictable performance mechanical tolerances must be exacting and the materials used in commercial tubes are rather exotic and difficult (if not impossible to come close to) for a home-brew vacuum tube maker. Fender Twin Reverbs, Super Reverbs, and Marshall amplifiers (often vintage '60s/'70s era) are the vast majority of venue-owned backline kit provided for touring acts (and usually specified by the artist/band in the performance contract 'riders' section) at most large venues.Īs to making a home-brew vacuum tube, it is doable but not practical. Most pro-level concert/festival guitar amplifier backlines are tube amplifiers. Nearly all the flagship lines of the major guitar amplifier manufacturers are tube amps. Effects pedals give you whatever distortion you want and have the advantage that you can turn the amplifier some level other than 11 and you still have the distortion you like.Īs a pro-level guitarist for 4+ decades and who also has been designing & building tube guitar amplifiers for nearly as long, I have to disagree.ĭistortion type effects pedals are attempts to imitate what goes on in a tube guitar amplifier being pushed to (and past) it's limits and some come close (and many more close enough for the average local artist/band in bar/small-gig venues) but it does not sound nor 'feel' the same to play through for a good guitar player. Of course, modern solid state amplifiers aren't particularly power limited (at least if you have the cash) and should never be driven into distortion. transistors" debate before, but has anyone actually tried to homebrew their own? If this is not the correct forum, can anyone please gently shove me into the correct direction? It needs to be online as my physical location (Bellingham, Washington) is too far away from the university labs where this type of work is likely to be done. Is there anyone here who has tried DIY vacuum tubes (or valves, to you Europeans)? I need help getting started - how to put together the vacuum plumbing system how to make a glass lathe what metals to use for the elements (grid, plate, etc). I want to try to make my own vacuum tubes. Could you beat wireless headphones by creating your own DIY home audio system? Two weeks ago one Slashdot commenter argued, "to have good audio that is truly yours and something to be proud of, you need to make your own vacuum tube amplifier and then use it to power real electrostatic headphones over a wire." And now long-time Slashdot reader mallyn is stepping up to the challenge: ![]()
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