The amplifiers tag has no wiki summary.
13
votes
4answers
1k views
Why do tube-based guitar amplifiers sound so good?
Is it just a cultural thing ("they've always sounded that way") or is there some basis in music theory for this?
8
votes
3answers
1k views
How does The Talkbox work?
Beck started using this in the early 70's - they called it The Bag for a hot minute (as did Stevie Wonder) - Frampton's career came alive when he started using it - how does it work?
3
votes
1answer
153 views
VHT Pitbull 50-CL foot pedal?
I'm the proud new owner of a used Pitbull 50-CL I got cheap at guitar center, but it didn't come with a footpedal. Now VHT is Freyette, I'm not sure where I could get one. Could I use something ...
9
votes
1answer
953 views
What is a “death cap” ?
I have often heard/read people mention a "death cap" when talking about older Fender amps.
Is this a capacitor ?
What does it do ?
Why is it called the death cap ?
7
votes
6answers
1k views
Can you make your own Leslie Speakers?
I love the sound when employed with an Organ ( Jimmy Smith) and on Little Wing(SRV) - I vaguely remember seeing Kings X live once and I believe Ty Tabor had a pair of Leslie speakers that sounded ...
4
votes
3answers
845 views
using multiple stereo effects
I have a couple pedals that have either a dry out, Digitech Whammy or they are stereo effects, i.e delay, chorus. I have multiple amps; Bugera 333xl head, a line 6 Flextone combo, a Hartke 20 W Bass ...
9
votes
2answers
3k views
Why is an amplifier's effects loop useful?
When should you plug gear into your amplifier's effects loop and not into the standard input?
8
votes
1answer
236 views
Balanced triodes. Gimmick, or worth the money?
When purchasing tubes from some reputable dealers, I have noticed that you are given the option for balanced triodes--sometimes at a much higher price. How does a tube with balanced a triode effect ...
7
votes
2answers
636 views
What do the different tubes in an amplifier do?
Preamp vs Phase Inverter vs Reverb vs Power vs Rectifier.
Many people get really, really confused when they try to understand anything about tubes. I spent a very long time myself trying to ...
9
votes
2answers
3k views
How do I know when it's time to change a tube on my amplifier?
I think this would be a wonderfully instructive question to people who are new to tube amplifiers. In short, how do I know that it's time to change a tube, and what's a good strategy for figuring out ...
8
votes
1answer
1k views
What changes in the amp when I adjust its presence?
The tone controls on a guitar amp are pretty obvious, but what does the presence knob affect?
It's a subtle effect but can sure make or break a sound. It doesn't seem to be treble or midrange boost, ...
10
votes
3answers
3k views
Amp picking up radio stations
When I plug my combo practice amp into a normal wall outlet I pick up a local public radio station, just loud enough to be annoying. The only way I've found to reduce it is to plug it into a UPS or ...
6
votes
2answers
135 views
How can I get a less directional sound from an amp
Normally I play on stage with my PODX3 DI'ed straight in and use the monitor for all my sound but some venues don't work like this and have, for example, a Marshall stack behind me. Now, I like the ...
9
votes
2answers
210 views
What do they mean by 'This amp has a lot of headroom'?
Do they mean how loud it will go without getting distortion?
3
votes
1answer
279 views
Which amplifiers for a blues harp?
I'm interested in playing the (diatonic) harmonica with the distorted sound they use in many rock and blues bands (Jason Ricci is one example among many others).
From what I understand, how you hold ...
5
votes
3answers
2k views
What to look for in adding a noise gate to electric guitar setup?
I have researched various methods of controlling noise/hiss in high gain tube amps. In this case, a Peavey 5150 series. Considering your amp is working properly, proper cables, proper tubes, and ...
