Tubes
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History
Vacuum tube, electron tube, or thermionic valve; it is the simple device which has driven modern music since the early 1900's. Tubes (short) saw mainstream use in radios and signal amplification as early as the 1920's. By the 1950's they were in every major juke box across America.
In the 60's the tube guitar amplifier gained much fame, and even though it has been replaced in most of the industries it saw use in, it is still the amplification device of choice for most modern electric guitarists and bassists.
Types
The Tube Amplifier comes in many varieties. Different wiring classes and power requirements have created a wide range of tubes to meet the many sounds the industry requires. But, for the most part, tube amplifiers operate on the same two basic principles. Pre-amplification and amplification each requiring a different type of tube to produce a different effect.
Preamp Tubes
Preamp tubes are required for the pre-amplification section of a vacuum amplifier. They provide tonal characteristics which are distinct to each type of preamp tube. They also provide an abundant amount of what is known as "gain" or "saturation". The term "saturation" comes from the electron plate inside the tube being saturated with electrons and dissipating them causing a loss of signal which in turn creates distortion in the final sound. This latter effect is what most guitar players equate to being the most important part of the preamp section or gain stage. The most common preamp tube is the 12AX7.
Power Tubes
Reserved.
Care
Reserved.
Replacement
Reserved.
Related GMC Lessons
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