
INTERESTING WEB
LINKS
The following is just a
partial list of web links that I believe make my life a little easier
and a lot more fun. You should have quite a bit of fun yourself
surfing these sites. Keep in mind that all but one or two of these
sites will provide a 'links' page of their own, leading you on an all
day journey for tube 'stuff'. If you have a personal favorite that is
not mentioned, or if you spot any link that is non-functioning,
please let me know. Lastly, remember that specific links (to
find out more about Hickok tube testers, as an example) were
listed in their respective 'Lessons'. These are 'general'
interest links. With that out of the way, let's do some surfing!
- Antique Electronics
Supply All of the electronic parts and supplies like
resistors/capacitors/transformers you'll need. Plus NOS tubes (if
you must have them), as well as a vast library of reprinted
tube theory books. Get a catalog TODAY! Very close to
one-stop shopping, and an indispensable resource, with other tube
related magazines such as Vacuum Tube Valley for sale.
- AMPAGE
is a very interesting bulletin board. All sorts of Q/A technical
information and 'How-To' advice about
guitars/effects-pedals/amplifiers here. Ask anything you may want
to know about your gear and get replies from all of the 'experts'.
Some very good 'threads', but also some pure fromage. I suffered
through the threads about which way the heater pins in a 12AX7
should 'face' and whether or not you can hear a discernible
difference in the tone of your amplifier when a tube shield is
removed just to let you know about this stuff. I suppose it's
non-addictive to those with a strong will and high IQ. Just don't
argue with anyone's advice, and please don't ever say my website
disagrees with their dogma.
- The Blue
Guitar is the massive website of Steve Ahola. He seems
very knowledgeable/experienced and genuinely interested in sharing
schematics/mod ideas/etc. with everyone who 'drops by'. Hours of
surfing fun, and definitely the first place to check for
any schematic you need.
- Effectrode.
They're British, and they use 'valves' to make effects pedals
including the PhaseomaticTM, which boasts a power supply of
+300VDC! The Lemon SqueezerTM is another offering; a high-voltage
compressor. When a simple Boss pedal just won't cut it, think
about these imports.
- The
Fender Amp Field Guide is for those folks who are very
anal about the itty bitty details pertaining to their vintage
Fender amplifier. It does have a ton of great pictures, and
is worth a look even if you don't really worry about whether your
'Blackface' Deluxe Reverb was made in July 1964 or August
1964 (as if you couldn't differentiate from the tone).
- Garnet Amps is
a website developed by fellow Winnipeger Pete Theissen. Goes the
extra mile by providing production numbers, stylings, and photos
for the BTO, Sessionman, Herzog, and others.
Also has a Garnet amplifier 'Registry'! Check this one out
if you are a serious Garnet fan.
- Just
Radios is a lot more than the name implies. They sell
capacitors, specifically high-voltage units for your vintage
tube-audio gear. If you need a 630VDC film capacitor or a 450VDC
electrolytic, this is a good place to check out. They are in
Canada, which is a bonus for people like me. Also a 'Capacitor
Tips' page, which advises you on the proper selection of
capacitor type, based on the application.
- Loudspeaker Components LLC
supplies all of the raw speaker components to 'regular' speaker
manufacturers, and will also supply the amplifier manufacturer with a
very custom speaker featuring a plethora of options. If you can swing a
fair sized order throughout the year, this could set you apart from
everyone else who is just ordering Celestion Vintage 30's.
- The
Marshall Amp Forum is strictly for all the Marshall
owners. Now you can all gather around to discuss your
Marshall amplifier whilst finding like minded blokes. Tips
on where to find vintage parts, which tubes/speakers are
recommended by others, and the like are regularly talked about.
- Mojo has
everything in parts, plus the best selection in
Tolex, Tweed, and prebuilt amplifier/speaker cabinets to
match/replace your vintage piece. You could even build an entire
1959 tweed Bassman yourself, from 'scratch', with
just one phone call!
- Oplink
Solutions is one of a few companies specializing in the
repair and refurbishing of electronic test equipment. Thankfully,
no vacuum tube dinosaurs here, but 'modern' oscilloscopes, LCR
(impedance) meters, power supplies, and signal generators. The
prices are surprisingly reasonable, and although not as 'cheap' as
finding this stuff at your local TV repair shop, it's still a
sensible option for the impatient.
- Plexi-Palace
is another place to discuss all the intricacies of your vintage
amplifier, but this site has all the British offerings such as
Burns, Hiwatt, Orange, Selmer,
Sound City, Vox, WEM, and others! The first
place to check out if you own one of these rarities, as few local
'Yankee' technicians will have much experience with them.
- Sovtek or
New Sensor More
parts than you can shake a stick at. Everything but Tolex. I buy
most of my parts for building/restoring here. New Sensor
also carries many tube brands other than Sovtek, for those
who are fussy or don't like Russian tubes.
- Stewart
MacDonald Guitar
building parts, as well many books on woodworking, guitar repair,
etc. They even sell tubes and Tolex! Toll free phone number, too.
- The 'new'
Svetlana pages are a 'work in progress' that
for now features specifications on many of their tubes. Supposedly
there will be more 'resources' pages added, which makes it
worthwhile to check out, as the 'old' pages certainly were. Just a
hint; don't 'enter' in the USA/Canada portal.
- Triode
Electronics You can learn a helluva lot about tube
electronics by checking out how the audio 'old-timers' did things.
Sure, they sell tubes and parts, but they also have a few audio
projects that will expand your knowledge far more than you'd
think. Click
HERE for
their 4 tube push-pull amplifier that has
no phase inverter!
- The
Unofficial History of the Mesa/Boogie Mark Series. The are
sadly only a small handful of very intelligent, astute, and
knowledgeable tube guitar amplifier technicians around today. Gil
Ayan is one of them, and his website looks at the shortcomings
(that's what I said) of the Mesa/Boogie 'Mark' amplifier
line. With input from Mesa/Boogie personnel, admitting what
the magazine reviews didn't dare point out. If you own a Boogie,
visit this site, and then decide if guitar magazine reviews are
completely truthful.
- Vibroworld
These guys sell all sorts of amplifier parts, books, etc.
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