To add to the excellent reply by Bob N:
1. I've built a version of the Real McTube, and to me it only sounds "so-so." If you're looking for lots of tube saturation, you're not going to get it with the Real McTube. It is basically an OD pedal. It is also a high voltage project and therefore inherently dangerous.
2. A better first project might be the Thunderchief. There is also a BSIAB II pedal that nails the saturated EVH "brown sound." Since it is a pedal and operates at low voltages, it is relatively safe. Info here:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=178
You can even buy a PCB.
3. There is lots of good advice for building tube amps. One good beginner's site is the AX84.com site. They have projects there suitable for beginners, and a forum to help with technical issues.
One amp I'm really jazzed about now is the Epiphone Valve Junior head. It sounds pretty good out of the box or you can make a couple of easy component changes to really open up the sound. There are lots of mod sites. Some of the best advice I've seen has been on the 18 Watt forum, about 36 pages discussing mods!
I'm going to buy one, gut it and build in a new circuit using a better output transformer.
Again: tube amps have high voltages in them and are inherently dangerous. You might want to work your way up by starting out with pedals first, a lot of guys do.
HTH,
steve
1. I've built a version of the Real McTube, and to me it only sounds "so-so." If you're looking for lots of tube saturation, you're not going to get it with the Real McTube. It is basically an OD pedal. It is also a high voltage project and therefore inherently dangerous.
2. A better first project might be the Thunderchief. There is also a BSIAB II pedal that nails the saturated EVH "brown sound." Since it is a pedal and operates at low voltages, it is relatively safe. Info here:
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=178
You can even buy a PCB.
3. There is lots of good advice for building tube amps. One good beginner's site is the AX84.com site. They have projects there suitable for beginners, and a forum to help with technical issues.
One amp I'm really jazzed about now is the Epiphone Valve Junior head. It sounds pretty good out of the box or you can make a couple of easy component changes to really open up the sound. There are lots of mod sites. Some of the best advice I've seen has been on the 18 Watt forum, about 36 pages discussing mods!
I'm going to buy one, gut it and build in a new circuit using a better output transformer.
Again: tube amps have high voltages in them and are inherently dangerous. You might want to work your way up by starting out with pedals first, a lot of guys do.
HTH,
steve
Quote from: Bob N on July 02, 2006, 10:37:36 AM
So you're looking for another gain stage. In order for me to REALLY help out the way you're looking for, I'm going to need the schematics, BUT, there are a bunch of possible solutions in the form of footpedals which don't require you hacking apart your amp.
1. Real McTube - You asked for a Tube Gain Stage.... This is exactly that. A tube preamp built into a stompbox
http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/mctube.htm
2. Tube Amp Emulations - These actually sound VERY good and you can build them off of ANY established tube amp design. They're not perfect, but definately give you the character you'd expect from that amplifier.
Example: Marshall Super Lead 100 http://www.runoffgroove.com/thunderchief.html
3. Build a tube amp from scratch with exactly what you are looking for, tone-wise: Sounds crazy? No way.... I've done it and it sounds incredible. There are many people out there on the net that do exactly that and are willing to help you get through it. 2 years ago, I never would have dreamed that I could do ANY of this. Now, I know I can do it and do it regularly. Hi, my name is Bob and I'm a tone junkie.