Tubemodules.com Products
NEW from Tubemodules.com: A small practice amp.
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This unique amp is a small practice amp with about 4-8 Watts of output. There is a built-in Sony Neodynium 5-1/2", 15 Watt HiFi speaker for practice use, or perhaps recording.
The simple design is a two-tube design reminiscent of the early practice amps. A 12AX7 provides the preamp section and a single 6V6 provides the output stage. It is hand-wired, point-to-point on terminal strips, using good-quality components. The tone stack is standard, and the tone controls consist of a Bass and Treble. There is a single Volume control. It is a good-sounding amp, capable of respectable volume.
The internal speaker can be unplugged, and an external cab can be plugged in its place.
$529 when bought from this site!
Demo Audio Or listen to the Sound Clip Here! The first half is with the internal speaker, second half is with an external speaker.Demo by Dennis O'Docharty, and he did a wonderful job!
DIY Enhanced Amp Kit - $265
The core chassis of this amp is also available as a DIY kit amp, with enhanced instructions for my modifications to the original design and other possible variations.This is also a good chance to learn some tube theory through the reading of my tutorial "How It Works" included with the enhanced kit. In it I follow the power supply route and the signal path from start to end.
This contains the amplifier, but without the wooden cabinet and without the speaker.
Send a message:
Now available in limited quantities from Tubemodules.com!
The Solid-State Tube module.
Click on the player to hear a clip from Irron's "Robot Army" played on a Mesa Boogie with my Synthetic Tube module in V1, the first preamp.
Or click Demo Link to play directly.
You can have the tube sound without the tube problems!
What is it?
The "Synthetic Tube" Solid-state Tube Module is an engineered product that duplicates the response of the best audio tubes available. Because it is engineered, it can be made to have any sound profile you can describe: bright, crystaline, dark, mid-rangey, boomy, bassy, etc. If you have a special need, contact me and we can make a custom device for you.The modules are made to replace the first and second preamp tubes, usually labeled "V1" and "V2" in most amps. These are important positions responsible for some of the sound of an amp. If the tubes in that position are not optimum, the amp can sound thin and weak, or lack bottom end. If these tubes are too low in gain, the amp will never be able to drive the output hard enough for that great "tube amp" sound!
It replaces 12AX7, ECC83, ECC803, 7025 and their equivalents.
If there are any questions as to whether you can use this in your amp, please contact me with the make and model, and I will make sure it will work.
What models are there?
There currently are three module versions:- Raw - a really bright sound for metal and distortion work
- Tubular - a warmer sound that is like an old-stock tube
- Hi-Gain - more gain and a deep bottom end
What does it sound like?
Reports have been that, in an A/B switched test with identical amps, it sounds like the best NOS tubes.What other qualities does it have?
It produces virtually no heat. It is low-noise, and of course is not microphonic. It is not a vacuum tube, but its characteristic curve is like a vacuum tube. No modification of the amp is needed.Why did you make it?
Like everybody else, I get bad tubes sometimes. If I want them tested, the price can go over $45 for each tube, and that is still no guarantee that they will be what I want in a preamp tube: low noise, low microphonics, and at least standard gain.Why should anybody want it?
If you have a problem with microphonics in your preamp tubes, or too much noise or hiss, or low gain from your tubes, you may want to try one.As a friend of mine said, "You can have the tube sound without the tube problems!"
I routinely come across tubes in old amps that are the original tubes. Preamp tubes made back then DO last a LONG time. The tubes made these days are not so good, in my experience. I often have to replace tubes that are less than ten years old because they die, get microphonic, or get noisy! So the claim that these will reduce the need to replace preamp tubes can be made with some qualifications if you have commonly-available preamp tubes.
Caution!
Since these are solid-state devices, they could be affected by voltage spikes on the guitar amp inputs. Lightning strikes would not be good for them. Severe static electricity could hurt them, and you.It is strictly a first- or second-preamp tube module, usually labeled as V1 and sometimes V2. Other positions are possible, but I need to tell you that if the current draw is too much, my module will fail.
The module is not appropriate for the phase inverter position in most amps. If you have a question as to whether these would work in a certain amp, give me a call.
One thing I found recently is that some amps put the filaments in series, so if you pull the tube out that you want to replace, and none of the other tubes will light up until you put a tube back in that spot, then you can't use these as they are now.
Conclusion
I am aware of some previous attempts at a similar product. Almost all the previous designs were less than open in discussing their technology, some for good reason. I don't want to reveal the innermost secrets of my designs, either. I'd rather not release my "secret formula" to the public and the competition. But I am confident that these are better than any others ever on the market for the price.But I think you will like what you hear.
Price is $65 to $85 per module, depending on model. Modules are guaranteed for 6 months unless they are opened or abused (that will be determined when I examine them). If a module fails in normal use, I will replace it free. If they don't work in your application and I said that they would, I will refund your purchase price.
You can buy them online right here. Just chose what style you want:
Contact me...
from 10AM-6PM, Monday-Friday.
...or send a message:
DIY Gain Modules for Amps, Guitars and Stompboxes
These modules each have different qualities but they all plug into my standard
connector, so once
you install the module and connector, you can change out one module for any of the
others with no changes to your equipment. I will be introducing different effects
in the near future.
These can be installed into guitars and bass guitars as well, but I have a standard stompbox that I build up. It comes with IN and OUT jacks, BYPASS SWITCH and OUTPUT LEVEL pot, battery clip and stompbox-standard power jack.
To change the sound of the box to something else, I just plug in another module!
Modules available are:
- FET Transistor Booster Module $25 (about 2x Boost)
- Mosfet Transistor Booster Module $28 (about 2x Boost)
- Hi-Gain Mosfet Booster Module $34 (about 4x Boost)
- Module I/O Interface Connector Pigtail (8" long wires) $5
These modules are about the size of a standard 9 Volt battery. They are encased in a protective covering, with only the I/O connector showing. They come with complete hookup instructions.
They each use less than 0.002 Amps (.2 mA) at 9 Volts. They work down to about 5 Volts, way past what would be considered a dead 9 Volt battery. They will work on up to about 16 Volts, but why would you do that?
The Modules are priced as shown.
I have developed a standard interface for these modules that uses a 10-pin dual-row format. The module has the male plug, and whatever you put it into has the female socket. The advantage is if you want to change modules, it just unplugs and the new one plugs in. Great way to use the same basic pedal box for several different effects!
The layout is simple:
Pin Number = Signal or Source
- 1 = Input
- 2 = Ground
- 3 = N/C
- 4 = N/C
- 5 = Output
- 6 = N/C
- 7 = N/C
- 8 = N/C
- 9 = +9 Volts
- 10 = Empty Pin
Mating connector Looks like this:
This connector is available at Newark.
They are carried elsewhere, as they are pretty common in computer construction.
Anyway, with that out of the way, look at the list above and see if there is anything that interests you.
See how much a custom amp will cost with Amp Cost Estimator. I hadn't thought of it before, but I can also make your amp a kit or semi-kit. We can discuss that if you email me. (If that link does not work for you, use webmaster@tubemodules.com as the address, subject "AmpKit".)
Select the features you want and hit the button, and get an immediate estimate according to the features you have chosen.
If you include your email address or phone number, I can send you a detailed description and an invoice for a down payment to start work on your amp.
But nothing will happen if you don't send me a payment, so don't worry that you might accidentally order something.
Join the search for tone at AmpTone.net
Need parts? I'll help you find them. Use my Amp Parts link.
Its a page that helps you select parts you might have trouble finding. I don't make anything off of it, but it doesn't take long to answer, so I do it for free. You CAN drop some change in the TIP JAR. Thanks, if you do.
Showcase of amps already in service...
The R.R. Special Guitar Amplifier
- This amp is an all-tube, one-input design, with two internal channels. The Normal channel is used all the time and can be run clean or dirty, depending on your settings. The Overdrive channel is mixed with the Normal channel via the Mix control, into the Master Volume control.
- This amplifier design uses dual outputs: standard 6L6's or the Hush Puppy outputs, so that the output power is selectable as either 45 Watts or 4 Watts. It can be switched on the fly, during play in fact.
- The Effects Loop Output is buffered and the level is adjustable. The Effects Loop Input goes right to the Master Volume Control input.
- The power supply is selectable for either a solid state diode or a tube rectifier. The Diode give more power, but the Tube gives more personality, and the amp responds more to your playing.
- There is a Feedback control that controls linearity. Completely off, and the amp can get real dirty. Turn it up, and errors (distortion) in the output are corrected, and the amp becomes more linear.
- The Ultralinear switch cuts in the Ultralinear windings on the output transformer, creating even more linearity.
- Bias for the 6L6's is switchable to self-bias (Class A-like), or adjustable bias. Bias is adjustable from the front panel, and is limited to extremes of Cold and Hot. The Hot setting would break up sooner.
- The Harmonic switch purposely unbalances the Phase Inverter to create even harmonics safely.
- The cabinet is built from Bubinga (From the tree Guibourtia tessmannii), and exotic wood from Western Africa and Cameroon. Sometimes called "African Rosewood," it is not related to rosewood at all.
The Mr. J. Guitar Amplifier
The goal with this design was a Hendrix-like sound with plenty of gain and overdrive distortion. Power is from two 6V6's, with switchable Hush Puppies to reduce power. A reverb adds a nice dimension, and effects-box loop makes it expandable.
Mr. J is now up North somewhere.
See how much an amp might cost with Amp Cost Estimator.
Pick the features you want on my Custom Amp Worksheet. Get an immediate response with a detailed price breakdown.
I can then send you a detailed description and an invoice for a down payment to start work on your amp.
Or, of course, call
.
Online Price! Only $85 plus shipping. Battery included!
Presenting the Heavily Modified Danelectro(tm) D-4 Fab Echo: Sounds like an old-style analog tape echo!
I found the Fab Echo mod notes online, and thought that I could make a better mod. The Fab Echo from Danelectro is a great product. It just isn't taken far enough, in my opinion.
After studying the datasheet for the chip they use, I could see what the modders were trying to do. I think I found the optimum values. The Demo Audio was recorded on a Fender solid-state amp, and features Dennis O'Docharty on my cheapo Les Paul Clone guitar. The distortion portions of the demo are from the amp's overdrive circuit. The guitar fed into the Fab Echo, output into the amp. I miked it from near the amp, but not in front of it.
- Mix Knob: Stock knob only gives about a 50/50 mix maximum, and I modified it to give much more effect to mix. You can dial in 100% effect if you want!
- Repeat Knob: Stock knob has about 6 repeats max. I modified to have as much as infinite repeats, so it can feed back echos like a tape echo!
- Time Knob: I add this feature to adjust the length of time for the echo to occur. The shortest time is stock, just a slap-back effect. Maximum delay time is about 4 seconds.
- To play the Demo Audio, use the player and controls on the left, or just click on the image of the pedal.
Or just click on this link: Modded Fab Echo Demo
Demo by Dennis O'Docharty! See him with the Houston band Lady and the Tramps
Call for more details or with questions:
Amp on a Board!
This was a fun project... an amp that can be assembled with a screwdriver alone!
Its a 12-Watt or so amp, using a standard guitar amp design. Nothing fancy, but a good-sounding amp.
I documented all the connections so that you can assemble it and modify it. Every component is shown on the paperwork and each function is detailed.
It would make a great kit or learning tool for someone who wants to know about tube amps.
I made it as a prototype for a kit amp, but there does not seem to be much demand for such a thing. I think its pretty neat.
Interested? Drop me a line or call.
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Craftspeople of Interest
Need parts? I have a parts request page for you. Use my new Amp Parts link.
Hints and links concerning the sound of your amp at AmpTone.net
Build it yourself DIY information and links at Amp-Kit.com
There are lots of schematic and technical links on my Technical Info, Schematics Links and Ads Page.
See how much an amp might cost with Custom Amp Cost Estimator.
I can then send you a detailed description and an invoice for a down payment to start work on your amp.
Schematic Sources and Other Technical and Electronic Information Links:
- Tubes for Newbies
- Tube Amp Debug Page R.G. Keen. This page is designed to lead you through debugging a problem with a tube-type guitar amp.
- Prowess Amplifiers has a large collection of guitar amp schematics.
- Instructables.com - Building your own Tube Guitar Amp
- eHow.com - Troubleshooting Tube Guitar Amps
- DIYGuitarist.com Amp Stuff
- DrTube.com - Tube Amp Schematics
- Fender.com - Fender Schematics
- TDSL DuncanAmps.com Schematic Links
- The Free Information Society - Audio Electronic Circuit Schematics
- VoxAmps.co.uk - VOX VINTAGE CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
- Mesa Boogie Schematics
- Guitar-Parts.com Schematics
- RepairFAQ.org - Various Schematics and Diagrams
- Traynor Amplifier Schematic Archive
- WaltzingBear.com - Pro Audio Equipment Schematics
- AmpsLab Vintage Tube Amplifier Schematics -
- Guitar Amps [Archive] - Music Electronics Forum
- BlueGuitar.org - Schematics
- Free-Service-Manuals.com
- eServiceInfo.com - Manual free download
- AnalogRules.com - Free Pro Audio Schematics and Manuals - from AnalogRules.com and AudioSchematics.com
- www.SynthDIY.com
- Ampwares.com - The Amp Guide ยป Historical Guitar Amplifier Information
- REDCircuits.com Designs - Audio
- DIYStompBoxes.com - Selected Pedal Schematics
- GEOFEX.com Effects Schematics
- General Guitar Gadgets - Schematics
- SchematicHeaven.com - Effects Schematics
- DiscoFreq's FX Site
- Electroconducive DIY Audio - Schematics
- MarshallSchematics.com
- BlueGuitar.com - Index of /new/schem
- SolderingPoint.com - The Site for Electronics, Microcontroller, Tubes, Forum, PCB, Circuits, Onlineshop
- CoolCircuit.com - Electronic Circuits
- WhatCircuits.com - Electronic circuits
- Discovercircuits.com - Electronic Circuits
- DIY Guitarist - Amp Stuff
- Tubes
- Tubefreak.com Schematics
- FlatEarthGuitars.com - Guitar_Schematics
- Repairfaq.com - Various Schematics and Diagrams
- ElectronicsTeacher.com Tone Control Circuit - Audio Circuits
- One-Electron.com - Pro Audio Equipment
- AmpsLab.com - Vintage Tube Amplifier Schematics - AmpsLab
- DrTube.com - Amp Info and Schematics
- The Carvin Museum - Technical Documents
- CliftonLaboratories.com
- GeoFeX Circuits
- Schematicx.com - Schematics, Circuit Diagrams Sharing & Download
- Tonepad.com -- fx projects
- Analogguru Schematics
