Guitar Amp Vacuum Tubes Part 1: Triodes and Tetrodes

[@willburrito9710]

Every time I re-watch Doug’s videos, a bit more sinks in.

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, Will. Keep on watching :)

[@RDHamel]

10:50 I'm sure everyone will be astonished to hear Unc invented the triod back in 1906. Well done uncle Doug and congratulations on your century and then some. If you were in my country you'd have at least two telegrams from the queen by now, as well as a gong.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the long-overdue recognition, R.D. In reality, however, it was my former assistant, Rusty, who actually invented the triode while working with his protegee, Nikki Tesla.

[@max79444]

Dear Uncle Doug. May I thank you for the time and effort you and Rusty have put in to make these you tube videos. It's a pity that in 1974 when I was a College student studying Telecommunications we didn't have such superb AV lessons !. Kind regarde from England UK

[@barbasbandas6665]

Hi Uncle Doug. I am a 20 year old portuguese electrical engineering student. I am also a guitar player for 10 years now. I already built my own transistor amps and effects pedals. I am digging into tube right now. Just want to say thanks for ALL of your videos. Such a nice gentleman. Hope you are doing good on this horrible lookdown. Cheers

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, BB. Yes, we are all doing fine....but are more than ready for life to return to normal :)

[@barbasbandas6665]

@@UncleDoug We all are! Cheers

[@koendemulder5123]

Wow, thanks to these video's, it took me 45 minutes to understand the basics of a tube amp. Perfect teaching! Thank you sir!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, Koen :)

[@ogrebadogre3194]

I'll keep them coming then. I'm a guitar player of 26 years. Spent a large portion of my 20's & 30's bouncing from wiring houses, building them, and escaping all that land based stuff and working on a commercial fishing vessel. With the limited electrical knowledge that I have your videos are a huge help bringing me up to speed on the things I need to know to build my own tube amps. I have always been curious about tube amps and recently bought my first, a Mesa Boogie Roadster, and I am hooked. I spent months researching different amp types before I finally decided on the Mesa Boogie. It was during my research that I came across your videos and it has sparked a NEED (funny what you can get addicted to) build my own amps. I have begun collecting tools and a few books that should help me in that quest. I have about a billion questions and your videos are answering a lot of them. Thanks a million for all the work you and Rusty do. Can't wait to learn more. .........og.

[@UncleDoug]

+Ogre Badogre It's good to know that the videos are helpful and appreciated, OB. Best of luck with your amp-building project :)

[@TheJstewart2010]

Thank you so much for these. I have learned so much, and the level of your lectures is just right. Your style, and even your handwriting, remind me so much of my Dad, who was an electrical engineer and taught me a lot. He passed away in 2001, and listening to you is almost like getting to sit next to him again.

[@UncleDoug]

I am quite flattered by the comparison, Jon. Thank you so much :)

[@transam15]

This is the 3rd video I've watched (of yours), and I have to say, you've done a magnificent job of explaining tube amplifiers!!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Richard. I'm glad you enjoy our videos.

[@lordgraga]

These videos are just such fantastic learning resources. I learn so much and demystify so many things.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad to hear it, LG :)

[@rádiosantigos1958]

Congrats again Uncle Doug. A very nice explanation on the triodes and tetrodes. Nothing better on KZbinland.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@jeffmclowry]

Well, I can’t say I “get it” yet, but I am getting closer. I understand what you’re describing, just not the whole picture. But, you are one of the best teachers I’ve ever come across. Thank you for your efforts!

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, DM. Keep up the good work.

[@brunogiuntoli2604]

Thanks a lot for this explanations, im too young for vacuum tubes, never got such a clear explanation.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Bruno. I think most of us were fairly young (or not yet born) during the heyday of vacuum tubes. To be honest, if it weren't for the current resurgence of interest in tube electronics, it would probably all be just a dusty relic of minor historical interest. Rusty and I are glad you enjoyed our video :)

[@jjiacobucci]

Thank you for another very clear explanation of valve tube technology.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@id3m589]

Uncle Doug! Thank you again for all your great videos - you're greatest tube guru on the internet. You help us all learn more and build better amplifiers. RIP Rusty. All love.

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, ID. Thanks so much :)

[@eddiearnold768]

I very much appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us...I look forward always to your videos..they are great...Eddie

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Ed :)

[@deeem-tee799]

I live for the Rusty inserts….Thank Doug! Learning much from you!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoy them, DMT. That's good :)

[@michaelwilliams4768]

Very tasty info- enjoying the gray matter stimulation!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Michael :)

[@nevillegoddard4966]

Another great teaching video Uncle Doug thank you! I love the little big puppy dupps! - Rusty is obviously a good teacher! - or rather was, very sad to hear.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Neville :)

[@greghawkins1025]

Give Rusty a growl & 3 barks for me. Thank you for teaching us about electrical, electronic, electronics. The world is a ocean of electrons. Getting them to flow like water where we want them to & controlling them allows us to do all kinds of things.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Greg. Rusty passed away several years ago, but I'm sure he appreciates your courtesy.

[@zyghom]

man, when I learnt this in the school (ages ago) it took us few months to learn what you showed in few minutes today - txh ;-) power of YT nowadays

[@UncleDoug]

I'm glad the videos are helpful, ZH.

[@zyghom]

@@UncleDoug yeap, I am "back to school" as I am looking for nice headphone tube amplifier diagram that is my next project - if you happen to have one please share ;-)

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Man these videos are excellent. I'm a service engineer working on Mass spectrometers and a keen guitarist and always wondering in detail how tubes worked and how the design of them changed the input signal. A bit like our Ion optics elements and quadrupole mass filters in our mass specs except for elections rather than charged ions. And instead of tubes we use electron multiplier horns for signal amplification. I can feel myself going down a deep rabbit hole here and I love it.

[@UncleDoug]

It sounds like tube electronics should seem rather elementary after dealing with the equipment you described, D. Welcome aboard :)

[@fullwaverecked]

Going back and watching the classics again has made my holidays happier. Thank you for all you do, and Happy Hollidays UD! Cheers!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the nice holiday note, FWR. Likewise to you all.

[@genehudson665]

I remember studying tubes many years ago, so a refresher course is way over due. Thank you for the lessons.

[@UncleDoug]

+Gene Hudson You're welcome, Gene. I hope the videos were helpful.

[@jonathanvanier]

May I just say, you are a legend sir! Perfectly explained in the most soothing and radiophonic voice. Thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks, Jon :)

[@W1RMD]

Great explanation of how a tube operates. Love that you include the pets! I've been a ham radio operator for 25+ years and still learn from these videos. Now if I could only get my Shih Tzu to solder.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Ryan. Best of luck with your pup assistant ;)

Uncle Doug! Great explanation! I'm learning at my age of 54 all about signal paths, volts, amps on electrical guitar amps. Thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Jose. Thanks !!!

[@petemoore8923]

It amazing that when somebody draws the right picture, it clarifies everything. After watching a few of your videos on tubes, I could predict what you were going to say next.

[@kargausa553]

You're the far most amazing instructor of mine ever! Thank you Uncle Doug, just because of you I'm in the tube amplifier world and feeling super happy!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks !!! We're glad to hear it, K.

[@ravlbi4268]

Again, fantastic teaching. I've watched many vids and yours are by far the best. Now I understand all.

[@UncleDoug]

Wow, thanks, Ravi.

[@terrycasto3647]

I would just like to thank you very much for your explanations of the guitar tube amplifier, In watching your videos for a couple of hours has done more for my understanding of these circuits then years of trying to research them on my own again thank you for your time and consideration

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Terry. We're glad to hear that the videos are informative :)

[@NoosaHeads]

Superb and detailed description. First class.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ian :)

[@kane100574]

On to part two... Thank you!!

[@UncleDoug]

I hope you enjoy it, K.

[@joegates4626]

I have been studying vacuum tubes for radio both AM/FM and shortwave. I have an extensive collection of vintage tube radios and simply have relished your easy and thoughtful presentations! I look forward to part 2!

[@unlowyer]

hey joe. do you have any circuit schematics for am/fm radio. if you have can you share it with me ? I have VT-173 1T4 tung sol lamps. I would like to make a radio.

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Your lessons are phenomenal Doug...and alot of fun. Love the dogs. Many thanks.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Christopher :)

[@jerrystephenson1172]

Wow, finally someone who was able to simplify this highly technical info. into something I could understand ! tank you Uncle Doug for being so patient & methodical. Forever thankful !

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Jerry. I'm glad the video was informative.

[@stephenwilliams1854]

Brilliant video Doug.Really clear and concise explanation of how the various tubes operate.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Stephen. Glad it was helpful!

[@robertlewis5439]

Thanks Uncle Doug for another well-researched and interesting video. You are a natural teacher! I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Robert. Rusty and I appreciate your kind words, and promise even more "thrills and chills" in Part 2 :)))

[@jaystern2130]

I appreciate all the time you've taken to make these videos. You are very clear and make it easy to learn. Keep on rockin!

[@UncleDoug]

Jay Stern Thanks so much, Jay. Rusty and I are glad you enjoy our videos. Thanks for watching :)

[@skycarl]

As always Doug, this is great stuff. Look forward to part two. Thanks Carl

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Carl. Thanks for watching :)

[@nusior]

Great video as always! Another brick in my "wall of knowledge" :D

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings, Nusior....always good to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words. Rusty and I are glad you enjoyed it :)

[@sinecure45]

As usual, I learned a tremendous amount of useful information, this time about those not-so-mysterious tubes. Just the topic for dinner table conversations, and with a new pair of paws on the camera, the video is steadier than ever. The exposition is as engaging and informative as ever. Amplifier design appears to be about balancing trade-offs in every part of the circuit, so it can only be understood by grasping the intricacies of each component in the whole.

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Wow, very well laid out subject matter and illustration. I'm coming late to the party in 2020. :)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Peter. Better late than never :)

[@genesalvaterra6600]

Uncle Doug, I've watched many, certainly not all, of your videos and I feel it necessary share my appreciation of the amazingly understandable way that you present and share so much very complicated material and concepts. Thank you so much! Gene

[@UncleDoug]

You are quite welcome, Gene. We really appreciate your nice comments.

[@sirbergersworth]

Waiting impatiently for part 2! Thanks for the great videos!

[@alext8828]

It might be useful to mention that the grid is never driven into the positive realm by the incoming signal. (from the guitar). It's only driven to a less negative state. Great videos.

[@UncleDoug]

Good point, Alex. Thanks !!!

[@tubical71]

Nice little basic toppic, well and very *nice* explained, Thanx Doug!! Looking forward to see Part 2 soon:)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, TC. I always appreciate your input. Part 2 should be posted soon.

[@CryptToneMusic]

They also developed a triple triode used in televisions and ampeg also used them in conjunction with an inductor to make a tube driven active midrange circuit in amps like the V4

[@UncleDoug]

The downfall of using unique tubes in amp circuits is the eventual rarity, high price, and irreplaceability.

[@rotaxtwin]

Great theory and instruction, just what I needed. Looking forward to Part II so I can understand how to bias a happy functioning pentode.

[@michaelcahall3636]

Really enjoying your videos. I've tinkered for years without really understanding how it all worked. Thanks.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Michael :)

[@dancinggreenman]

Hello Sir! I’m watching your videos in Australia! I moved here from Texas after serving in the USN back in 1990. I’d really enjoy a video on the “weirdo” tubes from the late 1950’s and 1960’s, such as the compactron tubes and the combined triode/pentode tubes! Thank you for the information!

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings, DG. I understand that parts of Texas (particularly the western part I live in) and Australia are virtually identical. I'm glad you enjoyed the oddball tube segments :)

[@kungfooo]

I just want to thank you for these awesome videos. I feel like they are the best explanations on the topics that I have found so far. Thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, KF :) Thanks for your nice comments.

[@KC-cl1vr]

Spectacular, thank you Uncle Doug.

[@PerryJoeMusic]

Uncle Doug, you are truly an Inspiration! I've learnt so much from your videos...thank you so much for sharing your awesome knowledge and ability to make complicated things simple and fun things even more fun! Please never stop!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Perry. It's great to hear that the videos have been helpful. As long as Rusty and I keep getting nice comments like your, we'll keep making videos :) ^. .^

[@nelsondejesus2796]

Hey There Uncle Doug & Good Ole Rusty, just wanted to catch up no muster and wish yous and urs a ''Merry Christmas & Holiday'' you've been a great mentor to us all plus an inspiration to commitment with the joy of helping ourselves to a better way of knowing more... Thanks so much!!!

[@UncleDoug]

You are quite welcome, Nelson. Rusty and I sincerely appreciate your kind wishes and say likewise to you and yours. We're always glad to hear that our videos have been helpful. See you in the New Year :)

[@scottc9944]

This is the first video of yours that I have watched. Thank you for the very clear explanations. You have helped me understand tubes better. Teaching with simplicity is an art. And I am grateful that I could understand you. [On a side note, I think the Greek letter "Mu" or "μ" is pronounced myoo as in MUsic - not moo as in cow-speak. But maybe the pronunciation is different for tubes. :-) ]

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for your nice comments, Scott.

[@tylerpesta94]

Thanks Uncle Doug for all the videos explaining the parts of these magical 'black boxes' we call amplifiers! These videos you put together are great and REALLY helpful to guys like me. Cant wait till ya come up with some more!

[@UncleDoug]

Tyler Pesta You're welcome, Tyler. Glad you're enjoying the videos :) Hopefully, I can get Rusty to help me with some more in the near future.

[@CapstoneTider]

Wishing you a year of happiness and good health, Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, CT. Likewise :)

[@GmanMusicProductions]

Your videos really help take out the mystery of these amps we love to play through. Looks like Rusty has to step it up, Ben is taking Rusty's spot light.

[@UncleDoug]

Greetings, Gman. Thanks for your kind assessment of the videos :) We "babysat" Ben for a week, and during that time, Rusty passed on many of his better traits.....such as sleeping, eating, chasing tennis balls, and sleeping :)

[@hadireg]

Thank you sooo much Uncle Doug for the brilliant explaination! you filled a big knowledge gap I carried for so long! Respect Hadi

[@UncleDoug]

+hadireg You're quite welcome. I'm glad the video was informative :)

[@BenPrevo]

Great as always -- also the triple triode 6u10 as used in Ampegs....

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ben. It's always good to hear from you. You bring up a very unusual tube......"duodecar" (12-pins).....with two medium-mu and a high-mu triode, all in one fat, little package :) Here is more info (for those who care:) www.nj7p.org/Tube/SQL/Tube_query.php?Type=6U10

[@djfrank59]

Uncle Doug GE introduced these 12 pin tubes back in around 1961 or '62. GE branded this tube as the "Compactron" which first became popular in the more modern day TV sets of that time period which lasted through a good part the 70's. It also allowed the manufacturers to cut down on the number of tubes needed for functionality in various stages of these sets. one tube could control 3 stages. :)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for the info, Frank :)

[@gazwilliams1629]

Recently stumbled across your channel, and you have become my new guru!🙏 Thank you for these instructive and educational videos

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Gaz. Thanks for joining us :)

[@PipeCat1965]

My daily lesson. Fascinating. Wish I had time to binge-watch your whole channel! Many thanks for the info!

[@UncleDoug]

A viewer tried it a year or so ago, PC, and it took him about a week.....but he was so tired and overwhelmed when he got through that he had to go back and watch them again, slowly :) You're welcome.

[@PipeCat1965]

@@UncleDoug "Breaking Doug"

[@UncleDoug]

My students used to insist that I was Walter White......in witness protection :)

[@PipeCat1965]

​@@UncleDoug Well, the parallels are all there... And we never see you AND Walter White at the same time... Like Superman and Clark Kent. =)

[@jorgemellooliveira9611]

Fine estou aprendendo muito com seus vídeos obrigado mestre

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Jorge. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ikkenendendikken1]

Thank you very much for this. I'm building my first tube amp and your videos have provided me with invaluable information !

[@UncleDoug]

Dave Becker You're welcome, Dave. We're glad our videos have been helpful :)

[@dugbert5]

Thanks Uncle Doug for all the informative, educational and fun videos, the hot rod too! I recently watched a video about a tube overdrive that uses space charged technology and I’m not understanding the difference to other low voltage tube pedals, (starved plate). Maybe if you’re in need a video subject sometime you can explain it. Thanks

[@UncleDoug]

I'm not familiar with the concept either, D5, since I deal only with vintage tube amp circuits.......but I'll keep it in mind for the future.

[@dugbert5]

@@UncleDoug Thanks. The Space Charged V2 OD pedal is what caught my attention. From what I found out, space charge is old technology and was first used in car radios back when the had tubes.

[@guitarman430]

Thank You for the excellent tutorial on triodes and tetrodes!

[@UncleDoug]

It was a pleasure, G430 :)

[@TheDesoto54]

Uncle Doug, I love these videos as when I was getting my EE in the late 80s, vacuum tubes were not covered at all. I am getting into old radios and high-end audio equipment just a little bit and your videos are far less sterile than many on the topic.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you like them, TD :) Thanks !!

[@benmorgan1165]

You have a making these concepts relatable. Thank you so much for your efforts!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Ben :)

[@paulusmc]

great video uncle Doug, extremely helpful!

[@UncleDoug]

That's good to hear, Paul. Thanks for watching :)

[@PrinceOfBodom]

Finally I understood, why vacuum tubes are called that way. Why nobody told me, that this is because of the little vacuum-cleaner at the anodes, which sucks in all the popcorn from the cathode? So simple! Thanks Uncle Doug for this aha!-moment!

[@UncleDoug]

+PrinceOfBodom I love your interpretation of my analogy, PB. The more conventional explanation is that all the air is removed from within the glass envelope of the tube to prevent the filament from igniting.....like light bulbs sometimes do when they "pop". This absence of air within the tube is called a vacuum.

[@PrinceOfBodom]

+Uncle Doug Oh, that explains the missing popcorn when i switch on my amps... But to be more serious - I recently watched most of your explanation-videos and they are all very well done. Also, it is impressive to see, you take the time to answer every single question of your viewers. Keep on this good work!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, PB. I do try to respond to each comment, but it takes a lot of time.....which keeps me away from wiring the Supro :(

[@SuperJetjockey]

Again, I enjoyed your straight forward and thorough discription of the different tube types. I have never seen many tetrodes, but they were used in the NARCO VHF radios, and I often wondered why.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, SJ. You're right, those of us who work primarily on amplifiers rarely (if ever) encounter any true tetrodes. I didn't know why until I did the research preparing for this video. I guess they just got passed by during the rapid evolution of amplifier tubes.

[@sheep1ewe]

I had almost forgot about how great Your channel is! Thank You wery much for uploading this serie about the AMP basics! (And thank You Rusty for great guitarr play! :D )

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, SE, and Rusty appreciates your positive review of his guitar skills :)

[@ix-Xafra]

Another great technical theory lesson. Thanks Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Vinny.

[@GreggGrose]

Thank you Uncle Doug and Rusty. I've enjoyed your videos for a while and learn quite a bit from these more instructional videos. They really help me visualize the operations and limitations of the various tube designs/types.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Gregg. Rusty and I are glad the videos are helpful and informative. Thanks for watching and commenting :) ^. .^

[@TheEriktheanimal]

Thank you so much for this Doug. We need more great teachers like you!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad it was helpful, Erik. Thanks !!

[@fullwaverecked]

Holy smokes UD! I knew if I watched this ten times I would start to understand. Something like inverted reverse osmosis... Thanks for all you do!

[@UncleDoug]

It's our pleasure, FWR.

[@danielsteele7544]

Thankyou, tremendously helpful,revisiting my old days back in the early 60s when I worked at a TV shop,and had allot of contact with tubes.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Daniel. I'm glad we helped you reminisce.

[@sparkey1958]

great video's....i have never seen a series of video's like yours, you explain things in such a easy to understand way, and relaxing way, at a pace my old brain can absorb the information...i have learned so much, thank you. bob in the uk.

[@UncleDoug]

Hi, Bob, and thanks for your kind assessment of my videos. I try to present information in a way that I personally could best comprehend it. Effective teaching requires a significant amount of empathy....which is (sadly) often lacking in most venues.

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I’m going back through some of your old videos. It’s quite a body of work. A subject I don’t think you’ve touched on is the difference between AB1 and AB2. What are common push pull guitar amps running? Id also suggest an explanation of what tube data is relevant to guitar amp design and how to read the graphs and operating points. I’m just trying to tie up loose ends in my body of knowledge.

[@UncleDoug]

Several of your inquiries touch on topics so esoteric that they would probably not appeal to the vast majority of viewers, Jon. I began a video on load lines, but abandoned it due to its utter boredom and lack of applicability to 99% of viewers. There are videos and internet sites that do address these topics, however, and I suggest that those who are interested should seek them out. Good luck.

[@DonnyHooterHoot]

Great explanation! I just like to remember that these plates, grids and cathodes are cylinders surrounding the filament (usually;). I think filament in the very center surrounded by the cathode then the grid(s) and finally the plate. If I am wrong please explain, I love it.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Donald. You're right.....the tube structures are generally either circular or rectangular, but always layered from the inside out. We depict them as being flat, like a stack of pancakes, simply for visual clarity.

[@RolandV3922]

Very clear explanation. Good work uncle !

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Roland :)

[@reloopaudio5355]

I found this very helpful and informative. Thanks !

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, RA. We're glad to hear it :)

[@andrecarvalhomusic]

I'm always excited by another video from Uncle Doug! You nailed it with this video! Warm hugs from your brazilian apprentice!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Andre.....glad you liked it :)

[@SiliconSet]

Great video! Many thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

+SiliconSet You're welcome, SS.

[@kcrmson]

Gentle Ben, Rusty's St. Bernard buddy!

[@UncleDoug]

+kcrmson Indeed, and now little Ben weighs about 200 lbs. !!

[@Behiddle]

Once again, thanks for breaking it down. Super helpful!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Keven.

[@mixolydian2010]

Thanks for the video Doug all the best to you both. Take care. Colin

[@UncleDoug]

Great to hear from you, Colin. You're quite welcome. Rusty and I send you our best regards.

[@jameskeough4620]

Excellent, well done vid. Thx.

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, James.

[@klausmathauer3316]

Really intresting! Was nice to watch and I'm going to see part 2 :)

[@UncleDoug]

Klaus Sonnleitner Thanks, Klaus.....glad you liked it.

[@GregsGarage]

This is fantastic. Thanks UD & Rusty & Ben. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Greg....glad you enjoyed it. The big surprises are in Part 2 :)

[@johnbatchler8551]

Very good job

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks :)

[@rollcats1290]

You are a great explainer!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, RC :)

[@lukasthielmann]

These videos are great. I know a little about transistor theory but I'm by no means an EE, having only built a couple of pedals. Your video's are presented at a great pace, clear and most of all cover unique, inspiring projects (my fav is the mech trem). Thanks so much!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Lukas, and thanks for the kind words :)

[@MrMac5150]

This was great,

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mr. Mac....glad you like it :)

[@MrMac5150]

I hope you will go over every type of tube with us, you have a good way,that makes it easier to understand the concepts.. Thanks..Cheers.

[@UncleDoug]

In Part 2, and I don't want to "give too much away", but we will discuss the development of tubes like the 6BQ5, 6L6, and KT88, which are near and dear to the hearts of all guitar amp enthusiasts.

[@gavincurtis]

Awesome video series. Electronics engineer past 30 years and got my first tube headphone amp a year ago. All I can say is the sound is WOW....until it started to malfunction. I must learn how this advanced alien technology works...as one of my 6080 outputs has a bias current problem. Not the tube and I have replaced all bias resistors etc... Very low bias current..as in 1-4 mA instead of 30 or so. I cannot go back to my solid state amplifier now...it has no "soul"; just harsh, dry and cold.

[@salkdjfasldkfjsdlk]

Great video as always.

[@td7456]

Good Stuff! Looking forward to the Part 2! Rusty Rocks! LOL!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Tim. Rusty and I are currently working on Part 2.....so stay tuned. Meanwhile, I can see from your Crosley WLW pic that you must be a radio enthusiast. Please check out a photo on my FB page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps, of a near-mint, completely original (and working) Zenith Stratosphere 1000Z I bought from the office of a local custodial supply company many years ago. It just proves that you should never give up looking for old treasures.....and that they are often found in unlikely places.

[@Dutchamp]

What a easy way you explained how vacuum tubes work. With a bit of knowledge of how DC and AC works this is not hard to follow. My amps are line stage 6cg7 phono 12ax7 and power Amp use 12ax7 and fase inverters 6sn7 feeds my 6550 tubes. Home made amps. Love the sound.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, WW :)

[@DonPalmer97303]

Once again, a stellar teaching presentation. This one I think is the very best yet technically speaking even though all of them are beyond excellent. I have only been at this game (building tube amps) for two years, but I have been playing on them far longer, and I have learned SO very much from Rusty, oh, and you too Doug! Thanks for all you do!

[@UncleDoug]

Don Palmer Thanks so much, Don. Rusty and I really appreciate your kind appraisal of our work, and are glad to hear that the videos are helpful. Best of luck with your amp and musical projects.

[@pauldow1648]

I have returned to this a few times to recharge and I wonder if you have found 1 or 2 top notch reference books on the relevant topic ($) you might recommend as resource. Thanks. Best darn school on the tube.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Paul. To be honest, I have never used any textbooks in my study of tube electronics.......it's all based on internet sources and personal experimentation.