"Spunky" Tube Amplifier

Launched Nov. 14, 2001.

Intro

Features

Build Shaza Jane's "Spunky"
Small but phat guitar amplifier

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"Spunky" is a simple yet capable guitar amplifier suitable for small rooms, or mic'd into a PA system. While similar to the "Li'l 4x4" in many ways, it has a fuller, gutsier sound as compared to the squeaky-clean timbre of the Li'l 4x4.

Some experience with vacuum valves is recommended, but the project is fairly straightforward and should pose no problems for intermediate valve experimenters.

Demo recording available soon

Features:

Up to 8 watts output (depending on power supply)
High gain capability (A_v=250)
5-stage design
Uses inexpensive tubes and other components
Line-operated series-connected heaters
No global feedback for that authentic valve sound
"Big Muff" single-pot tone control
Simple but very effective compressor circuit included
Headphone output for those shy practise sessions
Optional Line level (A_v=10) input/output

All contents of this website, including schematics, text, diagrams and photographs are Copyright ©2001 by Fred Nachbaur, Dogstar Music. All rights reserved. This site may be freely linked, but none of the contents may be posted anywhere else without express permission of the copyright holder.

The information presented here may be used for personal, non-commercial use only. Any commercial applications of this design or any part thereof requires previous licensing arrangements with the author and copyright holder, Fred Nachbaur.

Article Index:

      1: Introduction

      2: How It Works

      3: Building "Spunky"

      4: Parts List

Contact

You may contact me regarding this project at fnachbaur@netscape.net. I'd be happy to hear from you, and any bug reports or suggestions for improvement are always welcome.

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