Blumentritt Amplification
Texas Tone Ranger Owner's Manual
8
Important Information about Guitar Amp Vacuum Tubes (Valves):
The sound produced by a tube-powered amplifier is significantly different from that produced by a solid-
state amplifier with similar design specifications. When pushed past their limits, solid-state devices tend
to go immediately into distortion.
Tubes, on the other hand, are non-linear devices that transition more smoothly into distortion, and
produce a more musical set of harmonics, the intensity of which can be controlled by the player. This
characteristic adds warmth and definition to the sound, which has become the hallmark of tube
amplifiers. When tubes are driven into clipping, the harmonic overtones can be both sweet and
pleasing,
or intense and penetrating, depending on the musician’s musical taste and playing technique.
Modern application engineers have designed a number of outstanding solid-state amplifiers that sound
quite good. Some use modeling circuitry that enables them to simulate the distortion characteristics of
a tube amplifier. Since the response of tubes is both dynamic and non-linear, the true range of
characteristics of tube amplifiers can only be approximated. Modern tube amplifiers such as Texas
Tone™ amps,
offer that classic, dynamic vintage sound in
today’s
contemporary market.
Tube Types and Usage:
Preamp tube circuits amplify the signal from your instrument and shape the sound, and they can
sometimes become microphonic (mechanically pick up and transmit external noises). Since these tubes
are used in the critical first stages of a tube amplifier's circuitry, it is very important to use high quality,
low noise/low microphonic tubes for this application. Although tubes of this quality may typically cost
more than standard tubes, the improvement in performance is worth the investment, and in some
cases, critical. Blumentritt Amplification performs extensive testing and works with tube suppliers to
determine the best tube for each position in the amplifier.
Preamplifier tubes are also used to drive the power tubes. The power tubes convert the low-level,
conditioned signal from the preamplifier into a level that is sufficient to drive the speakers. There are
several types of power tubes available, each of which offers a different performance/sound
characteristic. The 5881 tubes used in the Texas Tone Ranger produce a full range, rich and creamy
sound with nice distortion. Some tubes are available in matched sets. These tubes are extensively
tested for optimum performance and longevity. Matched sets of power tubes are highly recommended.
A Premium Matched pair of new production Tung-Sol 5881 tubes is standard on the Texas Tone Ranger.