The Wonders of Valve Amplifiers...

Valve Amplifiers are a truly fascinating piece of equipment, taking advantage of thermionic emission to considerably boost the small signal level of a guitar to a far more powerful one that is capable of driving the speakers in the cabinet.

I always regard a valve amplifier as a system and a living part of your rig as the sound it produces continually fluctuates and morphs as you modify your pick attack, tone and volume controls. physical position in relation to the cabinet and the amplifier itself to produce brilliant, singing feedback. In short there is a symbiotic relationship between the guitar player and the amplifier.

Valve amplifiers also have their unique quirks and properties which yield really impressive musical results. Due to their design and properties, they do not perfectly replicate the small guitar signal at a higher voltage, even with a very clean sound there will be some ever so subtle distortion and colouration to the sound which comes about in a mix of different harmonics that add warmth and all the related adjectives to the sound.