Why ? There's plenty of SMART people out there that will build me an amp or pedals. The amount of time I would have to put into this understanding amp design could be better spent learning guitar. Have you noticed (on UTUBE) that the majority of amp builders are just so so players. Geeee, I wonder why .. maybe they're too busy designing amps
@motokev - I don't entirely disagree with you. There's no harm in a guitarist being able to perform basic maintenance, repairs, and mods on his equipment, or with having an idea of how it works "under the hood", but any deeper than that and it may start competing for time with his music. The only reason to get deep into electronics is if you have a passion for it or want to build things that aren't readily available.
$100 isn't anything for an electronics book lol. If you're serious about building effects/amps it'd be worth it and if you're not sure, just goto ssguitar.com or something and have someone hook you up with some basic DIY info. And I'm pretty sure the book is intended to teach you how to come up with your own designs rather than simply give you schematics on how to build a clone of something.
@YoOo0oToOo0ob You are right on the money with your assessment. This book is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if you want to see some rigorous engineering approaches to effects/amp design, you will really appreciate this book. And, not to beat a dead horse, but the second edition will be expanded and less than half as expensive as the first.
A lot of music "text books" go for ridiculous prices. Had to buy a few for my course at Uni... cost a small fortune. Looking forward to the 2nd edition if it comes down in price.
@mcgauz23 It will be much less expensive. I really think you'll like the book. Even if you're not into the math stuff there are plenty of practical circuit examples and insights into the mind of an engineer that designs this kind of stuff.
Springer is used to publishing stuff like post-doc physics and math books, etc. They didn't really understand the market well. But the good news is that the second edition will be out this summer. About 100 additional pages of detailed effects design and amp design stuff that they didn't allow room for in the first ed. And best of all, it will sell for under $50.00 Be patient. You won't be disappointed.
@MrPartyZombie - It's expensive probably because it's one of those library editions that's printed on archival-grade paper and has a Smyth-sewn back instead of a glued one. Probably a good investment if you're going to have it laying flat on a desk or table a lot or if you want a book that you can hand down to your grandchildren.
Indeed, at the end when I saw that 'Springer' was the publisher (and it was hardcover) I figured the book was for sure over $50USD (looks like a college textbook, no?). Checked on Amazon...$100USD (even for a Prime customer)...ouch! A C-Note would go a long way toward a new piece of gear or pedal, right?. Still, thanks for mentioning - I didn't know about this book.
@LM741C There is a lot of electronics information on the Internet. It is unlikely you've added to the knowledge base. Or put another way there is more electronics information on the Internet than someone could possibly use in a natural lifetime. Though the editing on the Internet isn't always top notch so your book might add to that somewhat.
"Or put another way there is more electronics information on the Internet than someone could possibly use in a natural lifetime." That's probably true, but as with all things on the net, you have to waste an incredible amount of time sifting the garbage from the golden nuggets. At least the information in a book (assuming it's a good one) is organized, has a TOC and a proper index, has been proofread and fact-checked, etc. And books have longer lifespans than most websites.
@deadbirdsings If I find anything I think is any good on the net I save a copy locally. I've seen pages magically disappear too often not to today. Plus I never consider time I spend reading about electronics wasted time. All information has to be interpreted in order to be useful. I still buy books about electronics sometimes when I see them, but the net really opens up vistas that can never be fully explored.
@1pcfred - Yeah, I have a habit of doing that too, even though the way things are going, it's getting harder to save a local copy, what with people eschewing traditional HTML for Flash programming and things like that. I've often gone back to open something I thought I had saved only to find that what was saved was a blank page. Anyways, I'm not bashing the net, just pointing out some of its flaws. I see books and websites as being complimentary, not rivals.
@deadbirdsings My experiences with electronics predates the Internet so I well recall when I had nothing but books. Let me just say that today I refer to that time as, "the bad old days" If I had to give up one or the other the choice would be very easy for me to make. Take the books! But bring a truck, because I've a lot of electronics books.
@1pcfred - I made my points, you didn't refute them (because you can't), and I'm not going to get into a pissing contest over this. Have a bookburning, for all I care. Or better yet, put your relics from the pre-Internet "dark ages" up on Abebooks so that us "Luddites" can buy them. If you've been involved in electronics as long as you claim you have, I don't see what either the web or a book would have to teach you, since past the basics, most of the learning takes place at the bench.
@deadbirdsings Someone needs to bring you into the shop for an attitude adjustment. I've been into electronics for long enough to know that books are mainly used for reference. Personally I do not have a photographic memory. Much literature is also written about new devices to increase awareness about them too. Believe it or not humanity still manages to create some interesting new parts now and again.
@TheF86Sabre I see what you're saying, but would you honestly spend 100 bucks on a book? Most of the information could probably be read, for free, online anyway
@MyEverConstantSmile My point is people should be compensated for their hard work. I don't have an opinion on this particular book as I have not read it. Also technical or university books do not make the "best seller" lists to cover costs, so they are always a little more expensive.
@TheF86Sabre (pt. 2) I already give away my literary criticism for free. I don't make any money for my peer-reviewed papers. I'd rather build on my current research than begin anew in a different field.
Here's a response to a corollary question to the one you posed: NSYNC sucks and their cds are over-priced. I don't have to make music and give it away for free to justify my position.
While I like the guitarist info videos, most if not all of this stuff is available for free on the internet. Not saying, just saying. But what are you going to spend your money on??? Going to donate to Obama? Romney? Better off with this, or a new coiley cable of doom!!!! Thanks for the continuing videos GMD!! Hope you can make a buck doing it!
Years ago (pre-internet...yes, there was a time) I picked up a book on electronic projects for musicians. I seem to recall a fuzz box in there. I gotta find that book.
@ravenslaves - Sounds like Craig Anderton's "Electronic Projects for Musicians". I think it's still in print, although much of the information is out of date. It's worth owning, but you're going to have to modify some of the circuits since he uses op-amps and other components that are no longer available. Anderton also wrote a book specifically for guitarists, which is more recent (1980s?) and so is more up to date. You won't have trouble finding the parts listed in that one.
Good job Gear Man Dude! I teach at the college Denny does and I can tell you he's a gear head when it comes to amps and pedals . This book does it all. It is worth every penny and it truly does educate you from knowing nothing, to how to build anything.
so when you say this books shows you how to make pedals....what kinda pedals are we talkin....i mean if i do what the book says am i gonna end up makin ibanez thrash metal pedals or am i gonna be able to make like somethin along the lines of eventide?? could this book make the the next mr cornish????
The new and improved second edition will be out this summer. Lots more circuit design examples in general, especially additional tube amp design examples. About 100 more pages, and best of all the second edition will be less than $50.00. The publisher (Springer) puts out books on quantum field theory, gene sequencing theory, etc. so it took a while before they understood the main audience for this book.
Thank god, because as soon as I saw the price I just went "NOPE"... 50ish is what I pay for other Springer books for college stuff, so it's good value, higher than that is no go.
So you do advertisements now? I would have thought Jack Black would be so rich he wouldn't need to do this kind of thing to make money. Whatever, Ill check out the book anyway :)
@jmsmith1786 Hope I'm not your neighbor... seriously though, cool looking book, a little much for my budget now but I'd love to pick it up. Cool topic for a vid, GMD. Did this help you design the Luther?
I'll have to look that one up. Right now I'm reading "The Guitar Amp Handbook" by Dave Hunter. Take a look at that one if you get a chance. It's helping me with some great info while I'm building my first tube amp. ROCK!
Same title, "Electronics for Guitarists" just the second edition. Based on feedback from guys that got the first edition, it includes more examples of effects circuits and the chapter on tube amp design is split into two: a chapter on low-power, SE, class-A design and a separate chapter on power amp design (SE and PP). Still tons of equations and design philosophy stuff but lots more design examples.
I have a book called "the stompbox cookbook" which is in a way great. But it's OOP and I've seen used copies going for a lot of money. Whetstone phaser money man! Not worth it. Just a heads up. Write me an email if you would like to discuss further.
@akosiCoco Lots of down and dirty engineering level stuff in this book. The second edition will be out this summer with even more. And for less than $50.00 too.
The publisher of this book (Springer) is used to producing books for rocket scientists and post-doc research types. It took a lot of convincing, but they did decide to shoot for a differnent market on a second editon, which is almost done, and will be coming out sometime this summer. It will have expanded tube amp desing and effects circuits design material (about 100 more pages). And the price will be less than $50.00 this time.
To everyone complaining about the price - it's a textbook! - as a college student, I can assure you that 100 bucks for a textbook is near or below average. I'm not saying that they aren't ripping you off, but that's how the cookie crumbles.
@zoofields - Good for you, man. At least you learned something in college, which is more than you can say for most college graduates. College textbooks are a scam. You're forced to buy them, and usually from the campus bookstore. Campus bookstores always claim they're not being run for profit, but I don't believe that for a second. God forbid that a prof should assign a book that's commonly available at any bookstore! But then the textbook industry wouldn't get to keep its monopoly.
@jiggawoo What do you think, that paper grows on trees or something? No, wait, it does! Actually the material they pulp for paper is scrub brush they can't mill for lumber. It is financially foolish to cut down perfectly good trees to make paper out of them. Fun fact: there are more acres of timberland in the USA today than when the first European settlers arrived. Native Indians were pyromaniacs. But because of this we have much larger forest fires today.
Dale Denton was funny too...
sngncwby 1 month ago
Why ? There's plenty of SMART people out there that will build me an amp or pedals. The amount of time I would have to put into this understanding amp design could be better spent learning guitar. Have you noticed (on UTUBE) that the majority of amp builders are just so so players. Geeee, I wonder why .. maybe they're too busy designing amps
motokev 1 month ago
@motokev - I don't entirely disagree with you. There's no harm in a guitarist being able to perform basic maintenance, repairs, and mods on his equipment, or with having an idea of how it works "under the hood", but any deeper than that and it may start competing for time with his music. The only reason to get deep into electronics is if you have a passion for it or want to build things that aren't readily available.
deadbirdsings 1 week ago
wait a minute here, i come to utube so i don't have to read stuff
userboy6 1 month ago
If you really want to learn about tube amps, then Kevin O'Connor's series of "The Ultimate Tone" (TUT) books are essential.
v2saatana 1 month ago
Thanks mann, but I think I'll wait for the movie.
slowpokerhino 1 month ago
Does it have any blues rock chatter?
rmxrider20032000 1 month ago
Looks at book cover: "Looks like a textbook"
Looks at book price: "Oh. A college textbook"
fooschmack 1 month ago
Gearmanndude could you compare the Fulltone 69 to a Fuzz face please? could be nice to hear both of them in one video
DarkItachi1 1 month ago
If you ever wanna just send a photo copied version my way that would be nice. We just won't tell anyone about it.
nebnampach 1 month ago
Brian Wampler has written some good DIY books on building and modifying electronic effects. Much cheaper than this book and very cool!
JaxMusicSupply 1 month ago
Dude, this is awesome! Sweet find, thanks for posting. Really, these advice videos have been absolutely killer, keep it up, man.
Rjanocaster 1 month ago
$100 isn't anything for an electronics book lol. If you're serious about building effects/amps it'd be worth it and if you're not sure, just goto ssguitar.com or something and have someone hook you up with some basic DIY info. And I'm pretty sure the book is intended to teach you how to come up with your own designs rather than simply give you schematics on how to build a clone of something.
YoOo0oToOo0ob 1 month ago
@YoOo0oToOo0ob You are right on the money with your assessment. This book is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if you want to see some rigorous engineering approaches to effects/amp design, you will really appreciate this book. And, not to beat a dead horse, but the second edition will be expanded and less than half as expensive as the first.
LM741C 1 month ago
A lot of music "text books" go for ridiculous prices. Had to buy a few for my course at Uni... cost a small fortune. Looking forward to the 2nd edition if it comes down in price.
mcgauz23 1 month ago
@mcgauz23 It will be much less expensive. I really think you'll like the book. Even if you're not into the math stuff there are plenty of practical circuit examples and insights into the mind of an engineer that designs this kind of stuff.
LM741C 1 month ago
Springer is used to publishing stuff like post-doc physics and math books, etc. They didn't really understand the market well. But the good news is that the second edition will be out this summer. About 100 additional pages of detailed effects design and amp design stuff that they didn't allow room for in the first ed. And best of all, it will sell for under $50.00 Be patient. You won't be disappointed.
LM741C 1 month ago
Am I crazy or is this book really $100?
MrPartyZombie 1 month ago 10
@MrPartyZombie yes but there's 10 used from $94.99! a steal!!!
melonheed3 1 month ago 3
@MrPartyZombie - It's expensive probably because it's one of those library editions that's printed on archival-grade paper and has a Smyth-sewn back instead of a glued one. Probably a good investment if you're going to have it laying flat on a desk or table a lot or if you want a book that you can hand down to your grandchildren.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
Oops! I meant to say "laying _open_ flat on a table or desk..."
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
Indeed, at the end when I saw that 'Springer' was the publisher (and it was hardcover) I figured the book was for sure over $50USD (looks like a college textbook, no?). Checked on Amazon...$100USD (even for a Prime customer)...ouch! A C-Note would go a long way toward a new piece of gear or pedal, right?. Still, thanks for mentioning - I didn't know about this book.
6363cmj 1 month ago
god damn $100
hoptop77 1 month ago
@hoptop77 I know, right? shit, that's really expensive. they only have it in hard copy, too.
SuperCabbit 1 month ago
Hey, if it was all the same old stuff that's on the internet I wouldn't have bothered writing it :-)
LM741C 1 month ago
@LM741C There is a lot of electronics information on the Internet. It is unlikely you've added to the knowledge base. Or put another way there is more electronics information on the Internet than someone could possibly use in a natural lifetime. Though the editing on the Internet isn't always top notch so your book might add to that somewhat.
1pcfred 1 month ago
"Or put another way there is more electronics information on the Internet than someone could possibly use in a natural lifetime." That's probably true, but as with all things on the net, you have to waste an incredible amount of time sifting the garbage from the golden nuggets. At least the information in a book (assuming it's a good one) is organized, has a TOC and a proper index, has been proofread and fact-checked, etc. And books have longer lifespans than most websites.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
@deadbirdsings If I find anything I think is any good on the net I save a copy locally. I've seen pages magically disappear too often not to today. Plus I never consider time I spend reading about electronics wasted time. All information has to be interpreted in order to be useful. I still buy books about electronics sometimes when I see them, but the net really opens up vistas that can never be fully explored.
1pcfred 1 month ago
@1pcfred - Yeah, I have a habit of doing that too, even though the way things are going, it's getting harder to save a local copy, what with people eschewing traditional HTML for Flash programming and things like that. I've often gone back to open something I thought I had saved only to find that what was saved was a blank page. Anyways, I'm not bashing the net, just pointing out some of its flaws. I see books and websites as being complimentary, not rivals.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
@deadbirdsings My experiences with electronics predates the Internet so I well recall when I had nothing but books. Let me just say that today I refer to that time as, "the bad old days" If I had to give up one or the other the choice would be very easy for me to make. Take the books! But bring a truck, because I've a lot of electronics books.
1pcfred 1 month ago
@1pcfred - I made my points, you didn't refute them (because you can't), and I'm not going to get into a pissing contest over this. Have a bookburning, for all I care. Or better yet, put your relics from the pre-Internet "dark ages" up on Abebooks so that us "Luddites" can buy them. If you've been involved in electronics as long as you claim you have, I don't see what either the web or a book would have to teach you, since past the basics, most of the learning takes place at the bench.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
@deadbirdsings Someone needs to bring you into the shop for an attitude adjustment. I've been into electronics for long enough to know that books are mainly used for reference. Personally I do not have a photographic memory. Much literature is also written about new devices to increase awareness about them too. Believe it or not humanity still manages to create some interesting new parts now and again.
1pcfred 1 month ago
$100+?!?! In-fucking-sane.
Ematched 1 month ago in playlist More videos from gearmanndude
@Ematched So why don't you write a similar book, have it published and then give it away?
TheF86Sabre 1 month ago
@TheF86Sabre I see what you're saying, but would you honestly spend 100 bucks on a book? Most of the information could probably be read, for free, online anyway
MyEverConstantSmile 1 month ago
@MyEverConstantSmile My point is people should be compensated for their hard work. I don't have an opinion on this particular book as I have not read it. Also technical or university books do not make the "best seller" lists to cover costs, so they are always a little more expensive.
TheF86Sabre 1 month ago
@TheF86Sabre Because I don't want to.
Ematched 1 month ago
@TheF86Sabre (pt. 2) I already give away my literary criticism for free. I don't make any money for my peer-reviewed papers. I'd rather build on my current research than begin anew in a different field.
Here's a response to a corollary question to the one you posed: NSYNC sucks and their cds are over-priced. I don't have to make music and give it away for free to justify my position.
Ematched 1 month ago
While I like the guitarist info videos, most if not all of this stuff is available for free on the internet. Not saying, just saying. But what are you going to spend your money on??? Going to donate to Obama? Romney? Better off with this, or a new coiley cable of doom!!!! Thanks for the continuing videos GMD!! Hope you can make a buck doing it!
Pippi Long Handles
chrishpippin 1 month ago
Years ago (pre-internet...yes, there was a time) I picked up a book on electronic projects for musicians. I seem to recall a fuzz box in there. I gotta find that book.
ravenslaves 1 month ago
@ravenslaves - Sounds like Craig Anderton's "Electronic Projects for Musicians". I think it's still in print, although much of the information is out of date. It's worth owning, but you're going to have to modify some of the circuits since he uses op-amps and other components that are no longer available. Anderton also wrote a book specifically for guitarists, which is more recent (1980s?) and so is more up to date. You won't have trouble finding the parts listed in that one.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
Good job Gear Man Dude! I teach at the college Denny does and I can tell you he's a gear head when it comes to amps and pedals . This book does it all. It is worth every penny and it truly does educate you from knowing nothing, to how to build anything.
npwerner 1 month ago
so when you say this books shows you how to make pedals....what kinda pedals are we talkin....i mean if i do what the book says am i gonna end up makin ibanez thrash metal pedals or am i gonna be able to make like somethin along the lines of eventide?? could this book make the the next mr cornish????
superreverbfreak 1 month ago
The new and improved second edition will be out this summer. Lots more circuit design examples in general, especially additional tube amp design examples. About 100 more pages, and best of all the second edition will be less than $50.00. The publisher (Springer) puts out books on quantum field theory, gene sequencing theory, etc. so it took a while before they understood the main audience for this book.
LM741C 1 month ago
@LM741C
Thank god, because as soon as I saw the price I just went "NOPE"... 50ish is what I pay for other Springer books for college stuff, so it's good value, higher than that is no go.
imreallynotamused 1 month ago
...is it true bypass ???
elStinKINGS 1 month ago 17
Comment removed
elStinKINGS 1 month ago
$100?? Must be 1 of those new boutique books I keep hearing about.
smoss469 1 month ago
Like we reed books and stuff.
GuitarBob6 1 month ago
Nevermind, I just saw it cost 100 dollars on Amazon... no thanks
okamasphere 1 month ago
So you do advertisements now? I would have thought Jack Black would be so rich he wouldn't need to do this kind of thing to make money. Whatever, Ill check out the book anyway :)
okamasphere 1 month ago
Equations....ohhh noooo!!!
rock + roll = Rockn'nroll
Stratboy999 1 month ago
@jmsmith1786 Hope I'm not your neighbor... seriously though, cool looking book, a little much for my budget now but I'd love to pick it up. Cool topic for a vid, GMD. Did this help you design the Luther?
definealways 1 month ago
Roooocket rooocket all of my roocket sauce.
ericwilliamwillett 1 month ago
craig anderton did it first
Satansbitch101 1 month ago
I still think its jack black...
onegrayleaf 1 month ago
Book looks awesome.
Thanks for the review.
I'll have to get myself a copy.
I do want to build a spaceship and send my neighbor's dog away with it.
jmsmith1786 1 month ago 2
Hi Jack! Thanks for the information!
ewqewqewq86 1 month ago
I'll have to look that one up. Right now I'm reading "The Guitar Amp Handbook" by Dave Hunter. Take a look at that one if you get a chance. It's helping me with some great info while I'm building my first tube amp. ROCK!
buefordwilson 1 month ago
A book for $100..? Or does it double as a pedal too?
joshbaezmusic 1 month ago
Wait for the significantly lower price PDF version coming soon!
Deneteus 1 month ago
Wasn't really interested until you said I could build a spaceship
GuitaristAidan 1 month ago
Same title, "Electronics for Guitarists" just the second edition. Based on feedback from guys that got the first edition, it includes more examples of effects circuits and the chapter on tube amp design is split into two: a chapter on low-power, SE, class-A design and a separate chapter on power amp design (SE and PP). Still tons of equations and design philosophy stuff but lots more design examples.
Electronics4Guitar 1 month ago
I have a book called "the stompbox cookbook" which is in a way great. But it's OOP and I've seen used copies going for a lot of money. Whetstone phaser money man! Not worth it. Just a heads up. Write me an email if you would like to discuss further.
MrEX3 1 month ago
Thanks for sharing, I'll get it.
MrEX3 1 month ago
You should check out Aron's DIY stomp forum. a few notable pedal builders post there.
spjunkie 1 month ago
I WANT ONE!
I'm an Electronics engineer in the making and a guitarist too so this is like the best book ever..
akosiCoco 1 month ago
@akosiCoco same here dude this is awesome
vChipGivesThemSight 1 month ago
@akosiCoco Lots of down and dirty engineering level stuff in this book. The second edition will be out this summer with even more. And for less than $50.00 too.
LM741C 1 month ago
The publisher of this book (Springer) is used to producing books for rocket scientists and post-doc research types. It took a lot of convincing, but they did decide to shoot for a differnent market on a second editon, which is almost done, and will be coming out sometime this summer. It will have expanded tube amp desing and effects circuits design material (about 100 more pages). And the price will be less than $50.00 this time.
LM741C 1 month ago
@LM741C hi bro What would the title be most likely be for the 2nd press edition? (Same title, revised edition?)
BkkCheesepie 1 month ago
@BkkCheesepie The second edition will have the same title and lower price. I'll keep you posted.
LM741C 1 month ago
To everyone complaining about the price - it's a textbook! - as a college student, I can assure you that 100 bucks for a textbook is near or below average. I'm not saying that they aren't ripping you off, but that's how the cookie crumbles.
ShreddyGnarGnar 1 month ago
WWWAAAAAYYYYYY too expensive. £85 for a book? Fuck that
LifeLongGamer 1 month ago
you can probably get all that info and more on the internet for free
ToothyGus 1 month ago
@ToothyGus You can on the forums.
Deneteus 1 month ago
£85 on amazon.co.uk $100 on amazon.com WHAT THE FUCK
jiggawoo 1 month ago 2
@jiggawoo In college I learned that $100 book + copy machine = $5 book.
zoofields 1 month ago
@zoofields SO TRUE : )
jiggawoo 1 month ago
Comment removed
1pcfred 1 month ago
@zoofields That is a valuable lesson indeed. But next time just scan it and bookwarez it for the rest of us too. See you on the torrent cloud!
1pcfred 1 month ago
@1pcfred - Ah, I see. Your problem isn't with books per se; you just resent having to pay for them.
deadbirdsings 1 week ago
@deadbirdsings I'm not sure what you can make out exactly with your head so far up your own asshole. Fair chance it has nothing to do with me though.
1pcfred 1 week ago
@zoofields - Good for you, man. At least you learned something in college, which is more than you can say for most college graduates. College textbooks are a scam. You're forced to buy them, and usually from the campus bookstore. Campus bookstores always claim they're not being run for profit, but I don't believe that for a second. God forbid that a prof should assign a book that's commonly available at any bookstore! But then the textbook industry wouldn't get to keep its monopoly.
deadbirdsings 1 month ago
@jiggawoo What do you think, that paper grows on trees or something? No, wait, it does! Actually the material they pulp for paper is scrub brush they can't mill for lumber. It is financially foolish to cut down perfectly good trees to make paper out of them. Fun fact: there are more acres of timberland in the USA today than when the first European settlers arrived. Native Indians were pyromaniacs. But because of this we have much larger forest fires today.
1pcfred 1 month ago 2