Being a working musician for over 26 years and a technician/engineer for over 20 years, and also having appreciated a wide variety of music and played everything from AC/DC to Zappa, I consider it a challenge to build amps that help guitarists capture the tone and feel of many styles of music. I've found that almost everything affects sound and feel. From types of resistors and capacitors, to tubes and transformers. I've heard or read just about every myth and "tonal legend" currently circulating on the internet, and it can be hard to sift through all the hype and opinions. If you're the connoisseur type who revels in the art of component placement and layout, I can build that type of amp - at a premium, "artsy" price. If you're an experienced player who just wants a great sounding, roadworthy workhorse, I can build that as well - and save you a lot of money in the process. The important thing to know is I offer my customers choices.
WHAT'S INSIDE A GRANGER AMPLIFIER?
Make no mistake about it - my amps are boutique in nature, therefore they aren't inexpensive. They're constructed by hand, by me, here in the USA! As far as I'm concerned, there are no shortcuts to building a great-sounding and solidly-constructed amp.
I use power and output transformers from various vendors, depending on the class of amplifier and voicing I'm trying to create. I'm not a "brand snob" and I'm not "loyal" to one manufacturer because of the hype they project or the impact I think it will make to my sales. I use me ears to judge, and so should you! I have become partial to the Magnetic Components Inc. iron for my M45, M50, and M100 amps. I've also used Heyboer, Weber, and Hammond transformers. I prefer to use JJ vacuum tubes.
All amps are hand wired/soldered one connection at a time, on turret or eyelet boards - not just for how it affects tone, but also for the differences in response, reliability and serviceability. Every single electrical connection is made by hand. Recently I've started using some small printed circuit boards for "add-ons" such as the new TBFX (True Bypass Effects Loop), Vari-Wattage, or channel switching relay boards in my CG50 and Lead Overdrive 100 (as a necessity). I always test these type add-ons to ensure they do not affect tone.
Different components are used in different sections depending on what tonality and custom options are requested from the customer. For instance, in one of my 50 Watt 2-6CA7/EL34 Class AB type amplifiers I prefer to use carbon composition plate resistors. In an old Tweed style amp could be strategically placed Allen Bradley NOS carbon composition resistors on a paper laminate, moisture resistant eyelet circuit board, and solid core, cloth insulated wire. It can really make an audible difference, and many components used in your amp can be custom tailored to suit the tone you are trying to create.
Our custom cabs are made by three different companies, including one local woodworker. I can custom build and dress your cab to your requirements in just about any color and variety of coverings and baffles.
In conclusion - I like the old "Burger King philosophy" - have it YOUR way! For the consummate musician, why would you settle for an amp that a 100,000 other musicians can buy, when you can have an amp as distinct as your own personality and style of playing?
CREDENTIALS
Electronics: Graduated from Bessemer State Technical College in 1994 with a degree in Industrial Electronics. "Retired" with 15 years as an electronic technician with AT&T. Started modding/repairing amps in 1994.
Music/audio: Touring/gigging/recording guitarist from 1986 to present. Independently produced and recorded 5 albums.
OTHER TECHNICAL RESOURCES
I'm in the process of putting together links to technical resources that I both use and consider very accurate (no article is ever 100% factual). The problem with finding information about tube amp technology is being able to sift through all the "fluff" and find the useful information. Here are a few links that I've put together for those who want to learn more about how tube amplifiers work. Please keep in mind that great guitar tone is subjective, and everyone forms their own opinions based on what tones they like, as well as their own experiences.
Vacuum tube (Wikipedia) Here's where it all starts. Learn how a vacuum tube works, their history, where they're made, and more.
Eurotubes - Gain, Distortion, and Other Mysteries This is a very informative article that Bob Pletka from Eurotubes.com put together.
Aiken Amplification - Technical Papers, Introductory A list of very good and thorough technical information, charts, and converters from Randall Aiken.
Aiken Amplification - Technical Papers, Advanced Advanced articles, everything from design theories to explantions on crossover and blocking distortion. Highly advanced, but also highly informative.
Aiken Amplification - Technical Q & A I include this page from Aiken because among the serious topics, Randall injects some really fine humor. Check out the Q & A about tolex colors... very clever!
More links coming soon...
