Best way to learn to read and understand a schematic

[joel_ostrom]

I'm very much a newbie at amp building but very interesting in getting my feet wet, but my problem is that I don't understand how to read schematics to the extent that I can apply it to building an amp properly.

How might I go about learning to understand such things?
I've got a few books on tube amp info and some guides on amp building from LondonPower.com but I was wondering if you guys had any beginner tips for figuring them out.

Thanks!

[NickC]

Read those books over and over until you know what each component does by itself, and then what they do together in sub-sections of amp circuits. Study classic Fender and Marshall circuits until you can identify what each component is, and what its function is, in a schematic and layout. Study common vacuum tube charts (noval and octal tubes) until you can identify what each part of the tube is, and what it does. Start with 12AX7 preamp type tubes commonly used in guitar amps, and 6L6, 6V6, EL34, EL84 power tubes also commonly used.

I learned the basics in an academic setting back around 1970 - 1972. Much has changed since then, but not vacuum tube technology. It hasn't changed.

Lot's of online resources too nowadays, makes it easier (and less costly) to dive in and soak it all up ..... there is a recommended reading list somewhere on this site. ----------------> here https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=9023

[Phil_S]

What Nick says is very good. It will take time to absorb.

If you can find an amp and it's schematic, study the schematic, and then see if you can find the various parts in the amp. Actually, I think a good life-size hi-res color picture of the amp will let you label each component with it's part number, R1, C2, etc. See if you can start with something basic, like a Champ.

[sliberty]

The first book I read was Inside Tube Amps by Dan Torres. The book is not perfect, but it is written for the newbie, which most of the London Power stuff is not.

[joel_ostrom]

Thanks so much guys! I love this forum, everybody is very helpful!

[M Fowler]

The first book I read was Inside Tube Amps by Dan Torres. The book is not perfect, but it is written for the newbie, which most of the London Power stuff is not.

I second Tube Amps by Dan Torres is great for beginners.

Mark

[tubeswell]

This site may be helpful for beginners at tube electronics

http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/tubedummy.html

[212Mavguy]

I'm still a beginner, have read Dan Torres' book, +1.

A teacher would say to start with learning the vocabulary and symbols for each chapter of new material. Smallest blocks of basics first until the symbol is instantly recognizable for the idea it contains.

I purchased Merlin's book, it is written at a higher level, spare fashion compared to Torres. Earlier this week I was gifted with the London Power book. Fantastic!

I'd say that after reading Torres first, then London's works that Merlin's writing will be more easily digested the next time I pick it up.

And thanks to the members here, I've learned more than in the books. So greatly appreciate all of you!

[Gibsonman63]

Dave Funk's book is also a good read, especially if you are into the BlackFace Fender amps. Very plainly written and easy to digest.

[rp]

Best way to learn to read and understand a schematic

If you just want to learn schematics and if you have an itchy soldering finger then build a 5f1 Champ while reading those books. Gotta play the blues before you can rock & roll. Then a 5E3 Deluxe, then a 5F6A Bassman - always following the schematics not just painting by numbers following only the layouts. Then mess with your 5F6a and turn it into a JTM45, then a JTM50 then a JCM800. Once you understand the 5F6A schematic you've pretty much graduated, from schematic school anyway. You'll get a diploma stating University Of Tubesville, Class Of 1958. Understanding what's actually going on and getting the math to work out is a lot tougher, luckily there's TAG.

[LeftyStrat]

One other thing to maybe try is build a couple of effects pedals. These typically don't have power supplies, output transformers, etc, so the schematics are easier to read. Basically just resistors, capacitors, diodes, op amps, and transistors. Throw in a couple of jacks and a foot switch and you're only talking about seven symbols to learn.

Take for example this simple schematic for a jfet guitar pre-amp. Q1 is a transistor, items labeled with Cx are capacitors, things labeled Rx are resistors. And interestingly enough, this is very similar to a single triode gain stage in a tube amp.

[sixstringer]

I've found Dave Hunter's "The Guitar Amp Handbook" to be very helpful. It explained the various components and their how they relate to each other in a tube circuit in ways that where more comprehensible to me as a beginner. I also found Gerald Weber's books and later Merlin Blencowe's great books to be very helpful, but in the beginning, I got the most from Dave Hunter's book.

[Aurora]

Somehow when these noob questions pop up, I find myself wondering if the "noob" really understands the basic components and their properties and disadvantages, so this would be my recipee for a total noob - not for the seasoned builder

Read up and understand the functions of the basic components. Even if it seems silly, they are the basic blocks, and if you don't understand basic theory properly, the rest will soon and faster than soon become wilderness. Trust me -. I've been teaching last year trade school electronics for ten years, and more than often seen the red light come on for even simple probems, - simple to the seasoned builder or experimenter, that is.

Get a proper grasp of resistors, capacitors and inductors. And I do mean proper! Next one up is a good understanding of Ohm's law, both basic and extended. Resistors are fairly basic, although there are several basic differences between composition, film and wire wound types. Capacitors and inductors are somewhat more problematic, as they exhibit a reactance, or in other words a frequency dependant resistance. Add to that the great number of different capacitors there are, in addtition to the two main groups, polarized and non-polarized.

Get a reasonable understanding of the term 'impedance', before embarking on the subject of transformers., and in the context of impedance, learn that before trying to understand the output transformer.

After this, it is time to move on to semiconductors and tubes, and all the good books already mentioned. Don't look at this a a gospel, but just understand the basic fact that I have been teaching high school / trade school electronics for ten years. I've also had to mentor a good handful of freshman MSc's into practical electronics design and service of fairly advanced eletronic systems. And yes, - you're right! I have not built a tube guitar amp yet myself! I've just seen the bookload of "noob" mistakes over the years, even made some of them myself many moons ago...... and as every other socalled 'pro' I know, still happen to make a blunder now and then! Just remember - you'll NEVER EVER know it all!

[statorvane]

Read up and understand the functions of the basic components.

and..

Get a proper grasp of resistors, capacitors and inductors. And I do mean proper! Next one up is a good understanding of Ohm's law, both basic and extended.

Those are excellent points.

[Koop]

Somehow when these noob questions pop up, I find myself wondering if the "noob" really understands the basic components and their properties and disadvantages, so this would be my recipee for a total noob - not for the seasoned builder

Read up and understand the functions of the basic components. Even if it seems silly, they are the basic blocks, and if you don't understand basic theory properly, the rest will soon and faster than soon become wilderness. Trust me -. I've been teaching last year trade school electronics for ten years, and more than often seen the red light come on for even simple probems, - simple to the seasoned builder or experimenter, that is.

Get a proper grasp of resistors, capacitors and inductors. And I do mean proper! Next one up is a good understanding of Ohm's law, both basic and extended. Resistors are fairly basic, although there are several basic differences between composition, film and wire wound types. Capacitors and inductors are somewhat more problematic, as they exhibit a reactance, or in other words a frequency dependant resistance. Add to that the great number of different capacitors there are, in addtition to the two main groups, polarized and non-polarized.

Get a reasonable understanding of the term 'impedance', before embarking on the subject of transformers., and in the context of impedance, learn that before trying to understand the output transformer.

After this, it is time to move on to semiconductors and tubes, and all the good books already mentioned. Don't look at this a a gospel, but just understand the basic fact that I have been teaching high school / trade school electronics for ten years. I've also had to mentor a good handful of freshman MSc's into practical electronics design and service of fairly advanced eletronic systems. And yes, - you're right! I have not built a tube guitar amp yet myself! I've just seen the bookload of "noob" mistakes over the years, even made some of them myself many moons ago...... and as every other socalled 'pro' I know, still happen to make a blunder now and then! Just remember - you'll NEVER EVER know it all!

So much truth and good advice here. I consider myself a noob although I have a few amps, pedals, mods and repairs behind me. Transformers, reactance and impedance are still a bit mysterious to me. With any luck, you never quit learning.