From what I gather these are pretty good resource material, and I'd like to get volume one. I was just wondering if anyone knows of anywhere else to get them besides londonpower.com. They're pretty expensive so I was hoping to find a used copy or something.
Also, what are people's opinions on that book, regarding its accuracy and usefulness?
The London Power books
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: The London Power books
I have vol I, II, III, and V. For some reason they never published volume IV. Where supposedly all the details on power scaling are. They must be selling too many kits....
I think volume I is worth having. Vol II has a small section on power supplies, but otherwise I hardly read it. Volume III is all iconic amps and the evolution of the circuits common to Fender and Marshall, etc. It's only worth the historical value and if your planning on building a Bassman or a plexi, AC30 etc. Vol V covers some of the same material in Vol I over again and a little more on high gain circuits in a little more depth. Then has bunch of circuits that I don't find all that useful.
I would say definately get Vol I, and maybe V or II. They are expensive I use them for Christmas gift suggestions, that's why I have all of them.
One thing I find very annoying is that he will start in on a technical topic and then stop and say "see Vol X for the details". And then you can't find it in the other books or you don't have that one. And some of the circuit designs he has don't sound all that good. But the basic tube circuit whys and where-fors are there. A little more in depth and more theory than the Torres book.
I think volume I is worth having. Vol II has a small section on power supplies, but otherwise I hardly read it. Volume III is all iconic amps and the evolution of the circuits common to Fender and Marshall, etc. It's only worth the historical value and if your planning on building a Bassman or a plexi, AC30 etc. Vol V covers some of the same material in Vol I over again and a little more on high gain circuits in a little more depth. Then has bunch of circuits that I don't find all that useful.
I would say definately get Vol I, and maybe V or II. They are expensive I use them for Christmas gift suggestions, that's why I have all of them.
One thing I find very annoying is that he will start in on a technical topic and then stop and say "see Vol X for the details". And then you can't find it in the other books or you don't have that one. And some of the circuit designs he has don't sound all that good. But the basic tube circuit whys and where-fors are there. A little more in depth and more theory than the Torres book.
Re: The London Power books
Sorry I started to write, you can order them online at http://www.elderly.com/
And I see that Vol IV is now for sale.
And I see that Vol IV is now for sale.
Bueller
Re: The London Power books
TUT #4 is available at www.tubesandmore.com
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David Root
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- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
- Location: Chilliwack BC
Re: The London Power books
I have TUT 1, 2, 3 and 5. Benoit's analysis is basically fair, if a little harsh on 2 & 3. Have not bought 4 as I haven't yet got to power scaling.
I would doubt you'll find used copies out there but you never know. Why not put a "books wanted" ad in this forum?
I would doubt you'll find used copies out there but you never know. Why not put a "books wanted" ad in this forum?
Re: The London Power books
[Benoit's analysis is basically fair, if a little harsh on 2 & 3.]
I think you probably meant me not Benoit. And after reading my comments, I think maybe I was a little harsh on vol 3.
I do refer to that one a lot to see what Fender or Marshall or Hi-watt or Vox did back in the day. After all the Bassman is one of the best circuits ever, IMHO and vol 3 does have some good ideas on variation of circuits like the Champ.
Vol 2 though has a lot of Hammond transformer info and isn't that the one with all the solid state chapters? Just seemed like a lot of fill and not much content really. Although there are some good ideas in there just maybe not $65 worth.
I'm still waiting to hear anyones comments on vol 4 before I drop $100 on it.[/quote]
I think you probably meant me not Benoit. And after reading my comments, I think maybe I was a little harsh on vol 3.
I do refer to that one a lot to see what Fender or Marshall or Hi-watt or Vox did back in the day. After all the Bassman is one of the best circuits ever, IMHO and vol 3 does have some good ideas on variation of circuits like the Champ. Vol 2 though has a lot of Hammond transformer info and isn't that the one with all the solid state chapters? Just seemed like a lot of fill and not much content really. Although there are some good ideas in there just maybe not $65 worth.
I'm still waiting to hear anyones comments on vol 4 before I drop $100 on it.[/quote]
Bueller
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David Root
- Posts: 3540
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
- Location: Chilliwack BC
Re: The London Power books
Yes, I guess I can't keep my "b"s straight! Sorry about that guys. Yes, #2 does have some SS fluff in it, and yes, that $100 tag on #4 is a demotivator too. #5 also has a big puff job on Hammond too, but it also has lots of useful info in with that. Interestingly, if you look at the parts sales section of the London Power website, the Hammond iron he uses in his own amps is all custom stuff, NOT the standard designs.
All in all I don't regret buying the ones I have, but I did buy them for a lot less than they're going for now they have established the big reputation.
All in all I don't regret buying the ones I have, but I did buy them for a lot less than they're going for now they have established the big reputation.
Re: The London Power books
How is the "Secrets and Secret Holders" book? Sound legal and practical advice or a waste of time?
"In this world you will find hardship and trials; but take heart, for I have conqured the world."
John 16:33
John 16:33
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David Root
- Posts: 3540
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
- Location: Chilliwack BC
Re: The London Power books
Good question! I would like to know too.
Re: The London Power books
Secrets and Secret Holders is more like a political treatise on the malificent nature of patent attorneys and patent office incompetance than an actual book about the patents themselves. There's nothing so exciting or clandestine as the title may suggest.
After this opening manifesto it reviews the major patents that were out at the time of publishing for musical instrument amplifiers, by date, and (hold on to your couches) Kevin rates how "strong" or "weak" the patent is. I kid you not. I sat shaking my head, thinking "Why oh why are trying to rate how strong a patent is?"
I'm saying that as a huge fan of Kevin O'Connor.
I think the purpose of the book was to establish in publication that there was prior art to a number of the patents that Kevin *might* be construed to be violating in his forthcoming books. That's the only reason I could think for it. That and maybe an upcoming battle with one of the patent holders in the book, with a similar competing technology. Perhaps all of the books were to establish the legality, as both prior art and published material, of Power Scaling. It's the only big Secret, and it's Secret Holder fails to outright say it.
And I do believe it's no longer published. So, if you really, really, want to read this soporific pamphlet, and have some other notable out-of-print tome on vacuum tube amps or vintage guitars you can offer as hostage (I'd love to find something good to read), let me know.
The TUT books are great, probably unique to a great deal in that they do a good job on explaining in layman's terms (for non EE types, like me) a great deal about tube amps.
Where they fall short is that they really should be two books, which could've been done by a good editor, and hopefully one day will:
Volume 1
That should cover all the tech stuff, in logical order, up to power scaling.
Volume 2
This should have all the mods, and all the amps, with the associated explanations.
As it stands, there's too much overlap in the series, and too much gap without getting them all. And you have to hunt for it, because it's not in a logical order.
If you need 2 of them, just get Volume 4 and Volume 1, in that order. V4 is head and heels above the rest (thank God, as it took forever to come out).
Enjoy,
Mickey
After this opening manifesto it reviews the major patents that were out at the time of publishing for musical instrument amplifiers, by date, and (hold on to your couches) Kevin rates how "strong" or "weak" the patent is. I kid you not. I sat shaking my head, thinking "Why oh why are trying to rate how strong a patent is?"
I'm saying that as a huge fan of Kevin O'Connor.
I think the purpose of the book was to establish in publication that there was prior art to a number of the patents that Kevin *might* be construed to be violating in his forthcoming books. That's the only reason I could think for it. That and maybe an upcoming battle with one of the patent holders in the book, with a similar competing technology. Perhaps all of the books were to establish the legality, as both prior art and published material, of Power Scaling. It's the only big Secret, and it's Secret Holder fails to outright say it.
And I do believe it's no longer published. So, if you really, really, want to read this soporific pamphlet, and have some other notable out-of-print tome on vacuum tube amps or vintage guitars you can offer as hostage (I'd love to find something good to read), let me know.
The TUT books are great, probably unique to a great deal in that they do a good job on explaining in layman's terms (for non EE types, like me) a great deal about tube amps.
Where they fall short is that they really should be two books, which could've been done by a good editor, and hopefully one day will:
Volume 1
That should cover all the tech stuff, in logical order, up to power scaling.
Volume 2
This should have all the mods, and all the amps, with the associated explanations.
As it stands, there's too much overlap in the series, and too much gap without getting them all. And you have to hunt for it, because it's not in a logical order.
If you need 2 of them, just get Volume 4 and Volume 1, in that order. V4 is head and heels above the rest (thank God, as it took forever to come out).
Enjoy,
Mickey