The sound of rock 'n' roll: analysis and modelling of valve amplifier distortion for electric guitar

We briefly review how the thermonic valve works, and how it can be used in amplfier circuits. The multitude of the non-linearities are identified and briefly discussed in the context of instrument amplifiers. We present a spectral analysis of the output signal from a single-ended class A valve amplfier guitar, and demonstrate how very different distortion signatures can emanate be using different output valves in the amplfier.