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Rating: 
Summary: Well worth the money
Review: Gerald Weber has build guitar amps for years, the Kendrick Amps. These are copies of the original Fender tweeds. He's also built a few amps of his own. However, he's really no expert on the real issues as they relate to tube amps, even though he has a lot of good information.
Here are some examples of the misinformation I found in the book:
He states, in the first chapter, that the reason tubes amps sound so good, in the early days, is the fact that they used diode tubes in the early supplies. When current was drawn across the tube, it developed a voltage drop which causes the output tube voltage to sag, thereby causing a mid-rangey distortion type.
While the action (dropped voltage across the output tubes) is true, the explanation behind it, is not.
The real issue, here, is the fact that the power supplies, back then, were not stiff supplies. They didn't have enough capacitance in the output filters to compensate for loading issues (i.e. instantaneous current draw). The newer supplies are much "stiffer" and they regulate better. A solid-state supply could be made to match the older vacuum tube supplies.
There are other obvious electronic explanations, in the book, that do not follow real physics and/or electronics models. What he is saying about the final result in the amplifiers sound quality and operational charactaristics is correct, however, the explanation of how it really works is not correct.
If you're into vintage amps, modifications, or just building one from the schematics Gerald has done an awesome job compiling information. He's got great, readable schematics, layout diagrams, etc. in the book. It's a bit biased toward Fender, however.
He also has some great historical information, as it relates to the Fender amps, as well.
Overall, I think the book is good. It's just hard to read because of the indescrepancies in the electronics section.
Rating: 
Summary: Basically, good information. Some misinformation though.
Review: Gerald Weber has build guitar amps for years, the Kendrick Amps. These are copies of the original Fender tweeds. He's also built a few amps of his own. However, he's really no expert on the real issues as they relate to tube amps, even though he has a lot of good information.
Here are some examples of the misinformation I found in the book:
He states, in the first chapter, that the reason tubes amps sound so good, in the early days, is the fact that they used diode tubes in the early supplies. When current was drawn across the tube, it developed a voltage drop which causes the output tube voltage to sag, thereby causing a mid-rangey distortion type.
While the action (dropped voltage across the output tubes) is true, the explanation behind it, is not.
The real issue, here, is the fact that the power supplies, back then, were not stiff supplies. They didn't have enough capacitance in the output filters to compensate for loading issues (i.e. instantaneous current draw). The newer supplies are much "stiffer" and they regulate better. A solid-state supply could be made to match the older vacuum tube supplies.
There are other obvious electronic explanations, in the book, that do not follow real physics and/or electronics models. What he is saying about the final result in the amplifiers sound quality and operational charactaristics is correct, however, the explanation of how it really works is not correct.
If you're into vintage amps, modifications, or just building one from the schematics Gerald has done an awesome job compiling information. He's got great, readable schematics, layout diagrams, etc. in the book. It's a bit biased toward Fender, however.
He also has some great historical information, as it relates to the Fender amps, as well.
Overall, I think the book is good. It's just hard to read because of the indescrepancies in the electronics section.
Rating:
Summary: 2 dimensional
Review: Good collection of schematics. The few "hip" amps Weber touches on in detail are all Fenders, leaving out dozens of holy classics. With an almost total lack of subjective analysis, the book ends up as a big Kendrick Amp advertisement (his company)
blah blah blah...
Rating:
Summary: 2 dimensional
Review: Good collection of schematics. The few "hip" amps Weber touches on in detail are all Fenders, leaving out dozens of holy classics. With an almost total lack of subjective analysis, the book ends up as a big Kendrick Amp advertisement (his company)
blah blah blah...
Rating: 
Summary: A good primer for those interested in vintage amps.
Review: Weber covers a lot of territory in this guide to vintage amps. Written for those without technical backgrounds, much of the book is in "question/answer" format. While coverage of Fender amps is excellent, those interested in Marshall, Vox and more esoteric vacuum tube amps might feel slighted. A must have for anyone interested in collecting/restoring or just purchasing vintage amps
Rating:
Summary: Well worth the money
Review: Weber does a good job of covering the basics of tube amp design, with a clear bias towards Fender amps. You can learn a lot about these amps, and feel (relatively) comfortable servicing or modifying your amp. It is comprehensive enough to use as the guide in building your own amp from the information and schematics provided.
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