AMPLIFIER VALVES

Really early guitar amps were often designed for use with accordions, steels and microphones,” says Neil. “The earliest British one I’ve seen is from 1947 – the Vortexion model EG/10, which was advertised in as the ‘AC/DC amplifier’. Valves in guitar amps are generally providing amplification (preamp valves), power (power valves) and rectification. In the UK, we often refer to a 12AX7 twin triode preamp valve as an ECC83, after the Philips/ Mullard designation. Another well-renowned preamp valve would be the British Mullard EF86