Simple diode clipping circuit

[jestaudio]

In a mad bid to add more totally pointleess(to my wife anyway) mods to my amp i,m considering a simple diode clipping circuit, what would be the most effective and is it worth going before the gain stages, in the middle or elsewhere(not the bin guys )

[BTF]

Strange you mentioned this... I just built a modified version of the Westbury Tube pedal. It's a work in progress, but interesting in that the 2 diodes are placed from the output of the second gain stage (after the coupling cap) to the junction of where the first stage cathode resistor joins the cathode. I found it unusual but with larger coupling caps than the online schematic shows, the sound is very surprising through my Twin. I want to try this in an arrangement where there is another gain stage to beef up the low end and a cathode follower with tone controls.

You might want to check this out since the Westbury's arrangement would be easy to switch.

Good Luck, Bill.

[Reeltarded]

I just did a hundred variations of this in testing. It works great just like that in an amp too. You'd like to turn it off, or have it only on a special channel. Opposing diodes after a first stage's coupler, or in another case kind of same idea right on the ground end of the cathode, or across the wiper on a master volume too.

Generally.

[pdf64]

Marshall use a FWB clipper between 2nd & 3rd gain stage in the jcm900, see http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... xx_50w.pdf.
This allows a higher Vp-p due to there being 2 (or is it 3?) diode junctions in series between signal and ground; rather than just 1 diode junction of the simple clipper, which would prevent a following tube getting full signal swing.
The Marshall method allows the following tube to saturate, whilst mitigating for blocking distortion / bias shift (in the following stage).
Pete.

[9pins]

you can also use LED to bias a tube, theres a little lattice with 5 diodes thats used quite a bit and theres sonic differences between Germanium and Silicon diodes, endless tinkering

[jestaudio]

Just tried 2 spare rectifier diodes which certainly got me in the ball park of the sound i,m looking for but with a sustancial volume drop, i'll try a few others after watching the Rugger on tv

[Reeltarded]

Use 12v or 20v if you don't like the volume drop.

[John_P_WI]

FYI, some more info here towards the bottom....

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=17085