Required reading for amp addicts

We all have that post NAMM G.A.S going on. We also know that we have to wait a while for the cool new stuff to hit the shelves. While we wait, I thought it would be a good idea to read up on the machines that make Rock and Roll loud. Amplifiers. We know them, we love them, we turn them up to 11. So check out these great books all about the wood,tolex,sheet metal, and glowing glass that makes our guitars sound larger than life.

Vox Amplifers: The JMI years is a new release that is certain to become a classic. This book by Jim Elyea is a massive book chock full of information, pictures, and stories of one of the most historic amplifiers lines ever. Anybody who was anybody was using Vox amplifiers back in the day and this book has it all. At $85 it's a bit steep but it is 682 pages of rock and roll history.

The History of Marshall by Michael Doyle is one of the most comprehensive amplifier books I have seen. This book not only has the story of Jim Marshall from his beginnings in the music business as a drummer (yes, a drummer) to shop owner, to small manufacturer to worldwide phenomenon. The book has some great photo's of the old amps as well as a great deal of detail on specific models,years, and even schematics.

The Tube Amp Book by Aspen Pitman is undoubtedly the definitive text on tubes and amplifiers. This book has information on the all the big amp companies as well as tech articles and schematics. If you have ever wanted to learn about tube amps, this is a great way to start.

Fender Amps: The First Fifty Years has everything a Fender amp nut could want. The company history, amp lineage, and chapters discussing everything from the first Deluxe amps in 1945 to the current custom shop offerings. If you have tweed in your blood, this book is for you.

These stories of innovation and perseverance in the world of musical instrument amplification will educate and enlighten you. Pick up one of these great books and lose yourself in the history of Rock and Roll.

Scott