®
Amplification for the Discriminating Musician
ValveTrain 315
User
Guide
ValveTrain Amplification, LLC
31615 Long Acres Drive, Unit 102
Sorrento, FL 32776
407 886-7656
www.valvetrainamps.com
sales@valvetrainamps.com
Table of Contents
Thank You!................................................................................................................. 3
Getting Started ............................................................................................................ 3
Operating the Amplifier..............................................................................................4
Technical Info............................................................................................................. 5
Tricks & Recommendations........................................................................................ 6
Warranty Information ................................................................................................. 7
Hardwood Cabinet Care.............................................................................................. 7
ValveTrain Amplification Page 2 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
Thank You!
We would first and foremost like to thank you for purchasing your amplifier from ValveTrain
Amplification. Your selection means a great deal to us.
Just so you know where we stand on things…
We are committed to providing the most discriminating guitarists in the universe the best possible
products in amplification.
We build a limited portfolio of hand wired amplifiers based off the most sought after circuits in
history using the best parts available.
Getting Started
There are several things you should know to get started with your new amplifier.
• There are no user serviceable items inside the chassis of this amplifier. For your own
safety contact us directly, or take it to a qualified technician.
• ValveTrain Amplification is not responsible for your safety when using this device. We
give you these basics to protect you and well as ourselves.
• Use Common Sense.
• Do not use the amplifier, or leave it plugged in when it is exposed to liquids. (This
includes rain, water, soft drinks and beer.)
• Do not change tubes or fuses without first unplugging the amplifier.
• Use the correct replacement fuse in the event that it needs to be changed.
• Tubes can get extremely hot when the amplifier is in use. Please keep your children
away from them, along with anyone else. They will get severely burned if they come in
contact with the tubes when the amplifier is in operation or recently powered off.
• Do not use the amplifier when it is near drapery, furnishings, paper or anything else
flammable. The heat from the tubes may possibly cause them to ignite. Maintain at least
6 inches of space around the unit while it is in operation.
• Instrument amplifiers by nature are intended to get loud. Respect your hearing and the
hearing of others. Permanent damage may result.
• This amplifier comes with a grounded power cord (3 prong). Do not alter this and always
make sure the unit is connected to properly grounded power of the correct voltage.
(United States 120VAC)
• Never run the amplifier without speaker(s) connected. You may cause major damage
(not under warranty by the way) to the amplifier.
ValveTrain Amplification Page 3 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
We’ve tried to do our part, you do yours…
Don’t take chances.
Operating the Amplifier
The control panel of the ValveTrain 315 looks like this:
NORMAL
BRIGHT
High
Low
NORMAL
5 6
4
3
2
1
VOLUME
10
7
9
8
BRIGHT
5 6
4
3
2
1
VOLUME
10
TONE
5 6
7
4
7
8
3
9
2
8
9
1
10
Valvetrain Amplification, LLC Made in U.S.A.
STANDBY
ON
ValveTrain 315
It’s really pretty simple to use…
Let’s start from the way we’re actually going to use the amp.
1. Make sure that both volume knobs are rotated to the left so that the pointer is below the number 3
on the dial (we prefer 1, but below 3 will do.)
2. For now, set the TONE control between 7 and 8..
3. Make sure that the amp is plugged into a grounded outlet at 120 Volts A.C (Standard U.S.
Electricity)
4. Make sure that the Standby switch is in the down (Unmarked) position.
5. Locate the main power switch labeled POWER on the control panel.
6. After making sure that the Standby switch is in the unmarked position, turn the main power switch
to ON. The pilot lamp should start to glow.
7. WAIT AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. The 6V6GT power tubes in this amp need a little time to warm
up… You could shorten the life of the tubes by rushing things…
8. Plug your guitar cable into one of the input jacks on the left side of the control panel. (Any one
will do, but you might as well start with BRIGHT High)
9. Next, turn the standby switch to the up (STANDBY ON) position.
10. The amplifier should be active at this point… so….
11. Rotate the BRIGHT knob to the desired level of loudness and play…
12. To use the NORMAL channel, plug your guitar cable into the jack marked NORMAL High.
13. Rotate the NORMAL knob to the desired level of loudness and play…
POWER
ON
That’s about it…
ValveTrain Amplification Page 4 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
Technical Info
Power Requirement: 120 Volts A.C. (USA Model) – Grounded Outlet
240 Volts A.C. (Export Model) – Grounded Outlet
Power Output: Approximately 15 Watts R.M.S.
Tuber Order: Numbered 1 through 5 from RIGHT to LEFT as you look at the
back of the amplifier.
Preamp Tubes: 12AY7 – This tube is located in position 1.
12AX7 – This tube is located in position 2.
Acceptable Alternatives:
12AX7
5751
ECC83 (Equivalent to 12AX7)
Power Tubes: 6V6GT Duet
These are located in positions 3 and 4.
Rectifier Tube: 5Y3GT
This is located in position 5.
Speaker Load: 8 Ohms.
Speaker Outputs: There are 2 Speaker jacks located on the underside of the
chassis between Tubes #2 and #3. The jack closest to Tube #3
(one of the 6V6GT’s) is the main output. (Hint: It’s also marked
Main on the warning plate) This jack is always to be used first.
There is a switch in this jack that will not allow any sound to be
produced if this jack is not in use.
The total recommended load for the amplifier is 8 Ohms. The
amps should operate without damage at 4, 8 or 16 Ohms. Do
not run the amp with speaker loads above 16 Ohms or below 4
Ohms.
Speakers: Eminence Patriot Series Red, White & Blues 12”
This speaker is rated for: 8 Ohms and 120 Watts
ValveTrain Amplification Page 5 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
Tricks & Recommendations
#1
This amp has what are called “Interactive Volume Controls”. This means that the 2 Volume
controls influence each other in the circuit.
To better understand this, rotate the Volume knob of the channel that you are NOT using and
listen to what happens to the tone.
#2
Our Favorite Setting… (For Stratocasters, Telecasters and other Single Coil Guitars)
Set all 3 Controls between 7 and 8 and let it rip!!
#3
Learn to use the Volume control on your guitar…
Back it down to cleanup the signal and get clean, shimmering tones.
Open it up to get the distortion that is normally associated with this amps forefather… (The
Fender 5E3 Deluxe)
#4
Any Marshall fanatic will tell you that you can use a short jumper cord (shielded please), like for
combining stomp boxes, to connect the 2 channels together.
Plug your guitar into BRIGHT High and a short cable from BRIGHT Low to NORMAL High.
Play around with the volume controls some and see what you like. You can always reverse the
setup by plugging the guitar into NORMAL High, and setting the jumper between NORMAL Low
and BRIGHT High
#5
Enjoy!!
ValveTrain Amplification Page 6 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
Warranty Information
Please be sure you understand the information on this page, we do our best, but we've got to
have a few rules...
Our Warranty:
We stand behind our products. We warrant our products to the original purchaser for a period of
1 year from the date of purchase.
If you send us the registration card within 30 days of purchase (proof of purchase required), we
will extend the warranty 1 additional year.
The warranty covers parts and labor for our workmanship and all components except
transformers, tubes and speakers, which are covered for 60 days.
For warranty service, send us the amp and we'll fix it. You pay the shipping costs both ways.
If the amp has been modified, abused or repaired by someone else, the warranty is void.
Any abused or damaged items are not eligible for warranty claims.
Hardwood Cabinet Care
If your amp comes with one of our hardwood cabinets, the care of it is just what you would expect
to do for a fine piece of had-crafted furniture (because that’s exactly what it is!!).
The finish on the cabinet is hand rubbed nitro-cellulose lacquer.
You can use paste waxes, spray waxes or any other top quality furniture polish. We also
recommend the Fender Instrument Care kit from Meguiar’s.
Use a soft cloth and follow the instructions on whatever product you choose.
We do recommend keeping any of these products away from the control panel. Getting wax in
the switches and controls is not a good thing!!
ValveTrain Amplification Page 7 ValveTrain 315 User Manual
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