Texas Tone 50 User manual

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 1
Texas Tone 50 Owner’s Manual
Congratulations!
You are now the proud owner of the Texas Tone™ 50 tube guitar amplifier. This amp packs a dynamic
vintage tube sound with two channels into a dual speaker combo cabinet –giving you an amp that is
easy to operate, easy to transport, and produces those sweet tube amp sounds that we all crave!
Like all Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone™ products, your Texas Tone 50 amplifier is designed by
musicians and built using the finest components available. Extensive testing confirms that this amplifier
is the absolute best it can be. To get the most out of your new amplifier, we strongly urge you to read
the information contained in this manual before you begin playing.
Thank you for choosing Texas Tone™!

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 2
READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT OPEN OR REMOVE CHASSIS!
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE REAR COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
•WARNING: THIS UNIT REQUIRES A SAFETY GROUNDED 120VAC 60Hz OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT
ELECTRIC CODES. ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO
CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY
REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE AMPLIFIER.
•WARNING: THIS AMPLIFIER PRODUCES HIGH DC VOLTAGE (400+ VDC). DO NOT REMOVE THE REAR
PANEL OR OPERATE WITH THE REAR PANEL REMOVED.
•SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFED PERSONNEL ONLY.
•DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS
AMPLIFIER. FOR PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3” (75mm) OF WELL-VENTILATED SPACE
AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.
•WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT USE THIS AMPLIFIER NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.
•CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.
•PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.
•UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
•ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.
•OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE
TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER
CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.
Contents
Congratulations!......................................................................................................................................1
READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS. ..................................................2
The Texas Tone 50...................................................................................................................................3
Specific Features of the Texas Tone 50: ...............................................................................................4
The Front Panel:......................................................................................................................................5
The Rear Panel: .......................................................................................................................................7
Important Information about Guitar Amp Vacuum Tubes (Valves):..........................................................8
Tube Types and Usage:........................................................................................................................8
Tubes: Why (And When) To Replace Them: .........................................................................................9
Whenever you replace the power tubes: .........................................................................................9
Survival Tips for Tube Amplifiers:.......................................................................................................10
Texas Tone 50 Technical Specifications:.................................................................................................10

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 3
The Texas Tone 50
The Texas Tone 50 is inspired by the dynamic performance of two famous vintage amps of the 1950s
and ‘60s - the famous 5F6-A Fender® Bassman and the Marshall JTM45 - while adding some unique
touches and modern safety and construction methods.
Vintage tube guitar amplifiers suffer from outdated electrical grounding methods. Texas Tone™guitar
amps feature modern grounding techniques and three-prong electrical plugs for safe, low-noise
operation. Many amps from the 1950s also have very little clean headroom. Special features allow the
Texas Tone 50 extra headroom when needed, or total tube amp distortion. This allows the guitarist to
get that sweet and creamy tube crunch, or to tame those vintage sounds, depending upon the control
panel settings.
The Texas Tone 50 features two interdependent inputs and volume controls. The traditional Normal
channel is augmented by shielded inputs and a shock-mounted preamp tube. The traditional “Bright”
channel has been re-voiced to a more modern and tight “Lead” channel. (The only difference between
the traditional "Normal" and "Bright" channels is a treble by-pass capacitor on the Bright volume control
to bypass high frequencies at low volume levels.) As you approach maximum volume, the difference is
less and less, until there is no difference between the Normal and Bright channels at higher volumes.
This re-voicing of the Lead Channel tightens up the overdrive tone and the bottom end and makes the
Texas Tone 50 more pedal friendly. Some of the guitar's low frequencies are removed at the first stage
preamp, yielding more clean headroom and maximum volume. Low frequencies use a lot of the amp's
power, so removing these very low frequencies allows more amplification of the remaining audio
frequencies. During overdrive, the large coupling caps in the later gain stages will allow low frequency
intermodulation distortion harmonics to be passed through the amp for a subtle but thick low end. This
will not happen in a traditional amp or clone.
Prepare to be blown away, especially when using a boost pedal to increase the gain and distortion!
From clean to dirty, this amp allows you to remain in control of your sound; you’ll be surprised at the
variety of tones you can achieve with this amp.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 4
Specific Features of the Texas Tone 50:
•Shock-mounted first stage preamp tube.
•USA made transformers
•Isolated Standby switch
•MIL-Spec wire
•Low-noise resistors
•Shielded input signal cables
•High quality JJ, Sprague, and Mallory 150 Capacitors
•Hand-wired turret board
•Rugged 14-gauge 0.060”brushed aluminum chassis.
•Interactive volume controls for the Normal and Lead channels that allow tones from the mid-
1950s tweed era to the mid-1960s rock era to the modern era.
•Built-in toggle switch to jumper the two Input channels –no need for a patch cable!
•Two 101+ dB Eminence 12” speaker –One full range American voiced Patriot series - Clean and
full, with lots of body, and one bright Redcoat series British voiced - thick and smooth, with lots
of mids and extended highs. Nice tight low-end, smooth midrange and top end sparkle.
•Variable negative feedback (NFB) Voicing control; a re-imagining of the famous Presence
control.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 5
The Front Panel:
1. INPUTS: Texas Tone 50 has two channels, “NORMAL” and “LEAD.” The Treble, Middle, Bass, and
Voicing controls work for both.
a. HIGH Input: This is the normal, high gain, high impedance (1MegΩ) input. Connect your
guitar here by means of a shielded signal cable.
b. LOW Input: The “Low” input features a -6dB attenuation compared to the “High” Input.
Use the low input for lower gain and quieter performance, or when using high-gain pickups
to gain more headroom before the onset of distortion. When both inputs are used at the
same time, they offer the same gain characteristics.
c. Split / Jump switch. Enables jumping the two channels together. No need for a patch
cable; just plug into any input, move the switch the “JUMP” and the two High inputs
jumpered together for a fatter tone. Your guitar signal will flow through both channel
preamp tubes in parallel, adding texture and complexity to the tone. Use the individual
Volume controls to control the drive of each channel.
Example: With both volume controls turned down, turn the Normal volume control to
the desired volume level. Then turn up the Lead volume. As the Lead volume
matches and then exceeds the setting of the Normal channel, more and more
distortion is added, giving a sweet blues tone.
2. VOLUME: The two channels are somewhat interactive. Even when you’re only plugged into one
channel, you can still expect some minor interaction from the volume knob of the other channel.
a. NORMAL channel: The knob on the left controls the “NORMAL” volume. The Normal
channel is a traditional 12AX7 preamp channel.
b. LEAD channel: The knob on the right controls the “LEAD” volume. The Lead channel is
specifically voice for overdrive, being very pedal friendly, with reduced bass response in the
first gain stage. The result is more headroom and maximum volume without muddiness.
Using a boost pedal with the Lead channel results in beautiful tube amp overdrive.
3. TREBLE: Turning the Treble control clockwise from the mid-point (straight up) produces a brighter
tone. Counter-clockwise reduces the high frequency response.
4. MIDDLE: The middle control affects the mid-range frequencies. Turning down the Middle control
allows a more ‘blackface’ tone, especially with the Treble and Bass turned up. Cranking up the
Middle control provides a thicker, louder, and more distorted tone.
5. BASS: The Bass knob controls the response of the lower frequencies. Clockwise for more bass,
counterclockwise for less.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 6
6. VOICING:In a manner like a Presence control, the Voicing controls the amount of negative feedback
on the high frequencies. Turning it clockwise increases the amount of negative feedback and the
apparent brightness of the amp. The Texas Tone 50 Voicing control makes it easier to control
overdrive via the guitarist’s picking style and makes the amp's overdrive tone cleaner and tighter.
7. Indicator lamp: The lamp will illuminate whenever the amplifier is plugged in to a 120V power
source and the Power switch is turned on.
8. Standby switch: The isolated Standby switch controls the high voltage to the tubes of the Texas
Tone 50. The Standby switch may also be used to quiet the amplifier for short periods.
9. Power switch: To turn on the amplifier, make sure that the Standby switch is in the “STANDBY”
position, and then turn on the power switch. After enough time for the tubes to warm up, at least
15 seconds, turn on the Standby switch. To turn off the amplifier, place the Standby switch back to
the STANDBY position, and switch off the Power switch.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 7
The Rear Panel:
WARNING:
•Tube amps such as the Texas Tone 50 contain lethal high voltages over 440 Volts. Do not
attempt to service the amplifier or touch the inner components!
•Tubes can get hot enough to burn skin. Do not touch the tubes when the amp has been in use
for more than five minutes.
1. 120 VAC Fuse Holder: Use only a 3AG type Slow Blow 3 Amp rated fuse. If the fuse blows, or the
amplifier will not power on, consult a qualified tube amp technician.
a. The Texas Tone 50 contains an internal 500mA high voltage fuse. Only authorizes personnel
should troubleshoot a loss of high voltage!
2. Line Cord: The grounded power cord should only be plugged into a grounded power outlet that
meets all applicable electrical codes and is compatible with 120 Volts AC, 60 Hz power. Do not
attempt to defeat the safety ground connection
3. Tube sockets (from left to right –not shown):
a. V6: Tube rectifier. Use only a high quality GZ34/5AR4 type rectifier tube. A JJ Electronics
GZ34vtube is standard.
b. V4 & V5: Power output tubes. Use only a matched pair of high quality 6L6GC tubes. A
Premium Matched pair of Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC tubes is standard. The power tubes use
fixed bias (adjustable). Always have a qualified technician check the bias adjustment when
changing power tubes for long tube life and great tone. Factory biased at 60%.
c. V3: Phase splitter. The phase splitter circuit in the Texas Tone 50 is specially designed to use
a 12AX7 type tube for maximum bandwidth and drive. Use only a high quality 12AX7/ECC83
tube. A JJ ECC83s (12AX7) tube is standard. A 12AT7 tube may be used, resulting in less
drive to the power tubes.
d. V2: Preamplifier and tone stack driver. Use only a high quality 12AX7/ECC83/7025 type
vacuum tube. JJ Electronics ECC83s (12AX7) is standard for its outstanding low noise
characteristics.
e. V1: First stage preamplifier tube. Use only a high quality 12AX7/ECC83/7025 type vacuum
tube. A Mullard 12AX7 New Production is standard. The V1 tube socket is shock-mounted
to aid in reducing noise.
4. Speaker connector: The Texas Tone 50 ships with a 1/4” cable connecting the 4Ω speaker jack to
the two 8Ω internal speakers in parallel. There is an additional 4Ω speaker output for an extension
cabinet.
NOTE: Do not power on or operate the amplifier without a speaker plugged in! Damage will
result.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 8
Important Information about Guitar Amp Vacuum Tubes (Valves):
The sound produced by a tube-powered amplifier is significantly different from that produced by a solid-
state amplifier with similar design specifications. When pushed past their limits, solid-state devices
tend to go immediately into distortion.
Tubes, on the other hand, are non-linear devices that transition more smoothly into distortion, and
produce a more musical set of harmonics, the intensity of which can be controlled by the player. This
characteristic adds warmth and definition to the sound, which has become the hallmark of tube
amplifiers. When tubes are driven into clipping, the harmonic overtones can be both sweet and
pleasing, or intense and penetrating, depending on the musician’s musical taste and playing technique.
Modern application engineers have designed many outstanding solid-state amplifiers that sound quite
good. Some use modeling circuitry that enables them to simulate the distortion characteristics of a tube
amplifier. Since the response of tubes is both dynamic and non-linear, the true range of characteristics
of tube amplifiers can only be approximated. Modern tube amplifiers such as Texas Tone™ amps, offer
that classic, dynamic vintage sound in today’s contemporary market.
Tube Types and Usage:
Preamp tube circuits amplify the signal from your instrument and shape the sound, and they can
sometimes become microphonic (mechanically pick up and transmit external noises). Since these tubes
are used in the critical first stages of a tube amplifier's circuitry, it is very important to use high quality,
low noise/low microphonic tubes for this application. Although tubes of this quality may typically cost
more than standard tubes, the improvement in performance is worth the investment, and in some
cases, critical. Blumentritt Amplification performs extensive testing and works with tube suppliers to
determine the best tube for each position in the amplifier.
Preamplifier tubes are also used to drive the power tubes. The power tubes convert the low-level,
conditioned signal from the preamplifier into a level that is sufficient to drive the speakers. There are
several types of power tubes available, each of which offers a different performance/sound
characteristic. The 6L6WGC tubes used in the Texas Tone 50 produce a full range, rich and creamy
sound with nice distortion. Some tubes are available in matched sets. These tubes are extensively
tested for optimum performance and longevity. Matched sets of power tubes are highly
recommended. A Premium Matched pair of Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC tubes is standard on the Texas
Tone 50.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 9
Tubes: Why (And When) To Replace Them:
Tubes are made of many fragile mechanical components that are vacuum sealed in a glass envelope.
The longevity of a tube depends upon several factors, including how hard and often the amplifier is
played, vibration from the speakers, road travel, repeated set up and tear down, etc. Any time you
notice a change in your amplifier's performance, check the tubes first.
If it has been a while since the tubes were replaced and the sound from your amplifier lacks punch,
fades in and out, loses highs or lows or produces unusual sounds, the power tubes may need replacing.
If your amplifier squeals, makes noise, loses gain, starts to hum, lacks dynamic sensitivity, or feels as if it
is working against you, the preamplifier tubes may need replacing.
The power tubes are subjected to considerably more stress than the preamplifier tubes. Consequently,
they usually fail/degrade first. If deteriorating power tubes are not replaced, they will ultimately fail.
Depending on the failure mode, they may even cause severe damage to the audio output transformer
and/or other components in the amplifier. Replacing the tubes before they fail completely has the
potential to save you time, money, and unwanted trouble. Since power tubes work together in an
amplifier, it is crucial that they are replaced by a matched set. If you are on the road a lot, we
recommend that you carry a spare matched set of replacement power tubes and their associated driver
tubes.
After turning off the power and disconnecting the amplifier from the power source, carefully check the
tubes (in bright light) for cracks or white spots inside the glass or any other apparent damage. Then,
with the power on, view the tubes in a dark room. Look for preamplifier tubes that do not glow at all or
power tubes that glow excessively red.
Whenever you replace the power tubes:
The output tubes of the Texas Tone 50 are biased with an adjustable fixed bias. When changing the
output tubes, it is important to validate and possibly adjust the negative bias voltage. The output
section of the Texas Tone 50 is designed for long tube life. When the output tubes are replaced, we
recommend that you replace the phase inverter tube as well. The phase inverter tube determines the
shape and amplitude of the signal applied to the power tubes and must work almost as hard as the
power tubes. The phase inverter on the Texas Tone 50 is a special design that yields wide bandwidth
and gain characteristics when used with a 12AX7 tube. A 12AT7 may be used for less output drive.
You can check your preamplifier tubes for microphonics by turning the amplifier on, turning up the gain
and tapping lightly on each tube with a chopstick or other light wooden dowel. You will be able to hear
the tapping through your speakers, which is normal. It is not normal for a tube to ring like a bell after it
is tapped. If it does ring, then it is microphonic and should be replaced. The first stage preamp tube in
shock-mounted to reduce noise and microphonics. Remember to use only high quality, low microphonic
tubes in the preamplifier section. Even though power tubes are rarely microphonic, you should check
them anyway. The power tubes can be checked for microphonics just like pre-amp tubes.

Blumentritt Amplification Texas Tone 50 Owner's Manual 10
Survival Tips for Tube Amplifiers:
To prolong tube life, observe these tips and recommendations:
•Make sure the speaker(s) are properly connected prior to turning on the amplifier. DO NOT
OPERATE THE AMPLIFIER WITHOUT A SPEAKER OR PROPER DUMMY LOAD ATTACHED. TO DO
SO WILL DAMAGE THE AMPLIFIER.
•Allow the amplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on. The heat generated
by the tube elements can crack the cold glass housing.
•After playing the amplifier, allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it.
A properly cooled amplifier prolongs tube life due to the internal components being less
susceptible to the damage caused by vibration.
•Match the impedance of your speaker cabinet(s) to your amplifier. Improper impedance
matching will contribute to early tube degradation and may cause premature tube failure.
•Replace the output tube(s) before the performance degrades or the tubes fail completely.
Check the tube(s) when you notice degraded performance.
•If the locating notch on the base of a power tube breaks off, replace the tube. This significantly
reduces the risk of damaging your amplifier by incorrectly inserting the tube.
•Protect the amplifier from dust and moisture. If liquid gets into the amplifier proper, or if the
amplifier is dropped or otherwise mechanically abused, have it checked out at an authorized
service technician before using it.
•Proper maintenance and cleaning in combination with routine checkups by an authorized
technician will insure the best performance and longest life from your amplifier.
CAUTION: Tube replacement should be performed only by qualified service personnel who are familiar
with the dangers of hazardous voltages that are typically present in tube circuitry.
Texas Tone 50 Technical Specifications:
Output Power Rating
40W RMS (Push-Pull Class AB); 4 Ohm load
Gain:
65Db Typical
Tone Controls
Treble +/- 12 dB @ 10k Hz
Middle +/- 20 dB @ 500 Hz
Bass +/-6 dB @ 80 Hz
Internal Speaker
2x 12”, 50W Eminence, 8Ω, 1.75” voice coil, 38
oz. ferrite magnet, 101.+ dB sensitivity
Preamp Tubes
1 x 12AX7 Mullard NP; 1 x ECC83s JJ
Phase Inverter
1 x ECC83s JJ
Power Tubes
2 x 6L6GC EH Premium Matched Pair
Rectifier Tube
1 x GZ34/5AR4 JJ Electronics
Power Requirements
120VAC, 60Hz
Size and Weight
(H) 21" x (W) 28" x (D) 9", 56 lbs.
The Texas Tone 50 is covered with a durable Tolex material: wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.
Never spray cleaning agents onto the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleansers, which would damage the finish.
Specifications and information in this manual are subject to change without notice.