12ax7 Tube Geeks

[The Golden Boy]

What would be the most "sterile," "transparent," "not warm," "hi-fi," sounding 12ax7s around? I'm not concerned about NOS or anything- I'm thinking about getting a very "immediate," Solid State sort of sound.

I've got a Mesa Boogie Bass 400+ that needs tubes. I really like the SS bass amp sound, and a cross between the SS and tube sound is appealing.

 

[stonabus]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

gt's

 

[jimmy]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Sovtek LPS.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Sovtek LPS.

+1.

Or Boogie's own super-tested, bullet-proof, works-in-high-gain-amps 12AX7.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Talk to my friend, Todd, who owns www.revolutionguitar.com and tell him I sent you. Personally, I'd get JJ 6L6's, and the best cheapest 12AX7's you can find.
On Ebay, search for unlabeled Shuguang 12AX7's. They're balanced and hot, and sound good in any amp I've put them in. I like JJ power tubes, just because they're long lasting, sound bold and strong, and they're cheaper than most others.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Maybe a NOS JAN 12AX7 or JAN 5751 could be what you want? Most military grade tubes are some what neutral in tone and as bulletproof as a tube can be made.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

For transparent w/o much personality, I'd have to say Electro Harmonix. Not bad 12AX7s IMHO, better clean tone than either Sovtek or GT in my limited experience and not as dark/warm as JJs.

HTH

Chip

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

i like my EHX, not as much as jj's though

kind of the wrong direction though

i don't know what they're putting in mesas & peavey xxx's, but i'd get those. Buzz fizz fart tone to the max

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

For transparent w/o much personality, I'd have to say Electro Harmonix. Not bad 12AX7s IMHO, better clean tone than either Sovtek or GT in my limited experience and not as dark/warm as JJs.

HTH

Chip

True, but I found the Tungsol to be more linear/hi-fi, without the in-your-ear treble spike of the EH. Both are far more similar to each other, than the JJ ECC83 is to either.

 

[i love everyone]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

i'm not really a tube geek, but maybe try getting some 12at7's because they have more clean headroom?

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Sovtek WA or WB I'd say

 

[sosomething]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

Ruby

 

[bigbob]

Re: 12ax7 Tube Geeks

I have a sovtek 5751 that seems like what you want. Got it from Torres.