Amp Question

Jag513

Jag513

New member
Alright guys, I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe that I bought about a month ago, and I have a question about it.

After using it, I noticed the amp sounded a little buzzy, unlike how it was in the store (I didn't buy it off the floor; I got a brand new one). After doing a little research, I found out that Fender biases their amps a little cold, probably just to be on the safe side. So, I decided to re-bias it. I also found a site called the Unofficial Guide to Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amps. Really good site for anyone with a HRDeluxe or Deville. Under the bias page (http://studentweb.eku.edu/justin_holton/bias.html), if you go to the section where he talks about what tubes to use, not use, etc., he says to stay far far away from Groove Tubes 6L6B's. However...Hot Rod Deluxes come STOCK with Groove Tubes 6L6B's. Not just mine (I did check, they're B's), but all HRD's (online owner's manual: http://www.mrgearhead.net/faq/pdf/guitarpdf/Hot_Rod_Deluxe.pdf if you're lazy or your computer's slow, I've attached bits of the manual as a JPEG below). What's up with this? Should I swap tubes right away? All you amp experts, got any ideas?

Anyway, I plan to buy a spare set of tubes. I was looking at Groove Tubes 6L6S's, for a punchy "rock" sound (I've heard that's what these are good for). However, these are in the gray area on that Hot Rod Guide site. Since I'm kinda a newbie to tubes, and since I don't really want to screw it up, I think I might stay away from these. Anybody got recommendations for a nice set of 6L6GC's? I've looked at the JJ ones, I've heard good things about them, but I've also heard that they're pretty bassy. Since Hot Rods are naturally bassy (even muddy at lower volumes), I'm not so sure about these. Any ideas on either problem?

Any help is appreciated.

~Pras
 
Re: Amp Question

switching the speaker will probably be a larger improvement than switching the tubes, if you havn't already.
 
Re: Amp Question

iDunnoMang said:
switching the speaker will probably be a larger improvement than switching the tubes, if you havn't already.
Click to expand...
For the muddyness? I thought of that, but my parents are kind of mad that I just got a new amp a month ago and am already thinking of spending more money changing the speaker. But the main problem really is the whole 6L6B tube thing. The spare tubes can wait some.
 
Re: Amp Question

I wouldn't be too sure, I've heard that changing tubes can give very drastic tonal changes, even when staying within the same type (6L6 for example).
 
Re: Amp Question

yeah, changing tubes makes a big difference too, but stock hot rod deluxes just come with horrible, horrible speakers. Think of your old cab you had. ill probably get tubes first depending on which is cheaper, then go for speakers..

but im not going to get it with my amp. i think ill wait some.
 
Re: Amp Question

Anyway, although my main question still hasn't been answered yet, thanks for the help so far guys.

Anybody else got any ideas/recommendations/experiences/solutions?
 
Re: Amp Question

Call Bob at eurotubes.com and get some JJ Tesla 6L6GC's. And get some good ECC83S preamp tubes also as this is a major easily-done tone mod that will have big tonal benefits.

Also, a speaker change will benefit you.
 
Re: Amp Question

Update: So, from another forum, I have heard that the B's are pretty unreliable, but, hypothetically, if they were to break down, would that melt my amp or just ruin the tubes? Right now I'm thinking of just running it the way it is, unless keeping these tubes in is putting my amp in danger.
 
Re: Amp Question

I don't know much about those amps in particular, but I wonder if it's broken in? I mean have you given the speaker a good workout at high volume to loosen it up a bit. Also, some tubes sound a bit better as they get some hours on them. You said you liked the one in the store, but bought one new in the box. I'm guessing the one in the store was more broken in.
 
Re: Amp Question

Mkf411 said:
I don't know much about those amps in particular, but I wonder if it's broken in? I mean have you given the speaker a good workout at high volume to loosen it up a bit. Also, some tubes sound a bit better as they get some hours on them. You said you liked the one in the store, but bought one new in the box. I'm guessing the one in the store was more broken in.
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That's an idea...I was thinking that the store simply re-biased the amp, but I didn't know tubes took some breaking in...I thought manufacturers do that though, before releasing the tubes, like they keep them going for 48 hours straight or something like that? I don't know, I'm kind of a newb to tubes...
 
Re: Amp Question

Buzzy is kind of a general term. IMO, Hotrod's have buzzy gain channels, which is how they naturally sound. I'd first recommend turning down the gain to the point where the amp just sounds mildly overdriven, then use a good OD pedal to bring it back up to singing sustain. Amp manufacturers use the the cheapest, most reliable tubes they can buy in bulk. Personally, if I had a Hotrod Deluxe (I've had two Devilles), I'd sell the speaker for a few bucks, replace it with a Vintage 30, use Svetlana 6L6's and Sovtek 12AX7LPS pre tubes. Get a good OD like a Fulltone FDII, and never max out the gritty gain on the amp.

Or, you could return or sell the amp, and shop for one that fits your style to a T, so you don't have to change anything.
 
Re: Amp Question

I'm not really sure what the tube makers do. I think they test them.

But I think it's more a issue of breaking in the speaker and the tube being used a bit. Also, getting used to new gear takes time. When I went from a modelling amp to tube, it was a bit of an adjustment. Give it some time before you blow more money.
 
Re: Amp Question

:hijack:

How would you compare the HRD speaker to the speaker(s) in a 2004 Classic 30 or Delta Blues 210?
 
Re: Amp Question

Gearjoneser said:
Buzzy is kind of a general term. IMO, Hotrod's have buzzy gain channels, which is how they naturally sound. I'd first recommend turning down the gain to the point where the amp just sounds mildly overdriven, then use a good OD pedal to bring it back up to singing sustain. Amp manufacturers use the the cheapest, most reliable tubes they can buy in bulk. Personally, if I had a Hotrod Deluxe (I've had two Devilles), I'd sell the speaker for a few bucks, replace it with a Vintage 30, use Svetlana 6L6's and Sovtek 12AX7LPS pre tubes. Get a good OD like a Fulltone FDII, and never max out the gritty gain on the amp.

Or, you could return or sell the amp, and shop for one that fits your style to a T, so you don't have to change anything.
Click to expand...
Actually, I don't use the Hotrod's OD too mch, since I already have good pedals, and want to avoid the channel buzz. I do exactly what you're telling me to do. What I meant is that the clean channel is noisey too. But thanks anyway, and nice suggestions. And the amp that fit my style to a T's a bit out of my range lol. (Mesa, anyone?)
 
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