Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

[Watroba]

I currently have an AVT150 half stack (as shown in signature).

I'm told that changing the one preamp tube will greatly improve its overall sound, but I don't have a clue as to which brand/model to get seeing as I never deal with tubes. I was hoping I could get some recommendations that will give me a better high-gain sound; one that is able to push me more towards a Recto-like Tone.

--Watroba

 

[marvar]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

Generally changing the first preamp tube V1- will have the most effect on your tone. Im not really sure about the AVT's tube layout so I can't tell you which tube is V1 . In most cases, it's the one closest to your input.

 

[Watroba]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

There is only one preamp tube in the Valvestate.

The rest is all Solid-State.

 

[marvar]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

Ok, cool, I'm not familier with the Marshall hybreds.(I'm one of those all tube guys) as far as which model of tube to use, it depends on what type of sound you are looking for. hard to make a recommendation. not only can you change model of tubes, but values also.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

There is no one tube that will give you that kind of sound, unfortunately; and getting a Marshall hybrid to sounds like an all-tube Mesa ...? I don't think it can be done.

If you want to increase the gain, you should use a modern tube, not something like a Mullard clone. The Chinese Groove Tubes are good for that purpose. (It has a "C" in the name of the tube, like 12AX7C.)

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

There is only one preamp tube in the Valvestate.

The rest is all Solid-State.

This is Correct. I doubt Changing the ECC83 in there with help you get closer to a Recto tone? You could try putting a higher gain 12AX7C ,Or what ever the highest gain 12AX7 is out there now? But Again, I don't think you'll hear a
major difference.

 

[Watroba]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

This is Correct. I doubt Changing the ECC83 in there with help you get closer to a Recto tone? You could try putting a higher gain 12AX7C ,Or what ever the highest gain 12AX7 is out there now? But Again, I don't think you'll hear a
major difference.

I've thought about this..

I know it won't be major. While the Valvestates are labeled "hybrid," they really aren't. Most of the sound comes from the circuitry, while the one preamp tube is mostly a sales gimmick. However, I'm willing to give it a try for fifteen dollars.

As far as achieving a Recto tone out of this thing, I'm not really trying. I was just giving a reference tone so recommendations would be easier. In the near future I'll need to get a new amplifier, but as for right now I'll have to try the tube replacement.

Any more recommendations aside from the Chinese GT 12AX7C?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

Check these two links for good reviews of various 12AX7's. They'll tell you what the different models sound like.

TubeDepot.com

Watford Valves

The best thing about 12AX7's is that they are cheap (provided you're not looking for original NOS Mullards). Once you understand what various models sound like, you can usually find them cheap on eBay. Buy a few and experiment.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

since the preamp tubes do not cost too terribly much, you could buy two or three of them and see which ones do it for you.

The newish JJ ecc803S is a SWEET tube!

 

[CooterLips1000]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

I've thought about this..

I know it won't be major. While the Valvestates are labeled "hybrid," they really aren't. Most of the sound comes from the circuitry, while the one preamp tube is mostly a sales gimmick. However, I'm willing to give it a try for fifteen dollars.

As far as achieving a Recto tone out of this thing, I'm not really trying. I was just giving a reference tone so recommendations would be easier. In the near future I'll need to get a new amplifier, but as for right now I'll have to try the tube replacement.

Any more recommendations aside from the Chinese GT 12AX7C?

Yeah, this is an old thread, but I see there was no resolution to the thread.... so here I go...

I just replaced the original 12AX7 out of my 1991-2 Valvestate 8240, and it made a SIGNIFICANT improvement to the tone. It seems to have smoother, but more aggressive gain (If that makes any sense??). It's not like I now have a JCM800/900, but it sounds PRETTY DAMN GOOD. For instance...

I was gonna use this amp for rehearsal, but I decided to to bring my Line6 Floor POD xt and plug that into the OD2 channel in my Marshall Valvestate to get them good high gain sounds. This config worked fine for practice. However I just got my new GT 12AX7-C, and a Blackstar METAL ht pedal today, so I installed the tube and gave it a test drive.

With a very pleasant surprise I plugged my guitar straight into the amp, no pedals, and right away I heard MEATY, SHARP, CUTTING tones out of my VS 8240. MUCH better than the old stock tube. The new tube gives me PLENTY of gain, and it sounds really awesome. SO MUCH gain that I ALMOST don't need to use my new pedal to get the ultra high-gain sound rolling. I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but it seemed easier to get good tones right from go, without much tweaking. I'm getting good classic Marshall crunch, and newer metal high-gain distortion.

For a mere $19.99 (w/shipping) from Guitar Center, I feel it was the best 20 bucks I've ever spent. (BTW, the best $50 I spent was on the Valvestate which I just purchased the week before)

Good Luck to anyone who might find this useful to improve their old VS.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

I like JJ's tubes. I would try a ECC83MG. It gives a bit more headroom while still giving that 12AX7 breakup when it finally does distort. Or maybe one of those ss Retrotubes that folks have been talking about on the forum. Try a red one if you want that nasty tight ss style gain in the amp. Just my thoughts on the matter.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

BTW, have been G.A.S.ing for a Valvestate ever since I saw a combo going for less than 2 bills in a local pawn shop. But the problem is, I don't need another amp.

 

[CooterLips1000]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

I like JJ's tubes. I would try a ECC83MG. It gives a bit more headroom while still giving that 12AX7 breakup when it finally does distort. Or maybe one of those ss Retrotubes that folks have been talking about on the forum. Try a red one if you want that nasty tight ss style gain in the amp. Just my thoughts on the matter.

I'm gonna have to try that ECC83MG tube, then do a A/B test on ALL of the tubes to see if there ACTUALLY a tone difference from switching tubes. I'll try to record the results all "scientifically" like using a mic, matching amp settings, and matching chord progressions.

It would be very interesting to see/publish the results.

CHEERS!

 

[dominus]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

Not sure if I heard a "tone" difference in changing tubes, but I stuck in a red Retrovalve and got more *gain* out of the amp.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

one that is able to push me more towards a Recto-like Tone.

wont happen. Totally different voicing on those amps let alone different in pretty much every other aspect of construction too.
However you will be able to get a great sound out of your amp if you go for an electro harmonix 12ax7. They excel at high gain and low noise. their tonal character really suits the marshall grind.

 

[donnievaz]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

If you really want to change the tone of the amp stick a good 10-band EQ in the loop. You'll be amazed at the tone shaping you can do.

 

[devastone]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l3Zui99fvE

Just sayin', check the original post date...

 

[Ponsy]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

Yeah, this is an old thread, but I see there was no resolution to the thread.... so here I go...

I just replaced the original 12AX7 out of my 1991-2 Valvestate 8240, and it made a SIGNIFICANT improvement to the tone. It seems to have smoother, but more aggressive gain (If that makes any sense??). It's not like I now have a JCM800/900, but it sounds PRETTY DAMN GOOD. For instance...

I was gonna use this amp for rehearsal, but I decided to to bring my Line6 Floor POD xt and plug that into the OD2 channel in my Marshall Valvestate to get them good high gain sounds. This config worked fine for practice. However I just got my new GT 12AX7-C, and a Blackstar METAL ht pedal today, so I installed the tube and gave it a test drive.

With a very pleasant surprise I plugged my guitar straight into the amp, no pedals, and right away I heard MEATY, SHARP, CUTTING tones out of my VS 8240. MUCH better than the old stock tube. The new tube gives me PLENTY of gain, and it sounds really awesome. SO MUCH gain that I ALMOST don't need to use my new pedal to get the ultra high-gain sound rolling. I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but it seemed easier to get good tones right from go, without much tweaking. I'm getting good classic Marshall crunch, and newer metal high-gain distortion.

For a mere $19.99 (w/shipping) from Guitar Center, I feel it was the best 20 bucks I've ever spent. (BTW, the best $50 I spent was on the Valvestate which I just purchased the week before)

Good Luck to anyone who might find this useful to improve their old

 

[Ponsy]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

That sounds like some good advice there. I've just picked up the 8200 valvestate bi chorus and I'm pretty impressed already using it with the boss me25 pedal I've got but I'll definately experiment with some different tubes.when you said your getting good marshal crunch did the tube replacement improve the crunch on the clean channel or were you talking about the overdrive 1 & 2 channels only.good post to man that's great info

 

[Aceman]

Re: Chaning Preamp Tube in Marshall Valvestate: Which One?

The impact that will have on an old valve state vs a newer one is different. Older = more impact.