PINKBITS
New member
When I first got my Laney I had a lot of trouble getting the tone out of it that I wanted. I was actually gutted to begin with because to me it just sounded like crap.
I just thought I would post a few things that I did which has made me just love this amp.
Firstly IMO the stock tubes are crap.
I removed the stock TAD EL34'S and replaced with SED winged C 6L6GC power tubes and rebiased to the maximum 70% dissapation.
I found that the stock EL34'S were also biased very cold. I understand that amp factories do this to prolong tube life but to me its silly. The amp sounds its best when those power tubes are cooking so IMO they really should be doing this at the factory.
Going to 6L6'S and biasing correctly really gave this amp a beautiful growl which is exactly what I wanted.
Next I replaced the preamp tubes. After quite a bit of trial and error, this is what I ended up with.
Tungsol v1
Tungsol v2
JJ v3
Tungsol v4
I have had a bit of trouble with the tungsols making the amp hum but they sound so good. After going through a few tubes I got a few good tunsols and now its great.
A lot of people seem to like JJ's for pres in this amp but for me they just sounded terrible in the first two slots. Way too dark and mushy sounding. Just having the one JJ in the cathode follower position v3 added a little darkness and chew to the amp if you understand what I mean.
Lastly I use a Lee Jackson Mr Springgy reverb pedal in the effects loop. I set the loop to insert and turn the level down to around three. This does two things which really finished the amp off beautifully. Having the level on the loop turned down allows you to crank the master volume higher getting those power tubes cooking. Also as the amp has no reverb it does sound a little dry. The Mr Springgy is a fantastic pedal and really adds some colour to the tone.
Now I also use an Xotic BB preamp either to boost the front of the amp to play heavier rock tones or for the purpose of a lead boost. This is also a ripping pedal.
I know I have gone on a bit but it took me a long time to get this amp to where I wanted and just thought someone else maybe able to save themselves some time and money.
What I really love about the Laney is how much tube change varies your tone. It really allows you to make this amp your own. It also loves pedals which gives further options for tone sculpting.
The Laney GH50L really is an awsome amp and very versatile from classic rock through to metal.
I hope this helps someone, sometime.
I just thought I would post a few things that I did which has made me just love this amp.
Firstly IMO the stock tubes are crap.
I removed the stock TAD EL34'S and replaced with SED winged C 6L6GC power tubes and rebiased to the maximum 70% dissapation.
I found that the stock EL34'S were also biased very cold. I understand that amp factories do this to prolong tube life but to me its silly. The amp sounds its best when those power tubes are cooking so IMO they really should be doing this at the factory.
Going to 6L6'S and biasing correctly really gave this amp a beautiful growl which is exactly what I wanted.
Next I replaced the preamp tubes. After quite a bit of trial and error, this is what I ended up with.
Tungsol v1
Tungsol v2
JJ v3
Tungsol v4
I have had a bit of trouble with the tungsols making the amp hum but they sound so good. After going through a few tubes I got a few good tunsols and now its great.
A lot of people seem to like JJ's for pres in this amp but for me they just sounded terrible in the first two slots. Way too dark and mushy sounding. Just having the one JJ in the cathode follower position v3 added a little darkness and chew to the amp if you understand what I mean.
Lastly I use a Lee Jackson Mr Springgy reverb pedal in the effects loop. I set the loop to insert and turn the level down to around three. This does two things which really finished the amp off beautifully. Having the level on the loop turned down allows you to crank the master volume higher getting those power tubes cooking. Also as the amp has no reverb it does sound a little dry. The Mr Springgy is a fantastic pedal and really adds some colour to the tone.
Now I also use an Xotic BB preamp either to boost the front of the amp to play heavier rock tones or for the purpose of a lead boost. This is also a ripping pedal.
I know I have gone on a bit but it took me a long time to get this amp to where I wanted and just thought someone else maybe able to save themselves some time and money.
What I really love about the Laney is how much tube change varies your tone. It really allows you to make this amp your own. It also loves pedals which gives further options for tone sculpting.
The Laney GH50L really is an awsome amp and very versatile from classic rock through to metal.
I hope this helps someone, sometime.
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