New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

[BigAlTheBird]

What's up guys? I need 3 6EU7's, 2 12AU7's, and 2 6BQ5's (EL84's) for my Gibson Minuteman. I don't have much money, but I definitely need all of these tubes. So what would you recommend?

In short, what's the best bang for your buck tubes that are still cheap?

Thanks guys!

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

Bob at Eurotubes runs a real tight ship...you might wanna check it out:

www.eurotubes.com

I did a quick search, and it looks like you could probably replace the 6EU7's you got there with some ECC83/12AX7 type tubes. Though, I wouldn't take my word for it .

Otherwise it looks like you're only new option would be a sovtek tube...at least as far as new tubes go.

You're probably looking at about 60-70 bucks total to retube that amp through eurotubes.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

Thanks a lot dude! Very helpful.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

I can't find 6EU7's, or any variation thereof, on the site. Am I just retarded?

 

[James Rock]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

check www.thetubestore.com
they should sell 6EU7's but i dont know how cheap they are as they arent 'common' tubes

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

Thanks dude! Those doggone 6EU7's are at least $15 each! That's $45 for 3! I know that's not a lot to most people, but I'm not rich. lol

Thanks though dude.

 

[jeremy]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

i like jj el84's and thats what ill put in mine, jan 12au7's are good and reliable. the 6eu7's are a pain. i found a couple old nos ones in my stash but i havent had time to put them in

 

[Rich_S]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

The 6EU7 is roughly the same as a 12AX7; both are hi-mu (amplification factor = 100) 9-pin dual triodes. But they are not pin-compatible!!!.

6EU7 Data

12AX7 Data

If you want to use a 12AX7 in there, you'll have to rewire the socket.

Some people like 6EU7's, buy NOS, and use them in their old amps. Anyone designing a new amp these days uses the 12AX7 because it is readily available and cheap. 6EU7's can be had on eBay - you can probably get some used-but-in-good-shape for less than the fancy NOS ones, but they're used - it's riskier that you'll get a bad one.

I'd would try the eBay route first - spend a few bucks, but not a lot. Then if that ends up being too much hassle, rewire the socket and choose from a wide variety of new production 12AX7's.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: New tube recommendations, 6EU7, 12AU7, 6BQ5 (EL84)

Thanks Rich for the awesome post! I appreciate it! And Jeremy, I think I'm sold on JJ's now, thank you too.