new tubes for TSL60??

[drjones]

Guys,

I've had my TSL60 for 2 years or so now, im pretty sure its due for new tubes. I've started to notice that its getting a more "Bassy" tone now, and its starting to get a buzz that appears at random when I play it.

From what I understand the TSL60 uses 2 x EL34s in the power amp, and 4 ECC83s in the pre-amp. I also understand that the power amp tubes need to be biased. If i were to get a matched set of power amp tubes does this negate the need for them to be biased???

So now my question is what tubes do i replace the old ones with? My limited knowledge of tubes is that differing brands of tubes will make a difference to the overall sound of the amp. Different pre-amp tubes will affect the gain, power amp tubes will change head room etc etc. Im also of the belief that you can mix and match the preamp tubes to give the amp different character.

Now im pretty happy with the TSL, though sometimes it does sound harsh. What I like about the amp is that its versatile, I play either a Les Paul or a strat through the amp. I really the dig the tones of the great 90's bands like Guns n Roses, Pearl Jam, Alice in chains, etc, as well as bands like the Darkness. I also love SRV's tone. I really like the clean channel of the amp, and if i could only improve slightly on the overdrive channels of the amp I would be more than happy.

So what tubes do I aim for? Has anyone ever tried Electro Harmonix tubes?? What about a matched pair of JJ Tesla EL34Ls?? (the second L means it military grade apparently) I would probably go for the JJ's unless anyone tells me otherwise.

I really have only heard people talk about JJ's Sovtek and Mullards. I really know bugger all about tubes so any advice is greatly appreciated. I expect new tubes to make a difference in tone, but how noticable a difference to tone would differing brands of tube make??

Thanks guys.

 

[sosomething]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

Do yourself a favor and check out one of the specific re-tube kits for your amp from eurotubes.com. The guy that runs that site deals specifically in JJs and is very knowledgable about what tubes will help you achieve specific tones.

He offers many, many different complete re-tube kits for all different kinds of popular amps - the TSL 60 among them.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

If the replacement tubes are the same type as the ones you remove, you could probably get away without rebiasing, but I suggest it's always worth checking.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

I'd go with JJ E-34L's, and you will need to rebias.

However....I think that amp has bias points on the back panel, as well as 1 or 2 little bias pots. I'm not positive, but check and see.

In that case, you'll need nothing but a voltmeter, and I'm sure 'Google' will dig up the information you need about bias voltage for that amp. It's as simple as putting the black lead to the middle lug, and testing the voltage for the left tube by touching the red lead to the left lug. Test the right tube by moving the red lead to the right lug.

 

[drjones]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

I just checked out the Eurotubes site. Unfortunatley by the time i convert the price into Aussie dollars and pay postage, its not really a viable option. However it does give a me clue what to look for. I will be getting the matched set of EL34's, now for the preamp tubes.

From what I understand, the tube that goes in the V1 spot makes the most difference to sound, and its best to put a cleaner tube in the V4/Phase inverter slot. As this has some effect on power tubes. There is some debate as to whether this V4 tube needs to be balanced or not. Any ideas???

Ive read that Tung sol tubes are popular, So I was thinking about getting a matched pair of these, for V2 and V3, and JJ Tesla 12AX7 for V4, and Sovtek 12ax7 for V1. Anyone anticipate how well this would work?? Am always open for suggestions. Thanks.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

There are 3 prongs and a single bias pot behind the small black removable panel on the back panel.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

I was about to try and find the info for biasing your amp, but I see you're on the Marshall Amp forum. Have you found the info over there?

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

I just checked out the Eurotubes site. Unfortunatley by the time i convert the price into Aussie dollars and pay postage, its not really a viable option. However it does give a me clue what to look for. I will be getting the matched set of EL34's, now for the preamp tubes.

From what I understand, the tube that goes in the V1 spot makes the most difference to sound, and its best to put a cleaner tube in the V4/Phase inverter slot. As this has some effect on power tubes. There is some debate as to whether this V4 tube needs to be balanced or not. Any ideas???

Ive read that Tung sol tubes are popular, So I was thinking about getting a matched pair of these, for V2 and V3, and JJ Tesla 12AX7 for V4, and Sovtek 12ax7 for V1. Anyone anticipate how well this would work?? Am always open for suggestions. Thanks.

I guess your ears will be the big judge in the end. I'm looking to change the speaker in mine once I've completed my Tele project, and I'm toying with the idea of putting a lower gained preamp valve in V3 as I don't need loads of gain and the 3rd ch is a bit harsh.

 

[drjones]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

Nah, haven't got much a response over there. Its a pretty quiet forum lately.

Is each tube (V1, V2, and V3) assigned to a channel on the TSL? SO would I need a "clean" tube for channel one?

From what I understand pre amp tubes are something Im going to have to experiment with different tubes to find a sound that I like.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: new tubes for TSL60??

Basically, that's the best way of doing it. I had a few preamp valves in a dreawer and I just swapped each one in and out til I found a combination I liked. I have 12ax7's in mine and was going to put a 12at7, which I think is a lower gain valve, into V3. Unfortunately, it turned out to be microphonic!!