new Tubes....

[jmv]

okay, after seeing all this talk of tubes, i really wanna get some for my amp.....

the tube chart says 3 7025's, a 12AT7 (phase inverter, i guess), and 2 6L6GC's.

I figure i'll go NOS, but i'm not quite sure yet... anyone have some specific reccomendations??

BTW, whats in there now, at least for the power amp, is 2 Sovtek/Fender (they both have both companies names on them) 5881s. I don't know about the preamp tubes, b/c they've all got metal casings around them.... but some of them seem to make a little too much noise.

 

[jmv]

Re: new Tubes....

BTW... since my signature doesn't seem to be showing up.... the amp is a '66 fender bassman.

 

[Steve_R]

Re: new Tubes....

JMV - If you don't go for NOS, I suggest 12ax7LPS and Svetlana 6L6s. I like those tubes in Fenders for good dynamic range.

The Fender/Sovteks that you have are probably the Sovtek WA, which are sorta generic.. not bad, but the LPS is more pristine.

If you want to get NOS, I suggest RCAs. They are warm and very balanced sounding - very nice for Fenders.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: new Tubes....

Try going to www.kcanostubes.com and checking out his recommendations. That will at least give you an idea of what you might want. Good luck!

 

[Hawkman]

Re: new Tubes....

You might check these out if you're leaning towards NOS http://www.thetubestore.com/jan6l.html

They're my favorites now. These are rated at 25 watts vs. traditional 6L6GC which has 30 watts. They sound incredible.

 

[jmv]

Re: new Tubes....

cool, thanks for the suggestions. Anymore ideas??

 

[Curly]

Re: new Tubes....

jmv,
just curious ..
did you get this kinda recently, 'cause I think I remember you saying you tried one at school or something and liked it?

anyway ..
I have a '66 or '67 (I always forget and have to look at the date stamp to remember).
I sort of agree with Hawkman - I like the stubby little Phillips, except I use the "WGC's". As far as I know, the tube chart calls for a 6L6 GC, and the the Phillips WGC more closely matches the voltages in that circuit, and the "WGB" is a closer match for the older circuit, such as the tweed Bassman. (someone please correct me if I'm wrong.)

You might check with your vendor to verify that.

I also have some JJ's, which are a stout tube that produces more power in that amp, though that's not really what I'm after. I agree with Steve_R, too - of the newer tubes, I think the Svetlana "winged C's" are well thought of, but make sure you get the real deal, since there's a little confusion in the marketplace right now regarding that.

and, mine sounds pretty good once you get past about 5 on the volume.

 

[Wattage]

Re: new Tubes....

I think Svet's are now called SED's aren't they.

J- whether you buy from him or not check out Eurptubes website it is very informative www.eurotubes.com

Congrats on the amp I know you've been looking for a while.

 

[jmv]

Re: new Tubes....

hey, thanks wattage and curly.

and curly, yeah, i did get it kinda recently... i was about to buy one at a guitar show, but i called my freind who has one to ask some questions (his was the one i played that i liked so much), and he said he was selling it, and gave me a great deal on it.

Thanks for all the info, guys. But, just curious, if i can't afford to do them all at one time, which do you think i should do first, the pre- or power-amp?? and when i do the poweramp, i need to replace the phase inverter at the same time, correct??

 

[Curly]

Re: new Tubes....

hey, thanks wattage and curly.

and curly, yeah, i did get it kinda recently... i was about to buy one at a guitar show, but i called my freind who has one to ask some questions (his was the one i played that i liked so much), and he said he was selling it, and gave me a great deal on it.

Thanks for all the info, guys. But, just curious, if i can't afford to do them all at one time, which do you think i should do first, the pre- or power-amp?? and when i do the poweramp, i need to replace the phase inverter at the same time, correct??

jmv,
well, first of all, I have to say congrats - you got the amp you wanted, which is totally cool, but not only that, most players your age want some SS amp that doesn't sound anywhere nearly as good as what you have, lots of times because they're tempted by the power rating of an SS amp. (I know, 'cause my nephew's in a band). so, I give you two thumbs up.

preamp tubes are more bang for the buck for the affect they have on tone, and the most critical tube is the first one in the circuit for the channel you're on - so the first, or V1 tube for the bass, and V2 (I think), for the normal channel.

it's pretty normal to get an amp and want to put new tubes in it, and not really a bad idea, but if you're on a budget, I'd say just play the darn thing for a while till you're pretty familiar with it, then consider tubes for whatever you feel you aren't getting from the amp now.
Also, did your friend tell you what kind of shape the tubes are in, or how long it's been since it's been looked at? Those are things I'm sure he won't mind telling you that would be good to know.

For specific tubes, as far as pre's, I like the Sovtek LPS's that Steve_R mentioned, or the JJ's that Eurotubes sells for $7.50 or so.

Since you're in Austin, there's a guy named Vintage Jon over on the Fender Forum who's from Austin, owns Austone electronics, and has an amp repair business. I'm sure he'll be glad to help.
here's a thread with one of his posts (4th one down), just click on his profile to find out how to contact him:

fender forum

 

[jmv]

Re: new Tubes....

The tubes and caps were replaced just before he put it up for sale, and the whole amp was given a 'once over'. Thanks for the reference curly.

I think you're right, it might be a good idea to get more familiar with the amp to figure out what i want. Also, i'll be able to save some more cash that way, so if i decide i want to get some high quality NOS tubes, i'll be able to afford that.