Princeton tube questions

[Inkstained]

I think I need new power tubes, not a new speaker. I think.

My 2007 Fender Princeton Recording Amp has Groove Tube-rebranded Electro Harmonix 6V6s, made in Russia.

I understand that Groove Tubes allow tube changes without rebiasing, as long as the replacement tubes have the same "power" rating as the original tubes, usually indicated with a range of numbers, like 4-7. (4-7, in this case, would be a "medium" power range.)

I can't find any such rating on the stock power tubes in my Princeton. Should I simply get the "medium" 4-7 rating?

Something like this?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/groove-tubes-gold-series-gt-6v6-c-matched-power-tubes

Thoughts, please. I'd like to stick with GT. Don't want to get into rebiasing.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Princeton tube questions

groove tubes are no different to any other tubes. They are just rebadged sovteks. They just sell them boxed up with their ratings color coded, so if you had reds or blues last time, you can plonk a set of the same rating in without rebiasing.
I know you are after maximum headroom because of your post about speakers...just get some jj's and enjoy. Jj's will handle any amount of current you throw at them and also have the most headroom of any brand out there.
If, by some very unlikely reason you still think you need a rebias, it is really very easy.

fwiw...my princeton II is non-adjustible bias and it has never mattered except for one time when i put in the wrong set of EH toobs.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Princeton tube questions

I agree about simply throwing some JJ 6V6's in there.

I've been seeing some of these Princeton Recording Amps popping up at good prices, and wonder if you'd still recommend the versatility of the recording amp, or would you trade it for one of the new Princeton Reverb Amps if you could?

As for biasing, I do recommend owning a mA bias tool and volt/ohm meter. It is pretty easy, as long as you see the numbers falling within the mA range for your tubes.
Aside from that, I've often biased by ear where I just lay the guitar on the floor, strum it, then tweak the bias pot till the amp is sounding as healthy as possible. It's not rocket science like some techs make it out to be IMO. I also like to dim the lights and check to make sure the tubes are glowing nicely without turning red or running too hot.

 

[Inkstained]

Re: Princeton tube questions

Yeah, the tubestore.com recommends JJs, too. In fact, everyone does, as far as I can tell.

Thanks.