Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

[B Bent]

That title sounds almost like a personal add doesn't it!! I don't proclaim to be a tube type and/or brand expert. I have noticed that a lot of you guys seem to have some good experience though.

I am buying CapoFirstFret's Delta Blues amp. I will need to retube it and want suggestions from you guys. My intuition is to get some JJs, but I decided to ask you guys what you suggest. I want tubes that will aide in producing a warm, smooth sound. Whatchall suggest?

 

[Curly]

Re: Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

Is that an EL 84 amp?

If so, I'd email Bob @ Eurotubes.

others here have also had good service from Todd @ Revolution Guitar

 

[B Bent]

Re: Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

Is that an EL 84 amp?

If so, I'd email Bob @ Eurotubes.

others here have also had good service from Todd @ Revolution Guitar

Thanks Curly,
I already talked with Todd and he just said that in general that he has had good luck with JJs and EHs. He was just general and not specific. These are EL84 amps.

 

[James Rock]

Re: Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

JJ's sounds great in my dad's AC30 (EL84) very chimey but not harsh and still smooth so maybe give them a try they are way better then crappy sovtek tubes.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

+1 on the JJ small bottles.

Also, a couple links for websites with good reviews of the tubes they sell:

Watford Valves

Tube Depot

The good thing about EL84's is they're cheap, so you can try a few different kinds, and swap them as the spirit moves you. (Assuming you say away from NOS.)

And speaking of NOS, check out a guy who posts under the name Sgt. Overdrive on 18 Watt.com. He wheels & deals on NOS tubes, but generally not the commonly-known brands. He posts his own reviews of them, sells for reasonable prices, and his stream-of-conciousness, quasi-military posts are a riot.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Self-Proclaimed tube "know it none" in need of tube suggestions.

Bob at Euritubes stocks JJ's but he actually listens to what you say you want the amp to sound like and matches the tubes he picks to that.

He'll talk your ear off...ask him a single question and get comfortable.

Being a noob you're got a whole load of fun before you. Don't feel you HAVE to go nuts and get NOS tubes and pay a buttload. Your ear will develop for tubes and you'll discern what you like and don't like. Most of all though just play anything and everything you can get your hands on.

I got into the tube thing a few years ago and went nuts buying amps for awhile. One of the first ones I let go was one of the first ones I bought; I just realized I preferred the sound of other ones better than I did that one.

It's a blast...have fun with it!