Tube Expertise Needed!!!

bjeans79

New member
Hey folks whats happening. I was curious as to the different models and types of tubes there were existing that could replace 12ax7's and El 84s for a peavey Classic 50/410. Im looking to find some new sounds and just to experiment. I play mainly blues, but dabble in all types of other stuff. All input is much appreciated!
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

On models, or types, the preamp 12ax7 could be swapped out with lower gain varieties (12a*7) * insert U, T, etc This will mean an amp that breaks up much later. Beyond that, power tubes, no.

Brands and Old stuff, now there's the tweaking and joy. Can get expensive and subtle though...
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

Why don't you try different brands of the same tubes (e.g. Groove tubes matched and rated sets, etc). You can get better tone that way. Also, I don't think you can substitute for the power tubes without a tech doing a mod. EL84's are great tubes for blues and classic rock. I have the same setup in my Crate VC5212. Just changing the tubes to better quality ones makes a big difference.

Good luck,

Jeff
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

On models, or types, the preamp 12ax7 could be swapped out with lower gain varieties (12a*7) * insert U, T, etc This will mean an amp that breaks up much later. Beyond that, power tubes, no.

Brands and Old stuff, now there's the tweaking and joy. Can get expensive and subtle though...

Sorry I dont know what you mean by brands and old stuff. I have Sovtek 12ax7's right now. The amp sounds good, but I know it has the potential to sound great. Thanks for the input man.

Levi
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

Sorry I dont know what you mean by brands and old stuff. I have Sovtek 12ax7's right now. The amp sounds good, but I know it has the potential to sound great. Thanks for the input man.

Levi


Levi,

There are many different brand tubes for example:

Sovtek
JJ
Electro Harmonix
EI
Tung Sol
Mullard

In the old days there were more manufacturers like:

Sylvania
RCA
Mullard
Amperex
Raytheon
Toshiba
Zenith
Telefunken
etc, etc, etc

Groove tubes has a few tubes that are made just for them, but by and large you are getting a rebranded tube.

As for substitutions like they said above a 12ax7 can be replaced my a lower gain 12at7, 12ay7, 12az7, 5751 or a heavy duty military style 7025. The European designations are ecc8-. For example a 12ax7 is an ECC83.

Luke
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

Groove tubes has a few tubes that are made just for them, but by and large you are getting a rebranded tube.

That's true, but their rating system is nice. You can find a tube set that breaks up early or later depending on your tastes.


Jeff
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

That's true, but their rating system is nice. You can find a tube set that breaks up early or later depending on your tastes.


Jeff

That's true, but most places have a similiar or even more specific matching system these days.

Luke
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the info. Who do you usually go with?

Quick question, do you mean grade, or match, or both?

Let's see when I used to use only JJs I got them from Eurotubes and he matches and grades.

Also Tube Depot does it as well, I ordered from them last time around.

The Tube Store matches I know.

Luke
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

Remember you can mix different pre amp tubes. My crate sounds dark with JJ's and too bright with groove tubes! Solution = one grove tube in slot one and two jj's after.
 
Re: Tube Expertise Needed!!!

Quick question, do you mean grade, or match, or both?

Let's see when I used to use only JJs I got them from Eurotubes and he matches and grades.

Also Tube Depot does it as well, I ordered from them last time around.

The Tube Store matches I know.

Luke

Thanks. I probably meant match & grade.
 
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