Tube for Tube King?

F

Frans B. Cocq

New member
Hi,
so I own the Ibanez Tube King distortion pedal, which is great, except for one thing: I hate how the treble is harsh and sizzly. I've heard it's because of the 12AX7 tube, and that swapping it would soften it up.

Any suggestions for a replacement?

thanks,
Frans
 
Re: Tube for Tube King?

If it's one of the newer ones which operate at high voltage you may be able to do something but if it's one from the late 90s...forget it; the tube is little more than a buffer in those. The newer one probably has a Chinese 12AX7 in it which tend to be on the bright side. A used NOS tube, preferably with some miles on it, will mellow out the highs and possibly take away some of the sizzle. Sovtek 12AX7WAs are pretty low gain and may help out as well. My advise would be to experiment a bit...if you have some friends with tube equipment, perhaps you could get them to loan you a spare or two.

All this being said, you may just be battling the nature of the beast and may have to learn to be happy with a lower drive setting. Too much gain in too few stages reduces bandwidth down til all that is left is mids and staticy highs. If this is the case, a tube swap won't help.

Good luck
 
Re: Tube for Tube King?

I have a Real Tube 901 with a factory 12AX7. I settled on a 12AU7 for less gain, but you can use Ts or Ys, too. I sure you could try that with the Ibanez.

I would think the Groove Tubes 12AX7-M, or the new Tung-Sol repro would do well.

Bill
 
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