Tubes for my Classic 30

[Cory_Dylan]

I've had the recommended set of JJs in my amp for a couple years now. Actually I've already burnt up in V3. So now I'm using a JJ in V1 and a stock sovtek in V2 and V3 and the powertubes are all JJs. I only use the normal "channel". Not sure about this, but I'm pretty sure in the normal channel V2 is not in the circuit please correct me if I'm wrong.

My problem with it is it has a really spiking high end and can be a little muddy on the low end. I want to keep the warmth and sweetness it has, but add a little sparkle and definition but try to tame the spiking highs. I also like lots of sensitivity.

Also, if you know of any mods that aren't too risky for this amp please share. Recommend any tubes disregarding the price, but I don't want to spend too much for the tube I'll be using in V3 becuase those tend to burn up.

Thanks!

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

CD,

Is the preamp tube that keeps blowing on you the one closest to the power tubes?

Like in this photo:

 

[Cory_Dylan]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

That would be the one.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

That's is the phase inverter. Any idea what the interval is that that tube blows on you?

 

[Cory_Dylan]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

No idea. I don't think I push the amp terribly hard. At most I'll have the master volume at midnight. Pretty loud... that tube just seems to get tired after awhile. I'll loose volume, get really bad harsh sounds. Change the tube, fixes everything.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

The PI shouldn't blow regularly. There is something not working properly in the power section of the amp. I think it is a good idea to get new power tubes.

JJ EL84's are fine IMO.

EDIT: Did you buy that brand new?

 

[Cory_Dylan]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

No I bought it used and beat to hell. It doesn't blow regularly. It's blown twice in at least 2 years. Is that regularly? I've taken my amp to a tech to be checked over, and they said it was fine.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

It doesn't blow regularly. It's blown twice in at least 2 years. Is that regularly?

No, I wouldn't call that regularly.

 

[Cory_Dylan]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

So back to my question... anyone experimented with tubes for the C30? What will suit me best? Someone recommended I go with the EH 12ax7 in V1. What else should I try?

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

Mine also needs a retube.

 

[Soujurn]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

I used JJ ecc83's for the first two preamp tubes, a 12aT7 for the inverter and NOS jan phillips as well as RCA's for power.
It sounded sweet and rich with plenty of punch.
Until the day I Marty McFly'ed it.

Anyway, it always sounded good except with Sovtek tubes.

 

[Cory_Dylan]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

UPDATE:

I put an Electro-Harmonix 12ax7 (balanced) in v1, a JJ ecc83s in v2, and the ecc803s (balanced) in v3. It seemed to really clear things up a bit. The bass isn't overwhelming like it was, and the overall vibe I like is still there. I've noticed the breakup seems a lot smoother when I turn it up to 6+. Before it got a little boomy and muddy at this point. I'm pretty satisfied with what I'm getting, but it could be better. There still is that high end shrill on high notes. For now I'm happy with what I have, as I can't see getting any better tone without spending 800+ on a new amp.

Thanks to whoever it was that recommended the EH. I'm diggin it

 

[wahwah]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

If you really want to hear something extraordinary you should try a late 1950's RCA blackplate (17mm long plate with square or "D" getter) 12AX7. There's always a few on eBay, you just need to find one with plenty of life left in it. They are responsible for much of the tone of tweed Fenders and the very earliest black faces. I have them in the front of my Fender Super Champs and another custom built amp. There isn't a current production tube which comes even vaguely close, once you have heard them you will never want anything else!

Cheers............wahwah

 

[More-Gear-Than-Skill]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

This is a band aid solution, but using a overly long cable can rob your guitar of a bit of highs, and solve your icepick issues.

 

[Brewtone]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

Once you get your tubes sorted out, try an EQ in the loop of the amp.

I have a Peavey Classic 30 and I run a Fish&Chips EQ through the loop and just set it on the amp since it's on all the time. This allows me to dial out some of that high end spike and honky mids.

Works quite well for me

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tubes for my Classic 30

It's just a characteristic of that amp.....regarding the spikey highs and muddy lows, when the volume gets past a certain point. Tubes won't change it.
My advise is to simply sell the amp, and shop for something with more headroom.

I've had a few EL-84 amps, and they all have a different characteristic. So far, I like my Gibson Goldtone 30RVS the most, but even the Vox AC-30CC will sound tighter at high volumes, compared to the Peavey. There's no reason not to sell it and move on. There's a lot of better amps out there.