What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

Y

Young Angus

Kometose Tonologist
I get my SLO back this week and it's had the effects loop fixed up so it can actually handle normal pedals :banghead: as well as put everything back to original specs because it had a footswitch mod on it and a 50watt half power cut switch (neither of which I wanted to keep) and also has had new tubes put into it since the ones in there were the originals from 1993!!!!

Was just after some recommendations for preamp tubes to try in it. I'd really like to tame some of the brightness of the SLO because it's a very bright amp, and would like to try to smooth it out slightly while still keeping it's tightness in the low end.

Hmm trying to describe tone always comes out sounding so dumb, but you guys probably know what I mean so I'll leave it to you to suggest some preamp tubes.

I've currently got a little selection of some old GT 12ax7's, one or two new JJ ECC83S's, and a couple of NOS Mullard 12ax7's and one RCA 12ax7. I'm assuming the ones in there at the moment are Sovtek ones but the tech didn't replace the preamp tubes because I said I had a few I could try and he just said to get different ones and try them all out to see what sounds best.

So, have at you! :sword:
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

I always thought JJ Pre-amp tubes smoothed out some of the harsh highs and just sound great IMO. The NOS should warm up your tone a little bit too. Just try what you have and see what you get! Good luck.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

I would also suggest the JJs. I have used them in a number of amps. They are too dark for my tastes in a Peavey Triple X and my Mesa Road King. JJs still have a very nice, well defined low end, but they are a bit darker and smoother in the high end.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

Those Mullards seem pretty fat in my amp, The ECC83s also can give a pretty smooth overdrive. The GT R tubes and Unlables Sovtecks are alittle thin to me.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

If you want something in the middle of the ground, in terms of tone, but not dull-sounding, then go with the Sovtek WB.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

You could call the guys at Soldano for support on their amps also...Sure they wouldn't mind suggesting further!
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

Binnerscot said:
I would also suggest the JJs. I have used them in a number of amps. They are too dark for my tastes in a Peavey Triple X and my Mesa Road King. JJs still have a very nice, well defined low end, but they are a bit darker and smoother in the high end.
Click to expand...

Sorry for the hijack...:nana:

What tubes do you think are a good choice in a Triple XXX if the JJs are too dark?
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

To tame highs, JJ's might do the trick, or Sovtek LPS....Sovtek's best.

In general, I've found that Groove Tube 12AX7C's are the tightest and most singing in a higher gain amp.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

Put a Sovtek 12AX7LPS in your phase inverter slot and use JJ ECC83S in the rest of the slots. That should do the trick!
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

I liked the gt mullards in my pro junior seemed similar brightness to jj's but better sounding.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

JJs warm up and darken the tone a little, but sound great while doing it, and don't mud out. They are killer in both my Engls and since you owned a Savage 120 yourself you know Engls are pretty bright amps.
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

The Mullards would do the job if they're pre 1966. If they're IEC's or anything not from the Blackburn plant then I would pass on them. The RCA will be way too bold and Fendery, particularly if it's a blackplate. If it's a greyplate RCA then it's not in the same league. In the NOS or good-used arena, the darkest sounding tubes are the old Telefunkens, preferably mid 1960's. Beautiful tubes with a very dark tonal color, possibly just what you're after. Expensive though. If the Mullards are early 60's shortplates (14mm), they'll probably be the best of what you've got, more mids, less ice-pick top end.


Cheers....................wahwah
 
Re: What preamp tubes for a SLO to tame some brightness?

There is such a thing as a 'depth' mod for an SLO. Contact Soldano for some info. Also, what speakers are you using with it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Power Tubes for Mesa DC-3 Amp....?
Replies
14
Views
1K
Rex_Rocker
Rex_Rocker
S
Tube Testers
Replies
7
Views
122
Sam SG
S
S
Your Favorite Tubes
2 3
Replies
59
Views
2K
JMP/HBE
JMP/HBE
misterwhizzy
NPD: Soldano SLO Plus
Replies
6
Views
786
Hsb
Hsb
F
Ceriatone 18W Questions
Replies
0
Views
188
fretburner
F
Back
Top