When it comes to tubes,

Re: When it comes to tubes,

Because, most people don't seem to know any different, think tubes are tubes, and buy them.
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

Maybe because they are "affordable" even with a retail markup?

Also, do you really think the salesmen at GC, etc. could handle questions about which brand is best for ______?

Chip
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

GT has a pretty good sales machine, even though I think their machine was stronger in the 80's. Back then there were tons of ads for Groove Tubes in many magazines, even many magazines that had nothing to do with musicians.

People just don't know any better and want "new" tubes, not specifically the "right" tubes. Quite a large percentage of people will just buy what they can get their hands on. People also seem to trust their local stores in regards to tubes, for some reason. You are better off to go to a tube seller that sells many brands. When I see only GT tubes in a store, it makes me question their credibility.

Groove Tubes still has a strong brand name to newbies. It's a catchy name, and to a newbie buying from one company is an easy process. This is why Eurotubes sells so many of those complete kits. You can do better if you know what you are doing.

Older stores will sometimes always do what they have always done, and a catchy name from yesteryear may have more pull than an unknown new name to a customer. There may also be a price break to resellers.

Edit: edited manufacturer to company, which is more accurate.
 
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Re: When it comes to tubes,

It's also the stock tube in a zillion new amplifier models, so the newbie thinks that's the only tube that will work, and that re-inforces the brand name in their minds...and Groove Tubes as a company don't want you to think about any other brand, even though some of their competitor's tubes might make your amp sound way better..
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

gt makes very few tubes, its almost all rebranding. so if you want a sovtek 6v6 gt sells it, you want a jj 6v6 gt sells that too. they sell tested and matched tubes and usually have a few choices for each tube type. if you are only going to deal with one tube company, it makes sense for it to be gt. it isnt the most cost effective route but there are many good reasons to use gt just as there are some draw backs.
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

The reason is that JJ's and others have a very small markup, with very little profit margin for GC. Since GT is already established with Guitar Center as selling with a substantial markup, they stay with GT. To add alternatives would cause customers to buy the cheaper ones, and GC wouldn't make as much money.
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

Check out eurotubes.com!
Great tubes. They carry sets for whatever you need.

They carry JJ's tubes.
 
Re: When it comes to tubes,

I think you missed the point of the question. I KNOW where to go to order tubes. I ordered a rectifier from Mojomusical. The question is WHY do local shops only carry GT?
 
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