Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? - Page 69

RiverRatt · 11-07-2009, 12:17 AM

Racko, I like the Sylvania in V3, too. I've been running one of my Ei 12AX7s in V4. It's a hot, high-gain tube and I like the way it opens the amp up. I used to use a 12AT7 in V4 to help tame the treble on the DSL, but since I put the RFT EL34s in, that's not an issue anymore. I used to obsess about rubbing the writing off my tubes, but I never intend to sell them, so it really doesn't matter much to me anymore. I keep them all in clearly-marked boxes so I know what's what.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

I've got orange letter RCA's, I have GE's and then Baldwin tubes which I believe are also RCA. I am in my studio right now as I right this and I just put a Baldwin but in the PI and it sounds pretty damn good. Excellent attack and dynamics when soloing. I will try some of the other tubes in there though just for the record.

You got it go'n then. Just takes a bit of time is all. Let me know what you settle on...

I just got done play'n some on mine. Its getting too late for me now due to others here needing to wind down. So I'll have to live vicariously through you hehe.

Jam on!

racko7566 · 11-07-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverRatt

Racko, I like the Sylvania in V3, too. I've been running one of my Ei 12AX7s in V4. It's a hot, high-gain tube and I like the way it opens the amp up. I used to use a 12AT7 in V4 to help tame the treble on the DSL, but since I put the RFT EL34s in, that's not an issue anymore. I used to obsess about rubbing the writing off my tubes, but I never intend to sell them, so it really doesn't matter much to me anymore. I keep them all in clearly-marked boxes so I know what's what.

Yea.. I dont plan on sellin mine either, but it sure as hell would make it easier remembering what I have if the writing was still there

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:31 AM

Another vote for writing on the boxes what they are and test numbers if any...

Procter2812 · 11-07-2009, 09:26 AM

Jesus!!! the price of NOS tubes has Rocketed!!!

£32 for a Mullard yellow plate in half decent cond.

£66 for a brand new in box Mullard White Label!

Best get buying now! we could have a little investment on our hands. Marty is gonna be a Millionare!!

Procter2812 · 11-07-2009, 09:29 AM

1 Westinghouse ECC83/12AX7 Carbon Black 17mm Plates "D" on eBay (end time 26-Nov-09 19:30:39 GMT)

How about this westinghouse ecc83 black plate?

I might start buying from the USA

wegman · 11-07-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Procter2812

Jesus!!! the price of NOS tubes has Rocketed!!!

£32 for a Mullard yellow plate in half decent cond.

£66 for a brand new in box Mullard White Label!

Best get buying now! we could have a little investment on our hands. Marty is gonna be a Millionare!!

That is why I had to raid an old tube organ. I can't afford NOS tube prices.

Yea, I think Marty is trying to corner the market!

ken361 · 11-07-2009, 10:55 AM

dam im good!
Mystery Tubes! (NOS and NP pre tube comparison) - Harmony Central Musician Community Forums

wegman · 11-07-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

You got it go'n then. Just takes a bit of time is all. Let me know what you settle on...

I just got done play'n some on mine. Its getting too late for me now due to others here needing to wind down. So I'll have to live vicariously through you hehe.

Jam on!

An orange lettering RCA wins for the PI hands down.

I find those orange letter RCA's are pretty sweet.

So here's what I have so far.

(V1) orange letter RCA, (V2) black plate raytheon, (V3) an orange letter RCA, (V4) (reverb) GT, and (V5) orange letter RCA.

I will post a clip of my sound when I get organized.

ken361 · 11-07-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

An orange lettering RCA wins for the PI hands down.

I find those orange letter RCA's are pretty sweet.

So here's what I have so far.

(V1) orange letter RCA, (V2) black plate raytheon, (V3) an orange letter RCA, (V4) (reverb) GT, and (V5) orange letter RCA.

I will post a clip of my sound when I get organized.

looks sweet! cant wait till hear! getting my frankenstien pup put in the wolf today whoohoo!

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

An orange lettering RCA wins for the PI hands down.

I find those orange letter RCA's are pretty sweet.

So here's what I have so far.

(V1) orange letter RCA, (V2) black plate raytheon, (V3) an orange letter RCA, (V4) (reverb) GT, and (V5) orange letter RCA.

I will post a clip of my sound when I get organized.

I didn't know you had 5 preamp tubes although 1 is a reverb driver.

Ok. Now I'm up to speed. Anyways that looks like a great line up. Bet it does sound good.

Yeah I'd love to hear it.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken361

looks sweet! cant wait till hear! getting my frankenstien pup put in the wolf today whoohoo!

Cool for you man.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 12:43 PM

Ok. Here is a sound clip. Don't critique the playing I am just screwing around.

Let me know what you think of the sound. The mix is a little trebly. This is also at bedroom volume on a 100 watt amp so keep that in mind.

ACIDplanet.com Media Player

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Wow! I left at around ten last night and you guys has a chat fest. Let me go back and see if I need to answer any of these questions.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

How many tubes do you have Marty?

It varies from month to month, but I usually have about 400 tubes. This includes power and rectifier tubes.

I would still love to find an all tube organ to raid.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

Ok. Here is a sound clip. Don't critique the playing I am just screwing around.

Let me know what you think of the sound. The mix is a little trebly. This is also at bedroom volume on a 100 watt amp so keep that in mind.

ACIDplanet.com Media Player

Sounds good JW! I don't hear any dullness, flubb or icepicks. I like it!

wegman · 11-07-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

Sounds good JW! I don't hear any dullness, flubb or icepicks. I like it!

Cool.

That is 100 times better sound that what I had with the CP tubes. What I like is it is nice and clean and you can hear everything, even the mistakes!

With the CP tubes the sound was really muddy and flabby.

I am really pleased with the sound I am getting now. It is easily workable.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

It varies from month to month, but I usually have about 400 tubes. This includes power and rectifier tubes.

I would still love to find an all tube organ to raid.

400 tubes? Holy Wha.

You are trying to corner the market

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

400 tubes? Holy Wha.

You are trying to corner the market

Could you imagine living next door to him...

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

I play mostly old school rock. I play a Deluxe Strat with SCN's and S1 and a Standard Strat with HSS, SD Saraceno at bridge and 2 stock Standard pu's thru a DSL100 and 1960A cab. Doing a valve change cuz I just bought the amp.. It's got SED Wings in it and generic preamps. Also, help on the bias settings. I know 90 is recommended by Marshall but I was thinking somewhere around 82 or 83. I have no problems doing the bias, I just need advice. I don't need early breakup or fancy Shakesperean explanations of gold pins, balanced phase inverter valves, I just want my DSL to sound like a Marshall. I mean hell, that's why I bought it. Help me out brothers. I trust ya.

The EH12AX7 is a good tube for V1 if you can get a high gain Tung-Sol for V2. This gives you a better clean, but you still have some bite. Now if a clean channel isn't a necessity, then I would recommend Solar's line up of Tung-Sol's and then a Mullard RI in V3. The Sovtek LPS is okay for the PI, but I personally would go with a better tube, say another Tung-Sol. Also, several places are still selling Ei 12AX7's. I would recommend buying a couple of these ($17.95) if you have the extra cash. Some people don't like them in V1, but I do. They are also an excellent V2 tube.

http://thetubestore.com/12ax7.html (These work in a head, but can't handle a combo.)

Power tubes can be difficult to pick. The Winged =C='s are the most reliable and I feel they have good tone when biased in their sweet spot. You might want to stay with a new set of these. Otherwise, I will recommend these:

Tung-Sol EL34B

Mullard EL34

Now if you feel in the future that you want to go NOS with your preamps, give a shout and we can help with that as well.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

My wife just thinks I am nuts. It's that simple. The dude I work with was really nice. He told me about the organ, he actually went and got it, tore the back off it for me and told me to go raid it. It cost me a six pack of Bud light.

I have to thank you guys again. It was this thread that educated me on all this. I mean I went from crappy tone to killer tone in couple weeks upon reading this thread. Anybody playing CP tubes the difference between CP and vintage is night and day.

Yes, I am going to be looking for power tubes next. EL34s are alot harder to come by I understand. I mean to find them.

Sell some of your tubes, buy your wife something nice and that will take care of the "nuts" thing. "Oh, for me?" "You sold some tubes?"

No problem with the assistance. It's what we do. It keeps this thread going. If you were to go back a dozen pages, there are guys always leaving a post or two about how good their amps sound now.

Finding EL34's? Yeah, that would be really tough. You would have to look for an old Marantz Model 9 or a Dynaco power amp. Some sort of power amp made in the mid-50's to early 60's. Problem is, these amps are worth big money and if the tubes and the amp are good, one amp could be worth several thousand dollars...if it's a Marantz.

It would be extremely difficult to locate EL34's. It would be easier to find some 6CA7 tubes. Keep that number in mind. It is an EL34 type tube and is a direct substitute for an EL34. The 6CA7 tube can be found in many old USA amplifiers.

Good hunting.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

What did you have in mind for the preamp combo? Honestly, I don't know how to get the plate voltage. I did a lot of research and I think 80mv will do me fine. What is your preference for power tubes? I have owned valve amps before, just not a Marshall. I got a Peavey C30 with JJ's in the Power side and a mix in the preamp side. I think 1 is a tung sol, 2 is a JJ, 3 has no label on it. Doesn't sound too bad.

The only problem of not knowing your plate voltage is that it is a guessing game at setting the bias. Granted, the difference can be small, as there isn't much difference between 425VDC and 450VDC. However, knowing your plate voltage allows you to know the exact limits of bias on your tubes. Then you can decide if you like the tone of the amp at 70 per cent or at 65 per cent. You don't want to go to cold. The amp will loose its balls.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

That preamp combo is a start. What kind of sound would I be looking at Solar?

Go here and glance over the reviews. This will give you a feel of how the Tung-Sol's, EH's and Mullard's stack up.

12AX7 Tube Type Review

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Procter2812

Jesus!!! the price of NOS tubes has Rocketed!!!

£32 for a Mullard yellow plate in half decent cond.

£66 for a brand new in box Mullard White Label!

Best get buying now! we could have a little investment on our hands. Marty is gonna be a Millionare!!

Have you seen my posts lately? I've been complaining about the cost of tubes. It has jumped in some cases over 45 per cent. I can't buy black plates anymore. They are going for over $50 each.

I may be in trouble, if I can't keep new stock coming in.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Sell some of your tubes, buy your wife something nice and that will take care of the "nuts" thing. "Oh, for me?" "You sold some tubes?"

No problem with the assistance. It's what we do. It keeps this thread going. If you were to go back a dozen pages, there are guys always leaving a post or two about how good their amps sound now.

Finding EL34's? Yeah, that would be really tough. You would have to look for an old Marantz Model 9 or a Dynaco power amp. Some sort of power amp made in the mid-50's to early 60's. Problem is, these amps are worth big money and if the tubes and the amp are good, one amp could be worth several thousand dollars...if it's a Marantz.

It would be extremely difficult to locate EL34's. It would be easier to find some 6CA7 tubes. Keep that number in mind. It is an EL34 type tube and is a direct substitute for an EL34. The 6CA7 tube can be found in many old USA amplifiers.

Good hunting.

It's funny because I work for a telephone company and they had a ton of old equipment that had tubes in it that they just junked. It was before my time with the company. It would have been interesting to see what kind of tubes were in that stuff but now we'll never know.

I am probably going to sell the 6L6's as I have no use for them. I will have to get them tested first. Then, maybe I will get a little something for the wife.

That's a good idea Marty.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken361

dam im good!
Mystery Tubes! (NOS and NP pre tube comparison) - Harmony Central Musician Community Forums

Well try a clip sometime of a 1959 RCA Gray Plate, 1959 Amperex Bugle Boy, 1966 Mullard and a 1964 Telefunken Smooth Plate. That will knock your socks off.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

Ok. Here is a sound clip. Don't critique the playing I am just screwing around.

Let me know what you think of the sound. The mix is a little trebly. This is also at bedroom volume on a 100 watt amp so keep that in mind.

ACIDplanet.com Media Player

Sounds like a Marshall with some good tubes in it. Good attack, definition and sustain. The big three. Sweet rhythm track.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 01:51 PM

Hey Marty,

Can you tell me anythng about an orange lettering RCA tube? They sound pretty sweet in my amp. I am just wondering if there is something special about them.

Thanks

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

Could you imagine living next door to him...

I would treat you good. There would be a great need for a slobber pail.

There...I think I finally got caught up. If I missed some important post, hit me up again.

MartyStrat54 · 11-07-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

Hey Marty,

Can you tell me anythng about an orange lettering RCA tube? They sound pretty sweet in my amp. I am just wondering if there is something special about them.

Thanks

Well the orange lettered tubes were that last generation of RCA. Most Hi Fi junkies want the white lettered tubes. These I believe were made up until the early 60's. I personally think the older tubes are better. There are many reasons for this and I have discussed these topics many times. The white lettered tubes were made on equipment that was not worn out. RCA kept using the same equipment over and over. By the time they were making the orange lettered tubes, the equipment was pretty worn out. So the tolerances were not as close as the older tubes. Are orange RCA tubes good? Sure. They blow a CP tube out of the water. You just have to realize that the difference between a good NOS tube and a great NOS tube is not very much. Will a Telefunken stomp the RCA? Most people would say, "Yes." However, it boils down to personal preference. Now I will say that I am partial to Amperex (Dutch made) tubes, or anything made by Philips. To me, these are the best tubes.

If you hang around long enough, you will pick up on a lot of the jargon.

11-07-2009, 12:17 AM	#2041 (permalink)
RiverRatt Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Between Memphis and Nashville Posts: 517	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Racko, I like the Sylvania in V3, too. I've been running one of my Ei 12AX7s in V4. It's a hot, high-gain tube and I like the way it opens the amp up. I used to use a 12AT7 in V4 to help tame the treble on the DSL, but since I put the RFT EL34s in, that's not an issue anymore. I used to obsess about rubbing the writing off my tubes, but I never intend to sell them, so it really doesn't matter much to me anymore. I keep them all in clearly-marked boxes so I know what's what.

11-07-2009, 09:26 AM	#2045 (permalink)
Procter2812 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 333	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Jesus!!! the price of NOS tubes has Rocketed!!! £32 for a Mullard yellow plate in half decent cond. £66 for a brand new in box Mullard White Label! Best get buying now! we could have a little investment on our hands. Marty is gonna be a Millionare!! __________________ www.sexpistolstribute.co.uk JCM800 2203X JCM2000 TSL100 Marshall 1936 Gibson Les Paul Custom Orville Les Paul Custom Fender Highway One Stratocaster Boss EQ Ibanez Tube Screamer Crybaby Wah Boss TU-2

11-07-2009, 09:29 AM	#2046 (permalink)
Procter2812 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 333	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? 1 Westinghouse ECC83/12AX7 Carbon Black 17mm Plates "D" on eBay (end time 26-Nov-09 19:30:39 GMT) How about this westinghouse ecc83 black plate? I might start buying from the USA __________________ www.sexpistolstribute.co.uk JCM800 2203X JCM2000 TSL100 Marshall 1936 Gibson Les Paul Custom Orville Les Paul Custom Fender Highway One Stratocaster Boss EQ Ibanez Tube Screamer Crybaby Wah Boss TU-2

11-07-2009, 10:55 AM	#2048 (permalink)
ken361 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 124	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? dam im good! Mystery Tubes! (NOS and NP pre tube comparison) - Harmony Central Musician Community Forums __________________ tone slut JVM 205h/1960b cab Peavey wolfgang Mim fender strat/hot rail pup Epiphone Les paul/burstbucker George L cables Mxr pedals

11-07-2009, 12:43 PM	#2053 (permalink)
wegman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 138	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Ok. Here is a sound clip. Don't critique the playing I am just screwing around. Let me know what you think of the sound. The mix is a little trebly. This is also at bedroom volume on a 100 watt amp so keep that in mind. ACIDplanet.com Media Player __________________ Ian St Ian says "If your not playing Gibson and Marshall your a wanker!" Marshall JCM 800 2210 (1989) Marshall MG CD10 (hi guys!) Gibson Les Paul Custom (1981) Mackie 24x8 mixing console Alesis ADAT HD 24 digital recorder Shure KSM 27

11-07-2009, 12:49 PM	#2054 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,580	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Wow! I left at around ten last night and you guys has a chat fest. Let me go back and see if I need to answer any of these questions. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

11-07-2009, 01:51 PM	#2068 (permalink)
wegman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 138	Re: Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Hey Marty, Can you tell me anythng about an orange lettering RCA tube? They sound pretty sweet in my amp. I am just wondering if there is something special about them. Thanks __________________ Ian St Ian says "If your not playing Gibson and Marshall your a wanker!" Marshall JCM 800 2210 (1989) Marshall MG CD10 (hi guys!) Gibson Les Paul Custom (1981) Mackie 24x8 mixing console Alesis ADAT HD 24 digital recorder Shure KSM 27

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