TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes??

Adrian R · 08-25-2009, 04:41 PM

Ref: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR

I have seen these tubes on sale before..and they are of interest to me...

However, does anyone have any experience with these tubes? I've read on Harmony Central in where some people were experiencing a high failure rate with this tube..

Any insights?

Thanks...

janarn · 08-25-2009, 04:51 PM

What does the STR letters stand for? Is it the same on these tubes,
and the old Sylvania tubes STR 415 and STR 387?

MartyStrat54 · 08-25-2009, 05:46 PM

STR stands for "Special Tube Request," meaning it's a custom order tube.

Forum member Hot Tubes is using these tubes with great success. These tubes are basically Chinese tubes that are custom made to TAD's specifications and then hand selected. TAD then puts the tubes through a more rigorous test sequence. Make sure you get the Black Plates.

So far, I haven't heard any negative feedback on these tubes. As far as failure rates, I think all current production tubes have a very high failure rate during the initial testing. However, some of these tubes make it to market and you can end up with a bad tube.

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-25-2009, 07:19 PM

hello all !!

yes , get them , i think they are one of the best tubes i have ever owned.
i run them in my 6100 , and they blow away all other tubes that i have tryed .
as for failure rate , i think they have above average ratings , so far so good in my
case anyway , they have a very nice warm , full sound . many of the other brands
of tubes i have used would seem to have a lack or a too much of something when
pushed to louder volumes , not the TAD's !!! they make my 6100 sound like it never
has before , tone like no other tube can make . hands down my fav tube in my 6100
head , i would like to know if they sound this good in other amps as well !!! i would
bet they do .......!!!

oh yeah !!! .................STEELHORSE put me onto them !!! that dude knows his tone !!!!!

jcmjmp · 08-25-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

hello all !!

yes , get them , i think they are one of the best tubes i have ever owned.
i run them in my 6100 , and they blow away all other tubes that i have tryed .
as for failure rate , i think they have above average ratings , so far so good in my
case anyway , they have a very nice warm , full sound . many of the other brands
of tubes i have used would seem to have a lack or a too much of something when
pushed to louder volumes , not the TAD's !!! they make my 6100 sound like it never
has before , tone like no other tube can make . hands down my fav tube in my 6100
head , i would like to know if they sound this good in other amps as well !!! i would
bet they do .......!!!

oh yeah !!! .................STEELHORSE put me onto them !!! that dude knows his tone !!!!!

Have you tried the SED =C= 6L6GC?

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-25-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

Have you tried the SED =C= 6L6GC?

to be honest ....no ! but i have heard good things about them as well .

jcmjmp · 08-25-2009, 09:48 PM

I have a MESA 2:90 that is in need of power tubes. The TAD 6L6GCs are $10.00 cheaper but I'd rather go for a better tube with better reliability if possible. The =C= tubes are known for reliability. The made in China thing is another deterrent for me. I try to avoid anything China.
It would be nice to hear from users that have tried both, long term.

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-25-2009, 10:44 PM

all i know is that the TAD's make my 6100 sound awesome , there were times that i would go to the music store and play thru other amps and think maybe i should trade
mine in on a newer one etc , but with the TAD's not a chance !! , no question the best
my marshall has sounded in years .

and , i would not get to worried about the made in china thing , just about everything
is made in china , hell !!! the chair your sitting on was made in china .

RobS · 08-26-2009, 01:19 AM

Adrian,
If the 6l6gc is for your 900 try the JJ6l6gc. As posted in the 900 hate thread I think they are the right tube for the amp.

Rob

janarn · 08-26-2009, 02:15 AM

If STR = special tube request,
what does the number after STR mean.

Was the STR 387 made on request from Fender,
and the STR 415 made on request from Mesa?

How about the TAD tubes compaired with NOS tubes,
like the Sylvania STR 387 or the JAN Phillips 7581?

I bought some NOS 7581 to my Mesa,
and was told that it was the military grade version of the STR 387.

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 04:28 AM

I like the TAD's too. The SED's are very good tubes as well but just not my tone, I like it a little more punchier, fuller.

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse

I like the TAD's too. The SED's are very good tubes as well but just not my tone, I like it a little more punchier, fuller.

So you're saying that the SEDs lack fullness and punch?

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 09:40 AM

This is a great read. Its a review from a well respected source.
Several NOS tubes are compared, along with current production tubes, including the TAD and =C=. From that review, it sounds like the =C= is more for me. I'm tempted to get an extra quad to try out though. If only I had more money....

http://www.watfordvalves.com/cgi-bin...treport_44.pdf

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 11:33 AM

For every report touting the SED there's one touting the TAD but having had sets of each in the same amps (Boogers and JSX) I think I know the difference, and to my ears and for what I play and the gear I use, TAD's all the way.

But tubes are like opinions, to each his own.

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-26-2009, 11:34 AM

i have read alot on the net about other guys with 6100's , and they all said the same thing about running the TAD's , they have never heard there amps sound so full and big !
and i can stand behind that comment as well , as i said i have tryed most of the common production tubes , and the TAD'S are far better in all areas . imo !!!

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 11:38 AM

Holy chicken wings I do have a set in my 6100 too, had to sell the kids and the dog to get em but there in there and I love em in there too!

I've not ever had the SED =C= in there though and have the others which is why I mentioned them and not the 6100.

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse

For every report touting the SED there's one touting the TAD but having had sets of each in the same amps (Boogers and JSX) I think I know the difference, and to my ears and for what I play and the gear I use, TAD's all the way.

But tubes are like opinions, to each his own.

Yes, of course. Everyone has their own personal prefs and the amp you put them in makes a difference. Additionally, the plate voltage and bias settings can slightly change the way a tube behaves.

This particular review is very interesting because it describes, among others, the TAD and the SED =C= tubes. I like the fact that each tube is described in detail and in an apparently non-subjective manner.

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 11:49 AM

It's all subjective. That ain't consumer reports. LOL

And I never said I didn't like the SED's I do, I just personally like the TAD 6L6STR more.

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse

It's all subjective.

I said "apparently" non-subjective review.

If you read the entire document, in the conclusion section, there's a brief discussion wrt the tubes in different amps and different tones i.e. SRV Clean vs Keith Richards dirt.

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 12:19 PM

I can appreciate that thing is I don't need a report to tell me what sounds good to me, cool?

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelhorse

I can appreciate that thing is I don't need a report to tell me what sounds good to me, cool?

Huh? No-one ever said that you needed a report to tell you what you prefer.

Adrian R · 08-26-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

Adrian,
If the 6l6gc is for your 900 try the JJ6l6gc. As posted in the 900 hate thread I think they are the right tube for the amp.

Rob

Hi Rob,
Yes Rob I know, in fact, I believe I am the one on that thread that was touting the JJ 6L6s as a proper replacement for 5881 equipped 900s. I have used them for years in a 900 head with great results. I just thought I would try something else...a few reviews (of course subjective ones) said they TADs were even better then the JJs.

Just for the record, just earlier today I installed a brand new set of EH 6L6s in my recently acquired 900 MKIII head. They sound good, but no where near as good as the JJs...The JJs have so much more clarity, punch and excellent string response..The EHs seem to be a bit more sluggish. I have them biased at about 80%, which is right around 40-41mA...and they should be kickin' ass at this bias setting...

I'm really curious as to how the SEDs and TADs would compare to the JJs....unfortunately I spent my tube allowance already for this quater or two!

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-26-2009, 01:29 PM

and i might add , that the TADS may not be for everyone , no question there , but i'm into the 80's metal , classic rock type tone , and i know that we all have different tastes for tubes , guitars ,amps etc. . but the TADS sound so totally different than
any other tube i have tryed before , from what i have experienced and read about these
tubes is all steller !!!!

get the TAD's !!!!!!

jcmjmp · 08-26-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

and i might add , that the TADS may not be for everyone , no question there , but i'm into the 80's metal , classic rock type tone , and i know that we all have different tastes for tubes , guitars ,amps etc. . but the TADS sound so totally different than
any other tube i have tryed before , from what i have experienced and read about these
tubes is all steller !!!!

get the TAD's !!!!!!

For the Mesa 2:90, I think I'll get a quad of each and order a 3rd quad based on which I prefer.

steelhorse · 08-26-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

Huh? No-one ever said that you needed a report to tell you what you prefer.

I realize that, I just wanted to state my position. Besides I'm not the one that posted the thing.

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-26-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

For the Mesa 2:90, I think I'll get a quad of each and order a 3rd quad based on which I prefer.

thats a good idea !!! good luck !!!

MartyStrat54 · 08-26-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janarn

If STR = special tube request,
what does the number after STR mean.

Was the STR 387 made on request from Fender,
and the STR 415 made on request from Mesa?

How about the TAD tubes compaired with NOS tubes,
like the Sylvania STR 387 or the JAN Phillips 7581?

I bought some NOS 7581 to my Mesa,
and was told that it was the military grade version of the STR 387.

Well Sylvania did the original versions of the STR387 and 415, supposedly at Fender's request. Later versions of the 415 were made by Philips ECG. The military version, a JAN Philips 7581A has mixed reviews. As with many military tubes that are designed for strength over tone, the 7581A is no exception. A lot of people that use them tend to express that this tube is cold sounding when compared to other 6L6GC type tubes. I've run into this in my tube buying and I have drifted away from buying certain military versions of 12AX7 tubes.

The 387's were used by several amp companies, including Peavey. I have six of them in a Peavey MACE. The original 415's made for Fender had a pink ceramic base. STR 416 (6CA7) was made to accommodate the EL34 market. I believe both were special issues, the 415 for Fender's Evil Twin and the STR 416 for the Mesa Boogie Mark III. I'd love to get a couple of quads of these tubes. They had higher plate voltage capabilities and both were rated at 35 watts, the same as a KT88 and also a 7027A.

These were the biggest, baddest 6L6GC's ever made and were used exclusively by SRV in his Fender rig. These tubes came out in the last two years or so of American tube production. When it was over, these tube were no longer made making them scarce and expensive. Certain 6L6GC spares were made in Japan until the market vaporized due to solid state technology. If you find these tubes, expect to pay top dollar for them.

HOT TUBES 70 · 08-26-2009, 11:44 PM

again , one of the more knowledgable cats on the forum when it comes to tubes .
thanks for the great info ..

steelhorse · 08-27-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

again , one of the more knowledgable cats on the forum when it comes to tubes .
thanks for the great info ..

+1

janarn · 08-27-2009, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Well Sylvania did the original versions of the STR387 and 415, supposedly at Fender's request. Later versions of the 415 were made by Philips EGC. The military version, a JAN Philips 7581A has mixed reviews. As with many military tubes that are designed for strength over tone, the 7581A is no exception. A lot of people that use them tend to express that this tube is cold sounding when compared to other 6L6GC type tubes. I've run into this in my tube buying and I have drifted away from buying certain military versions of 12AX7 tubes.

The 387's were used by several amp companies, including Peavey. I have six of them in a Peavey MACE. The original 415's made for Fender had a pink ceramic base. STR 416 (6CA7) was made to accommodate the EL34 market. I believe both were special issues, the 415 for Fender's Evil Twin and the STR 416 for the Mesa Boogie Mark III. I'd love to get a couple of quads of these tubes. They had higher plate voltage capabilities and both were rated at 35 watts, the same as a KT88 and also a 7027A.

These were the biggest, baddest 6L6GC's ever made and were used exclusively by SRV in his Fender rig. These tubes came out in the last two years or so of American tube production. When it was over, these tube were no longer made making them scarce and expensive. Certain 6L6GC spares were made in Japan until the market vaporized due to solid state technology. If you find these tubes, expect to pay top dollar for them.

Thanks a lot for your answer.
I thought the Sylvania STR 415 "Fat Boy" was made for Mesa MkII amps, and not for Fender.
I didn't know that the "military grade" version was another tube, I was told
that it was the same tube, and that the "military grade" version just meant
that the tolerance was tighter on the tubes.
Does the number after STR have anything to do with the gain or the power
of the tube, or is it just a number to identify the tube?

08-25-2009, 04:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Adrian R Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Far North Chicago Burbs' Posts: 516	TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? Ref: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR I have seen these tubes on sale before..and they are of interest to me... However, does anyone have any experience with these tubes? I've read on Harmony Central in where some people were experiencing a high failure rate with this tube.. Any insights? Thanks...

08-25-2009, 04:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
janarn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 498	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? What does the STR letters stand for? Is it the same on these tubes, and the old Sylvania tubes STR 415 and STR 387?

08-25-2009, 07:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,358	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? hello all !! yes , get them , i think they are one of the best tubes i have ever owned. i run them in my 6100 , and they blow away all other tubes that i have tryed . as for failure rate , i think they have above average ratings , so far so good in my case anyway , they have a very nice warm , full sound . many of the other brands of tubes i have used would seem to have a lack or a too much of something when pushed to louder volumes , not the TAD's !!! they make my 6100 sound like it never has before , tone like no other tube can make . hands down my fav tube in my 6100 head , i would like to know if they sound this good in other amps as well !!! i would bet they do .......!!! oh yeah !!! .................STEELHORSE put me onto them !!! that dude knows his tone !!!!! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

08-25-2009, 09:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,725	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? I have a MESA 2:90 that is in need of power tubes. The TAD 6L6GCs are $10.00 cheaper but I'd rather go for a better tube with better reliability if possible. The =C= tubes are known for reliability. The made in China thing is another deterrent for me. I try to avoid anything China. It would be nice to hear from users that have tried both, long term.

08-25-2009, 10:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,358	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? all i know is that the TAD's make my 6100 sound awesome , there were times that i would go to the music store and play thru other amps and think maybe i should trade mine in on a newer one etc , but with the TAD's not a chance !! , no question the best my marshall has sounded in years . and , i would not get to worried about the made in china thing , just about everything is made in china , hell !!! the chair your sitting on was made in china . __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

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08-26-2009, 01:19 AM	#9 (permalink)
RobS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne - Australia Posts: 219	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? Adrian, If the 6l6gc is for your 900 try the JJ6l6gc. As posted in the 900 hate thread I think they are the right tube for the amp. Rob __________________ JCM900 4100 DR + 1960 A + B + Powerbrake Ibanez PS10CL Paul Stanley Custom Gibson LP Traditional Epiphone LP Custom No pedals.........

08-26-2009, 02:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
janarn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 498	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? If STR = special tube request, what does the number after STR mean. Was the STR 387 made on request from Fender, and the STR 415 made on request from Mesa? How about the TAD tubes compaired with NOS tubes, like the Sylvania STR 387 or the JAN Phillips 7581? I bought some NOS 7581 to my Mesa, and was told that it was the military grade version of the STR 387.

08-26-2009, 04:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? I like the TAD's too. The SED's are very good tubes as well but just not my tone, I like it a little more punchier, fuller. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

08-26-2009, 09:40 AM	#13 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,725	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? This is a great read. Its a review from a well respected source. Several NOS tubes are compared, along with current production tubes, including the TAD and =C=. From that review, it sounds like the =C= is more for me. I'm tempted to get an extra quad to try out though. If only I had more money.... http://www.watfordvalves.com/cgi-bin...treport_44.pdf

08-26-2009, 11:33 AM	#14 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? For every report touting the SED there's one touting the TAD but having had sets of each in the same amps (Boogers and JSX) I think I know the difference, and to my ears and for what I play and the gear I use, TAD's all the way. But tubes are like opinions, to each his own. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

08-26-2009, 11:34 AM	#15 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,358	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? i have read alot on the net about other guys with 6100's , and they all said the same thing about running the TAD's , they have never heard there amps sound so full and big ! and i can stand behind that comment as well , as i said i have tryed most of the common production tubes , and the TAD'S are far better in all areas . imo !!! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

08-26-2009, 11:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? Holy chicken wings I do have a set in my 6100 too, had to sell the kids and the dog to get em but there in there and I love em in there too! I've not ever had the SED =C= in there though and have the others which is why I mentioned them and not the 6100. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

08-26-2009, 11:49 AM	#18 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? It's all subjective. That ain't consumer reports. LOL And I never said I didn't like the SED's I do, I just personally like the TAD 6L6STR more. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

08-26-2009, 12:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,952	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? I can appreciate that thing is I don't need a report to tell me what sounds good to me, cool? __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

08-26-2009, 01:29 PM	#23 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,358	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? and i might add , that the TADS may not be for everyone , no question there , but i'm into the 80's metal , classic rock type tone , and i know that we all have different tastes for tubes , guitars ,amps etc. . but the TADS sound so totally different than any other tube i have tryed before , from what i have experienced and read about these tubes is all steller !!!! get the TAD's !!!!!! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

08-26-2009, 11:44 PM	#28 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,358	Re: TAD (tube amp doctor) 6L6GC-STR Tubes?? again , one of the more knowledgable cats on the forum when it comes to tubes . thanks for the great info .. __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

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