Fender sounds on all 3 channels out of a MK3?

[muzweli13]

I just bought a 93 MK3 Black Stripe with an EV that I'm currently re-tubing. For 6L6s I've acquired a matched quad set of NOS Sylvanias from 1980, and what I'm looking to do... is get into some pre amp tubes of the same quality. My amps have always been of a Fender variety, but I love the versatility of the Boogie. What I'm trying to accomplish is a variety of Fender tones (I'm also a Strat player) throughout all the channels. I've heard that by using different pre, verb, and phase inverter tubes (ATs, AXs, AUs) I could be heading in the right direction. But before I go emptying my pockets on tubes, I thought I'd post where I'm coming from... and get some opinions from some of you that may have gone this route (liked or disliked). I've also been told that this can be achieved through various settings on the amp itself - but I find this hard to believe, due to the very nature of what this amp was intended to do in the first place. I'm thinking that with various value tubes in different locations, maybe this can be realized?

 

[kdorsey]

IMO, it's do-able. Just keep in the back of your mind that this amp was designed to take the Fender concept and run as far away from it as possible...and you're backing up a few steps. A 'Fender-ish' vibe may be all you can get from ch3, but ch1 and ch2 should be pretty easy.

Clarification: Is yours Simul-Class or 60W or ??. Graphic EQ?

Here are my recommendations:

1. V1: replace with NOS RCA/GE gray plate 12ax7. This is a lower gain tube and brings clarity and definition to all channels. Alternate: new Tung Sol 12ax7. That's a far cry from the RCA but it is very clean and defined, just in a different way.

2. Focus on ch1 and let the shared EQ do its thing. Keep volume very low, around 4 but push the master really high, 8-10.

3. Don't be stingy on the middle control. This is a vital flavoring for Fender-like stuff. If you can't find it exactly, get close then use the GEQ.

4. Be prepared to use another speaker/cab. The EV is a wonderful speaker but not for everything and everyone. I really like the WGS ET65 but also like old Jensens. V30s don't do it for me except in certain cabs for classic and vintage rock.

5. If you have Simul-Class, go with all 6L6s at first, but don't be afraid to try EL34s. I've run with the latter for almost 25 years but will occasionally go back to 6L6s for perspective realignment.

6. If you have Simul-Class, try class A mode. It's my favorite place to play, especially with the master dime'd.

Good luck!

 

[muzweli13]

Sorry about the lack of clarity. Mine is not a Simul-Class. It's a fully loaded MK3 60/100