Groove Tube 12Ax7a vs Normal Fender 12Ax7 in Mark V

[HeadlessAxeman]

what do you guys prefer...I was told that the GT 12Ax7a is more gritter and works better with higher gain stages...

Also..any way to isolate which tube is busted as opposed to trial and error on all of them-having to change out one by one until the problem disappears is the only way I know...

 

[SBG200]

what do you guys prefer...I was told that the GT 12Ax7a is more gritter and works better with higher gain stages...

Also..any way to isolate which tube is busted as opposed to trial and error on all of them-having to change out one by one until the problem disappears is the only way I know...

If you can swing it, I've got some ANOS GE Longplate 12AX7s (from KCA) in mine. They're $40 a pop, but well worth it IMO, especially in an amp that is so dependent on its preamp stages.

 

[HeadlessAxeman]

Word!..I'll keep them in mind..

whats the characteristic tonal difference you notice with the KCA's?

 

[SBG200]

Word!..I'll keep them in mind..

whats the characteristic tonal difference you notice with the KCA's?

I just found them smoother and richer than the stock ones. I didn't think there was anything bad about the stock tubes, but once I heard the NOS in there, it really made a difference. And BTW, KCA is where I got them, not the brand.