Lonestar Special - preamp tube replacements

[Mick]

I'm with the boogieman on this one. I'm running NOS Tesla 12ax7's in v1, v2 and v5. Stock Mesa or JJ or Tung Sol for reverb and the loop. Also have NOS rectifier but can't discern any tonal difference with NOS in v3 or v4.

 

[boogieman90]

In one of your older statements you gave these as your tube setup:

V1 Long-plate Mullard 12AX7 with halo getter
V2 RFT ECC83
V3 Sylvania black-plate 12AX7
V4 GE long-plate 12AX7
V5 Mullard CV4024

It appears that you were using the GE in the reverb then. Did you switch that with the PI? Or just do them both the same?
I am going to try a 7025 in V-5 and TungSol or stock mesa tubes in V-4. I'm unsure about V3 at this point but I'm inclined for Tesla's in V1 and V3 and RCA Blackplate 5751 triple mica in V2.

 

[timmerel]

That would be me being a bit thick...

You're right - I am actually using the GE in V4.

I guess what I'm thinking about is something a little brighter in terms of 12AX7 for the reverb tube than what I'm currently using.

 

[boogieman90]

A Teasla 12AX7 may well do the trick, or you may look to alter "ghe chain" by changing your tubes V1 and V2. That's why I'm looking hard at the 5751 in V2 and the 7025 in V5 and maybe V3. I play with humbuckers and my LSS can be a little muddy with them, at certain settings, and it limits my tone options.

 

[boogieman90]

Tesla. Sorry.

 

[jrkooshman]

Curiosity again: gray- or black-plate?




I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the re-tube of your amp. It is exciting - like having a whole new amp!

Pedal free - what a concept!

- Thom

I can't tell! It looks gray to be-

 

[boogieman90]

Sweet. There does appear to be anything that matches NOS tubes. We're in trouble when they run out. What's the "average" life (hours of use) that you are getting from your preamp and power tubes. The Mesa literature says 2-3 years for preamp tubes and 1 1/2 -2 years for power tubes. Mine is approached 2 years, but with low hours of use 9less than 150 hours).

 

[Timbre Wolf]

I can't tell! It looks gray

I agree - that's a gray-plate. The older black-plates I've got look quite a bit darker.

- T

 

[jrkooshman]

ok,
I promised a few people that I would record some clips of different tubes in V1 and 2. So, here you go- I mixed and matched a Raytheon Blackplate, Amperex 58 Herleen, and a RFT ECC83. Guitar was a PRS singlecut. I had to re-do all my clips b/c I was swapping v4 instead of 2, so my playing was a little unenthused here. There is a strat where noted. Clean settings were "sparkly clean. 30 watts on both channels. Ch2- Drive on, Thick. Drive 1, Gain 3:00. I will voice this appropriately now- there is a lot more gain on tap after I took the Amperex 66 out of V1. Power tubes are matched Mullards and Amperex.

I don't have a mic, so this is using my mp3 players mic
vote away!
Clip 1 V1 Amperex V2 58
V2 RFT ECC83
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes01.mp3

Clip 2 V1 Raytheon Black plate
V2 RFT ECC83
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes02.mp3

Clip 3 - V1 Raytheon Black plate
V2 Amperex 58

http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes3.mp3

Clip 4 - V1 Amperex V2 58
V2 Raytheon Black plate
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes4.mp3

Clip 5 - Amperex
RFT
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes5.mp3
Clip 6 (strat) Amperex
RFT
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes6.mp3
Clip 7 V1 Raytheon Black plate
V2 RFT ECC83
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes7.mp3

Clip 8 (strat) V1 Raytheon Black plate
V2 Amperex 58
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes8.mp3

Clip 9 V1 Amperex V2 58
V2 Raytheon Black plate
http://jeffkushmerek.com/sound/tubes/tubes9.mp3[/url]

 

[Timbre Wolf]

ok,
I promised a few people that I would record some clips of different tubes in V1 and 2.

It's not easy to tell exactly whats going on when you're not the one playing! Also, my computer speakers are not quite the correct setup to judge. I did listen through, though, and have my preferences from these clips. I didn't really feel the cleans were that clean, but I'm not trying to be negatively critical.

For the PRS, I prefer the Amperex in V1, Raytheon in V2 (clip 4). But for the Strat, I think I prefer clip 6: Amperex in V1 again, but RFT in V2 - I think the RFT's fatter character worked better with the Strat. I only hesitate in this because clip 9 did not play for me, even when I corrected the URL.

Very cool of you to post these, Jeff - thanks! I'd like to hear what your preferences are, and why.

- Thom

 

[boogieman90]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Centainly better than stock. I really like clips 1 ,4 and 6. Was unable to get #9. I can't wait to gather the rest of my tubes and dial this puppy in.
For your power tubes how close do the pairs match one another individually and each other?

 

[jrkooshman]

thanks guys! I will have to repost #9 later- only a few minutes before daddy day care starts. Since I play the PRS most of the time (the bridge pickup has analmost tele sound), I am leaning towards Amperex V1, Raytheon V2. I think the "clean" issue may be that I was not using a good mic and there was clipping on the signal.

Another interesting thing that happened was that as soon as I plugged my DL4 delay in to practice, I noticed an immediate drop in tone- a really bad smothering of sparkle. sigh.. maybe next week I can see if it is cables or the pedal.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

I am leaning towards Amperex V1, Raytheon V2.

There was a lot of nice harmonic overtone content with that combo. Try it in context with other instruments - I think it could be the one.

- T

 

[boogieman90]

I agree with the choice from the samples given. The harmonics from each tube seemed to work together for a full sound that did not overlap one another or muddy it up. Hopefully the cables will fix the other problem.

 

[jrkooshman]

cool. What a difference between the 58 Herleen and the 64 unknown amperex. I guess I should get a few backups gradually over time. and of course, if I see I Mullard long plate or Mazda on the cheap, you never know :lol:

 

[Timbre Wolf]

of course, if I see I Mullard long plate or Mazda on the cheap, you never know :lol:

Be careful about stumbling into one of those time-travel paradoxes when you're using your time machine. :wink:

-T

 

[boogieman90]

Some ANOS tubes are available, cost less, and should work well. I've seen some long-plate Mullards for $75 each and test as new.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

Some ANOS tubes are available, cost less, and should work well. I've seen some long-plate Mullards for $75 each and test as new.

Well, there's a store in town that sells anos tubes, but I don't go in there too often, 'cause its kinda seedy.:wink:

Seriously, though, used tubes that test good are an excellent option, and I highly recommend seeking them out.

- T

 

[boogieman90]

Seedy is okay as long as the tubes are as advirtised, the change is right, and there is an escape route. I agree caught is necessary, but reputable vendors have some ANOS tubes. In this manner I'll do some experimenting prior to laying down bigger bucks.

 

[jrkooshman]

I used Brent Jesse at http://www.audiotubes.com/ with luck. Also MIke at Kcanos, but never have seen too many ANOS- who are some reputable ones?