Major Difference between Nomad 55 and 45?

[lespaul72]

Hey all,
I stumbled across a Nomad 55 for sale at a local music store. really loved it.
Did some research and learned of the el84 loaded 45...
Question is, since a/b ing these two side by side will be impossible, i'm wondering if there is a huge difference in tone? I really don't care about "clean headroom" because the band I'm in, we mic our amps. Just wondering if the difference in 6l6 and el 84 is a big one...
I'll definitely snag one from ebay, just don't know which one...
Thanks in advance

 

[Barry]

Hey all,
I stumbled across a Nomad 55 for sale at a local music store. really loved it.
Did some research and learned of the el84 loaded 45...
Question is, since a/b ing these two side by side will be impossible, i'm wondering if there is a huge difference in tone? I really don't care about "clean headroom" because the band I'm in, we mic our amps. Just wondering if the difference in 6l6 and el 84 is a big one...
I'll definitely snag one from ebay, just don't know which one...
Thanks in advance

Certainly lots of difference in those two tubes . EL84 is like the little brother to the EL34 . I think they are fantastic . It comes down to personal taste . I prefer the ELs over 6L6s but that may not be the case with you . Do your research .

 

[Platypus]

They're like apples and oranges so you're really going to try and have to sample at least an amp that's EL84 before you make the call. I tend to like EL34's and 84s more than 6L6's but I love tight complex midrange crunch which they have in spades.

It's all about personal preference!

 

[dennq45]

I believe there is a switch in the 55 that allows you to swap out the 6L6's and put it EL-34's. The 34's will break up a little sooner. I do LOVE my Nomad 45 though. The Nomad has the bonus of the Extreme switch on the back of the amp. Bone crushing gain. What type of music do you play?

 

[lespaul72]

Thanks for the help... I know the ideal situation would be to test these two side by side. However, I live in the middle of nowhere and there are no Nomad 45's sitting around to test drive.
I was drawn to this amp because of the versatility. I play in a cover band that does everything from new country, southern rock, classic rock, some harder stuff, but nothing really modern.
being able have a clean channel, a dirt channel and a lead type channel all right there seems ideal.
I'm not sure where I stand on el84 amps.I had a LSS, didn't care for it, however, the F-30 I thought was great.