NOS Tubes

[Killtone]

I asked this question on another thread, but I wanted to get it out to more views:

How are the NOS GE 12ax7's? I have noticed that there are more of those available than just about any other NOS tube and they are reasonbly priced. Is that because no one wants them?

I am looking for a good tube for V1 in my Mark IV without breaking the bank. :wink:

 

[rvschulz]

IMO, which is a little limited since i have only been through 40 or so 12AX7s in the past 12-18 months ... is that it depends.

here are the variables -
1. amp - nuff said'
2. musical style - high gain, blues, clean, wide-range ??
3. guitar - yep, i noticed one setup sounded good with my 335 and sucked with my strats.
4. your ears - if it sounds good to you ... it probably sounds good.

i have become partial to JAN Philips 12ax7wa in v1. have one in the LSC and it is pretty musical. putting another one in Mark III. i have one that does not sound so good ...

a lot of these tubes are unique - used - aged.

i keep hearing Mullard ... old Mullard. and I keep trying to get a Telefunken for a semi-reasonable price to try. lucky for me, the cost isn't a BIG issue, but i try to be a little frugal.

good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[Lou]

IMO, which is a little limited since i have only been through 40 or so 12AX7s in the past 12-18 months ... is that it depends.

That I think is more than most folks may possible use in a life time.

But I guess that can raise quickly. I went from never changing a tube in like 25 or so years, (no wonder my 66 pro sounded flat!!!) to now having bought and fooled around with 8 in the last 2 months.

I'll be in TA in no time....(Tubes Anonymous)

 

[212Mavguy]

There are two basic types of GE 12ax7 tubes, longplate 12ax7 and shortplate 12ax7a/7025. The longplate is a great sounding tube, super for blues tones, but is versatile. They can often be slightly microphonic, but the heavy bottle they used helps when in the amp. I have several of them. The shortplate is better suited for combo amps due to the shortplate being inherently less susceptible to microphonics. It has a great sound also.

Either GE vintage tube pretty much kills the modern production tubes for tone to my ears. Great value and inexpensive to experiment to see for yourself. Peace.

 

[Killtone]

Hey, an answer I can use . Thanks!