a.miller Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 I often hear people saying that they'll swap out 6L6s for EL34s? Is that correct? What kind of function does changing tube (sizes?) numbers do? I have a Fender Blues Deluxe and it has 3 12ax7 tubes and 2 6L6 tubes. Anyway, my buddy got me 3 pairs of new tubes 1 Mesa Engineering, 1 Soldano and one....that I can't remember. Does anyone know how much a tube's brand will change my sound? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
W(TF) Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 Some tubes are interchangeable, it's always a good idea to check the specs (plate current, etc).Tube Data Sheets Different brands will usually sound a little different. Unless they were made on the same production line. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
squarewave Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 Also, determine if the amp is self-biasing or if you need to get a meter and set bias manually.Bias is the set amount of current flowing through a tube's filaments with or w/out signal present. Bias set too high or too low will result in shortened tube life and/or shortened AMP life... Also, never pull a tube while an amp is on or cooling down, and you shouldn't disconnect the speaker (or cabinet) while the amp is on.Most will survive this because of built in protection, but the old rule was that an "open" circuit was death for a tube amp. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
In a little rowboat Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 I have a friend who i know swaps the 6l6's out because that hot rod deluxe is notorious for going from real quiet to too damn loud intstantly. I cannot recommend a replacement tube however... j Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a.miller Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 I have a friend who i know swaps the 6l6's out because that hot rod deluxe is notorious for going from real quiet to too damn loud intstantly. I cannot recommend a replacement tube however...jHmmm.....mines does the same thing. There is a HUGE volume jump around 2-3 on the knob. It sounds like going from 1 - 7. What kind of tubes did your friend use in place? EDIT: Like -- size, number, brand? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
anodyne Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 if the amp is fixed bias (like peavey and a lot of others), you have to have it modded (or mod it yourself) to add a bias pot. i wouldn't recommend it for the novice, but it's an option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
In a little rowboat Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Hmmm.....mines does the same thing. There is a HUGE volume jump around 2-3 on the knob. It sounds like going from 1 - 7. What kind of tubes did your friend use in place? EDIT: Like -- size, number, brand? ill look into it... j Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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