Hi. I need a new set for my '65 single Showman.
I have recently replaced 2 of the power tubes with with TAD 6L6 GC. Sound great, strong and sparkly! Although I have no much experience for comparison. The old ones (assortment of Svetlana and Mesa) were beginning to falter. I'm getting another pair of these.
Now it's the pre-amp tubes that are definitely showing signs of getting ready to transcend to another dimension, and wallow in eternal love, at the place where old electronics are happy forever (China? ).

According to the chart, I need 2 x 7025 (12AX7 equivalent) for the pre's, and 1 X 12AT7 for the phase inverter. (the trem I don't use anyway).
So, what's the sweetest, bestest, warmest, reverb loving, most 60's sounding preamp tubes out there? Early breakup is desirable, although I don't mind to mix and match different types for each channel, versatility is nice. I play al low volumes most of the time, but I do accept the nature of this beast, and try to feed it what it needs, what it wants...

Looking forward to your recommendations!
I'm about to close a purchase from Amplifiedparts, so if anything from there fits the bill, I'm taking!

BTW, should I have a tech look at it, for biasing or something? Can someone guide me how to do it myself, if needed? I'll be careful draining the caps, promise.

Thank you.

Last edited: Apr 14, 2015 06:22:34

JJ's seem to be the go to brand for a lot of us surf players.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

DGG wrote:

TUNG-SOL RI 12ax7 are hearty tubes. JJ miniatures can be great but in the years past were horrible failures straight out of the new box. On average, 2 out of 5 new ones were good. Headaches galore.

Dario should know - go with what he says.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

Thank you all for the help!
I got to tell you, I easily trust the cumulative experience here, the advice and information I have received from members over the time, has been invaluably precious from day one. I ask because I appreciate, and therefore act on it. So,

Badger, thanks, following your post, I'll get one of each. I don't mind experimenting, either way good to have replacements. Current production or NOS or... dunno, I have zero experience with that, whatever would sound nice and full at low volumes.

DannySnyder wrote:

Dario should know - go with what he says.

Gotta respect the master.
Thanks Danny!

Dario, appreciate you chiming in.

DGG wrote:

C'mon Danny that isn't true. I'm not omniscient.

Expect when it comes to amplifiers, where you kinda are... your reputation with creating epic reincarnations is legendary. Only a dummy wouldn't recognize.

Question everything.

Yep! Luckily, some do have answers! Thank you.

Currently, that's what I have observed with tubes and feedback from customers. Those tubes I mentioned work very well and customers dig them. YMMV

Great. I'm getting those. Anything specific for the 12AT7?
Best wishes Dario, be well.

Thank you Dario for the valuable information and time.
I finally ordered several tubes to experiment with, see what works better for what application.
Badger, I did find the Sovtek 12AX7WA, is that the one you meant? Ordered one too, looks interesting.

So thanks again everyone, I'll write my impressions down as I get to test the new lamps.

-

Last edited: Feb 02, 2016 19:48:49

By the way ... I'm also looking for a nice quad of tubes for my 66' Showman, the old GE tubes sound good at low volumes, but passed 5 in the volume knob they just can't handle it.

When you have to shoot ... shoot! Don't talk.

"Los Grainders" > https://losgrainders.bandcamp.com
"The Strings Aflame" > https://thestringsaflame.bandcamp.com
"Planeta Reverb" > www.instagram.com/planetareverb

Since I got what I asked for, please forgive me for this next burst of over simplistic brain farts:
Sure nothing beats training your ears, but without personal experience with whatever piece of gear in question, I learned trusting this forum is the next best thing. That's why I got now an assortment of tubes, to listen and educate myself. But it's those forum 'ears' that brought me in the 1st place to know the most exciting rock music in the world, got me holding this awesome amp (at a price that a US guy would pay for a mint brownface+cab!), and to dedicate myself to exploring the genre. Good enough. So I figure most recommendations given here won't be too off the ballpark. Use of ears and brains is encouraged to decide who to listen to, as well...

No way around it, individual as we may be, and we are, no one can tell us what to think or feel, some are better than others at some stuff, and those are the ones we should learn from to get ahead at stuff.
True expertise and mastery are becoming scarce these days, partly because the rise of individualist, subjectivist philosophies in the post-spiritual society, which automatically disregard accumulated knowledge and experience systems in favor of immediate emotional or material satisfaction. We're losing something crucial here. Maybe gaining something else along the way too. Punk has won, finally. Anarchy exists in the realm of ideology, and now the gates are opening, as distinctions and definitions all blend and lose their meaning, in personal perception bubbles. Communication is whatever you what it to be, everything is the same. Molecules or bits and bytes. Digital virtual amplifiers are getting too good, stop it! Just... stop.

Every amp isn't the same, indeed.
Best wishes to you, Dario. Like a true spiritual being, you teach us and lead us to freedom at the same time.

Emilien, for your consideration, (as I said above) I found the TAD 6L6 GC magnificent. While searching for my situation, many relevant interesting threads regarding power-tubes came up.

SixStringSurfer, thanks, maybe next time!

Last edited: Apr 14, 2015 20:44:03