How Do You Guys Feel About Specific Tube Makers?

rick1651 · Tadpole Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Posts: 17

Hey there Bassdogs of the world.
I am considering an SVT CL (about 2 years old) and I'm thinking with an amp like this, I have to be thinking tube changes down the road. What is the general consensus on tube manufactors? I'm looking at 12ax7's x 3, 12au7's x2 and 6650's x 6. I have read a lot of good thing about Electro Harmonix, Tung Sol, Sovtek, JJ Tesla, etc. Prices seem to go all over the board, especially on the 6550 power tubes. Anybody have any preferences? Enquiring minds want to know.
Thanks
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'76 4001 Rickenbacker Custom
'75 American Fender Jazz

Rd_Artist · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 5:03 am Post subject:

If I am not mistaken there are actually only two or three tube manufacturers left,Sovtek being one of them,everything else is branded merchandise so usually it is better to buy from the actual manufacturer.
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gibson_thunder · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 7:05 pm Post subject:

tubes are fairly unique from tube to tube, and from manufacturer to manufacturer.... Ive always ran vintage british or american tubes (sylvania, mullard, rca, amprex etc.) with an early break-up so I get the dirty tube sound of Jack Bruce or Felix Pappalardi... but this is all personal preferance. If you look on the net for a tube retailer with vintage tubes, they will usually list the charachteristic of each tube they sell. some even rate the individual tubes break up on a 1-10 scale. if you want dirty, get matched tubes that break up early. if you want clean, get sets that dont break up as quickly. www.vacuumtube.com is a good place to browse and learn about the different brands. Or if you have a vintage music shop in your city, go talk to the amp tech about the sound youre looking for and he`ll prescribe a set for you. just remember that you get what you pay for and if you buy a discount tube, it wont come close to the more expensive and better sounding tube. Nice choice on an amp, BTW!
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billthecat · Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:09 pm Post subject:

Hi,
You've asked an excellent question.
I've gotten into tube rolling since I got an Ampeg amp.
There's a bewildering choice of makers, rebranders, and highly cultified favorites among the vintage stock. From my extensive searching, I've learned that the best of the new makers/rebranders is JJ. They're designed in Germany, often using the old school blueprints and manufactured in China under very good quality control. Even so, I've heard about a high rate of failure or iffy tubes being shipped. Make sure you buy from a dealer who tests them and guarantees them.
Good luck and happy rolling!
Bill