View Full Version : 5E3 Tweed Deluxe
I’ve been doing guitars almost as long as guns. I’m still better at guns than guitar.
I just finished this 5E3 Deluxe that sounds phenomenal. I’m still waiting on the shellac to finish the cabinet, but the hard part is complete and working wonderfully.
This is my third amp build, the prior two were a tweed champ and a tweed 5E8A Twin, which was pretty complex.
Anyone else here building Amps?
https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1734334795-5.jpg
https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1645000225-5.jpg
I just built this one last night. Just kidding. I suck at AND hate soldering!
https://i.imgur.com/lr1aAYi.jpg
Dang, those are some mad skills you have there buddy! Looks like you're as good an amp builder as you are bullet builder! :)
I just built this one last night. Just kidding. I suck at AND hate soldering!
https://i.imgur.com/lr1aAYi.jpg
Pink Taco or Runt?
I haven't built an amp, but I've been doing basic pedal mods. I made my MXR chorus true bypass and have swapped a few resistors and added true bypass to an old Crybaby Classic I had sitting around.
I've thought about buying a Ceriatone 20w JCM 800 kit to build, but not sure if I actually have the time and patience to see it through.
Averageman
02-14-23, 09:49
Dang, I've got a nice old Marshall in the livingroom that needs a new fan. It's operating intermittantly.
Do you know a source?
Thanks
Dang, I've got a nice old Marshall in the livingroom that needs a new fan. It's operating intermittantly.
Do you know a source?
Thanks
Try Antique Electronic supply. That is my primary parts source for vintage stuff.
Now you metal heads have me thinking about doing a Marshall JTM 45 instead of another tweed for my next build.
Try Antique Electronic supply. That is my primary parts source for vintage stuff.
Now you metal heads have me thinking about doing a Marshall JTM 45 instead of another tweed for my next build.
Look at doing a Trainwreck clone, those little buggers crank. I could also look thru Dad's board stash, he might have a JTM45 board drilled and ready for turrets :)
Now you metal heads have me thinking about doing a Marshall JTM 45 instead of another tweed for my next build.
I know that feeling. I couldn't decide on what Marshall I wanted, so I bought them all.
https://i.imgur.com/h0xtvZU.jpg
I know that feeling. I couldn't decide on what Marshall I wanted, so I bought them all.
https://i.imgur.com/h0xtvZU.jpg
I only have 10 amps, no Marshall’s yet and that is probably a huge gap.
I've never heard of anyone building their own amp. I don't know why, it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.
At one time I was interested in building my own bass guitar.
I never did but I'd like to look into building a bass amp.
Are kits available, or do these need to be built from scratch?
I only have 10 amps, no Marshall’s yet and that is probably a huge gap.
Of their recent production amps, the DSL line are a really solid value. The 40w combo (DSL40CR) is killer and can be reliably found for a solid price on the used market. If you like the more classic JMP/JCM sound, I can't recommend the DSL enough.
I've never heard of anyone building their own amp. I don't know why, it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.
At one time I was interested in building my own bass guitar.
I never did but I'd like to look into building a bass amp.
Are kits available, or do these need to be built from scratch?
There's actually a really strong DIY community for building amps. Companies like Mojotone, Stew Mac, and Ceriatone sell amp kits and forums like Amp Garage (https://ampgarage.com/forum/) are useful resources.
I've never heard of anyone building their own amp. I don't know why, it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.
At one time I was interested in building my own bass guitar.
I never did but I'd like to look into building a bass amp.
Are kits available, or do these need to be built from scratch?
Kits, I prefer MojoTone as the components are of higher quality.
You can build from scratch as well, but I’m trying to recreate and replace real vintage amps I sold like an idiot years ago. Which is one of the reasons I never sell guns.
It’s fun, satisfying and far less expensive than plopping down the coin to replace a real vintage amp these days.
When I’m done, you’ll be hard pressed to tell this amp from the real deal and it will sound exactly the same if not better.
Pink Taco or Runt?
Taco!!
I've thought about buying a Ceriatone 20w JCM 800 kit to build, but not sure if I actually have the time and patience to see it through.
I saw that JCM 800 kit, and thought about it, but It's not my thing. I wish I was an electrical skilled person.
Of their recent production amps, the DSL line are a really solid value. The 40w combo (DSL40CR) is killer and can be reliably found for a solid price on the used market. If you like the more classic JMP/JCM sound, I can't recommend the DSL enough.
I’m 100% a vintage snob.
I can’t easily maintain PCB amps. So if it isn’t PTP wired, I don’t want it.
Not willing to lay out cash for a custom PTP amp, as I could just build it myself.
So that’s what I do…….
My 5E8A ‘57 Twin amp rattles the walls and sounds great.
There's actually a really strong DIY community for building amps. Companies like Mojotone, Stew Mac, and Ceriatone sell amp kits and forums like Amp Garage (https://ampgarage.com/forum/) are useful resources.
Kits, I prefer MojoTone as the components are of higher quality.
You can build from scratch as well, but I’m trying to recreate and replace real vintage amps I sold like an idiot years ago. Which is one of the reasons I never sell guns.
It’s fun, satisfying and far less expensive than plopping down the coin to replace a real vintage amp these days.
When I’m done, you’ll be hard pressed to tell this amp from the real deal and it will sound exactly the same if not better.
Thanks for the response and info, it gives me someplace to start.
I've learned the hard way not to sell guns as well.
Just buy an AX FX!!! :sarcastic:
Just buy an AX FX!!! :sarcastic:
I did that. Twice. (Technically an Axe FX II and an FM3...)
I spent more time messing with IRs and endlessly tweaking instead of just playing. Paralysis in analysis, and all that. If I were gigging more frequently and just wanted to run to FOH, I'd go Helix. A guitarist I jam with has one and it's much more user friendly than the Fractal stuff.
If I recorded at home, either the Helix or Axe Fx would be perfect.
I’m 100% a vintage snob.
I can’t easily maintain PCB amps. So if it isn’t PTP wired, I don’t want it.
Not willing to lay out cash for a custom PTP amp, as I could just build it myself.
So that’s what I do…….
My 5E8A ‘57 Twin amp rattles the walls and sounds great.
Nothing wrong with that at all, man. It's awesome that you're building amps yourself and enjoying them after. That'a what it's all about, in my opinion.
I spent more time messing with IRs and endlessly tweaking instead of just playing.
This is why a JCM 800 or the Pink Taco are good for me. There's EQ, Gain, and Volume.... That's it. I suck at tweaking.... some guys can do that, but not me. If you gave me an AX Fx, I wouldn't know what the hell to do with it.
I watch Premier Guitar's "Rig Run Down" series and see all of these crazy rigs... Frigging try to trouble shoot that mess!!
Well done HK.
I haven’t played a “legit” gig in a lifetime, so most of my equipment sold or gifted.
Still have a few “studio” amps (Fender) that old but serviceable.
I’d be a lost cause at attempting to build.
I’d be a lost cause at attempting to build.
Same here. If my skills aligned with this, I'd go all in.
I finished up a Mojo Princeton Reverb kit a little while ago. Firing that sucker up had me sweating, even though I did all the voltage checks. Super fun and rewarding. Sounds great. Now I just need some lessons so I can learn how to play better.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230215/23fd0c73e7243eb90f3d9889c64699a7.jpg
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Kits, I prefer MojoTone as the components are of higher quality.
You can build from scratch as well, but I’m trying to recreate and replace real vintage amps I sold like an idiot years ago. Which is one of the reasons I never sell guns.
It’s fun, satisfying and far less expensive than plopping down the coin to replace a real vintage amp these days.
When I’m done, you’ll be hard pressed to tell this amp from the real deal and it will sound exactly the same if not better.Agree. These all tube kits sound great and are way better than the re-release PCB "clones".
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Averageman
02-14-23, 22:18
Now I just need some lessons so I can learn how to play better.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230215/23fd0c73e7243eb90f3d9889c64699a7.jpg
Never too late for lessons.
I've had two great Teachers, the first one got the Covid and re-retired. I miss him and still follow him on FaceBook.
My second Teacher was very talented, but we just kind of clashed when it came to styles and musical influences. Homeboy was good though.
So I've had lessons for 3+ years. Never regretted the money spent.
I've got a lot of time on my hands and can easily play for 2 hours a day, when your that free with your time, it's easier.
Never too late for lessons.
I've had two great Teachers, the first one got the Covid and re-retired. I miss him and still follow him on FaceBook.
My second Teacher was very talented, but we just kind of clashed when it came to styles and musical influences. Homeboy was good though.
So I've had lessons for 3+ years. Never regretted the money spent.
I've got a lot of time on my hands and can easily play for 2 hours a day, when your that free with your time, it's easier.Cool! Wyoming is, let's say lacking, in guitar teachers. Haven't found a good one for my daughter yet. She's 10 and is so much better than me its rediculous.
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
I finished up a Mojo Princeton Reverb kit a little while ago. Firing that sucker up had me sweating, even though I did all the voltage checks. Super fun and rewarding. Sounds great. Now I just need some lessons so I can learn how to play better.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230215/23fd0c73e7243eb90f3d9889c64699a7.jpg
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Looks real nice and great amp choice as well. Probably the perfect amp for playing at home.
Good to see I’m not the only one on here with this interest.
You are correct, power on can be sketchy. I’ve never blown a build up at power on, but two weren’t working and I had to track down my mistakes.
Just last night I somehow managed to blow the original PT in my real ‘66 Vibro Champ while giving it a once over. Plate voltages were sky high and I was trying to figure out why.
Had my bias tool connected and was actually watching plate current drop steadily from 425 down to 390 then poof. A puff of black smoke out of the little hole with all the wires.
Best I can tell, it was failing as the fuse did not blow and no other components are fried. The PT was so hot I nearly burned myself checking.
Sucks to watch something that old die right in front of you.
I wish you guys were my neighbors! Guns and Amps???
Seems like amps will multiply faster than guitars... I started with a little Peavey decade given to me by a friend of mine and ignored for a decade.
Then I started playing again, quickly got an orange crush 24rt, which I really like the sound of and is my main player amp. It's different, but once you know how to feed it it's pretty neat. (SD-1 vs a tube screamer, etc).
Then someone gives me a line 6 spider, and I find another Peavey for $10.
I'm like the guy who's firearms collection consists of bersa and similar 25s and 32s hanging with guys with high-end 1911s and race glocks.
One day I'll get a tube amp, but I can state definitively I am not amp limited right now. :-) My favorite YouTube channel lately is "this is why you suck at guitar".
I made my MXR chorus true bypass
Curious if you feel that made enough difference to be worthwhile?
I don't run a bunch of pedals, just sd-1, MXR chorus, and occasionally a JHS reverb. Mostly use the amp's reverb.
I really like my pawn shop MXR chorus. I actually use it on plugged in acoustic (ovation) more than my strat or LP copies. (Though I like my Epiphone Les Paul "60s classic" as much as a lot of real LPs).
Curious if you feel that made enough difference to be worthwhile?
Before I modded it, I lost a lot of treble in my signal, even when the pedal is off. I tried a few other remedies, but none of them helped. It may have been better running it through the front end, but in the effects loop, it really sucked the high end out of the sound.
The laquer arrived today and I applied four coats. It has the aged bar look now which I really like.
Here is the finished product, still waiting on the cabinet lablel which will add a finished touch.
https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1479088495-5.jpg
https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1479088183-5.jpg
Wow. That's pretty cool, man.
I've built a few amps. Solid State, Tubes, Guitar, HiFi.
I too have Silver Face Princeton Reverb that I need to finish restoring. If anyone has not seen Uncle Doug on YouTube ... check him out. When he goes through a guitar amp he explains it in detail on a very clear beginner level but also fully into the circuit. IOW, he doesn't just say replace this cap with that cap. He gets a lot of old amps with odd issues. Very good learning channel.
To the person that wants to build a TrainWreck.... Try to find Billy Yates if you have any questions. I'm pretty sure he and few other guys blueprinted a Trainwreck many years ago. He's been doing guitars and amps all his life basically. Super nice guy. https://www.facebook.com/people/Saguaro-Amplifier-Service/100066595217452/
I was given an old 4x12 slant cabinet and I've stripped it down. I know what I want to go back with but I've never done Tolex before so I'm hesitant about getting all the seams and corners looking good. Yours def. turned out really nice looking.
Super cool!
Tweed Deluxe is THE benchmark!
I was considering a build then found a great deal on a Fender RI Tweed Champ and that amp is THE best sounding amp I've ever heard...for my uses! I've been through as many amps as firearms and finding this Champ was like finding my Alchemy Prime 1911! Search OVER!
For those of you interested in this I suggest checking out Truth About Vintage Amps podcast by Fretboard Journal featuring long time amp expert Skip Simmons and industry guests! They make it really fun to listen to even if you're unsure or just starting to learn about vintage amps!
https://vintageamps.libsyn.com/
This is super cool, and very intriguing!
I don't play guitar, but I recently "retired" from a career as an EE doing PCB/circuit design for high-end consumer electronics. As part of that, I also did a lot of rework and repair on SMT electronics so small that they required a microscope and tiny tools to solder. Most of the job was pretty mundane, but I LOVED the soldering and rework. Total Zen. Anyway, I've been looking for some kind of a side-project to keep those skills from evaporating. And tube amps have always fascinated me since they are, essentially, magic.
The wife sort of shot down my other idea for a side project, but she'd probably be more into something like this...I'll definitely have to look into it more.
The wife sort of shot down my other idea for a side project, but she'd probably be more into something like this...I'll definitely have to look into it more.
You could probably make a little money too from guys like me who can't solder shit, but like an amp from the guy who built it.
I finished another today.
This one is a Deluxe Reverb kit that was fairly more complex than the 5E3 kit.
I forgot to ground some pots, but other than that everything went perfectly and she’s a playa.
Deluxe Reverbs are probably one of the best amps of all time.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230411/5750daa95189d4470a9b623a5fa0f581.jpg
https://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1744577714-5.jpg
I'm not an Amp guru. I wish I could contribute more to this. I saw an article in a Stewmac or Reverb email on how to relic your tweed. That stuff is silly dumb to me. Shit... my amps get covered with plastic when not in use to keep dust out. And covered with cloth to keep UV from fading their beauty. I didn't even cut the big tag off of my Runt 50.
Well, if its still wearing tags you know its gotta be a hood runt.:D
Well, if its still wearing tags you know its gotta be a hood runt.:D
I prefer Mini Pearl for those old enough to know that reference. I also just got a Jared James Nichols Epiphone Gold Top P90 guitar that is incredible. I normally wouldn't consider a China guitar, but I wanted a P90 and the reviews were excellent. I can't stop grabbing that guitar lately.
El Pistolero
04-16-23, 10:06
I’m more into amps than guitars actually. Here’s just a few of my builds, a Matchless Spitfire clone with 2 watts of power, a Princeton Reverb kit from Mojotone, and a lastly what is essentially a Marshall JCM 800 2204 clone but modified to 20 watts output and utilizing the more full-sounding octal preamp tubes. I’ve built several amps now with the octal 6SL7s and they blow the 12AX7s out of the water for tone. I made the chassis myself for a unique look and I’m currently working on covering the wooden cabinet for it with snake or alligator skin tolex. Then I have a brand-new 5E3 tweed Deluxe kit from Mojotone to put together for myself (all other amps I’ve built have been to sell). My aspiration is to one day build a Trainwreck Express or Liverpool clone, they are absolutely the most phenomenal amps to ever exist. My holy grail isn’t a Dumble like most everyone else.
https://i.imgur.com/LlnS69n.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2vUYj1g.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2437NSe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mwPPTtS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QMutoIm.jpg
Nice clean builds. Princeton Reverb from Mojo will probably be my next one.
I try to stay away from the ground to nut solution. I always try to solder directly to the board.
One thing I noticed with the Mojo Deluxe Reverb kit. Their layout has one of the cap doghouse grounds running to the input grounding area, which increased the noise floor. I re-did that run and ran it across the board to the B+ grounds and the amp is MUCH quieter now. I also keep the AC input grounded separately from everything else, which also reduces the overall noise floor. They show this one correctely in their layout.
I'm not skilled enough, nor do I have the right equipment to build my own chassis. I did tig weld the sides of the Deluxe Reverb Mojo cap can cover that were bent over and not connected. After some Silver mist paint, it doesn't look too bad although nobody would accuse me of being a good welder yet.
El Pistolero
04-16-23, 11:34
Yeah I saw how Mojotone does their AC mains wiring and I don’t like it. Should be a DPDT switch to comply with modern UL/EU standards and the fuse should be on the hot wire instead of the neutral. Otherwise the Mojotone kits are great and I recommend them to everyone. Honestly though I refer to the original Fender schematics and layouts a lot while simultaneously looking at what instructions come with a kit and choose whatever I like better as I go along because newer companies tend to take some liberties with their layout. Fender got it right with the brass plate under all the pots.
Otherwise the Mojotone kits are great and I recommend them to everyone.
Yep, I've used Weber in the past and the Mojo kits are vastly better. The cabs are better too. Highly recommend them. Good people at the company as well, all of my interactions have been extremely positive.
I prefer Mini Pearl for those old enough to know that reference. I also just got a Jared James Nichols Epiphone Gold Top P90 guitar that is incredible. I normally wouldn't consider a China guitar, but I wanted a P90 and the reviews were excellent. I can't stop grabbing that guitar lately.I've been seeing a lot of comments from serious players that the current generation of Epiphone "60's Gibson Les Paul" copies are better than the modern era Gibson Les pauls. Certainly as good as.
That includes some double blind playing tests, One of which was against a genuine '60s Les Paul.
I know I love my Epi 60' classic LP copy. Lotta guitar for the money.
https://i.imgur.com/2437NSe.jpg
This is so cool.
I've been seeing a lot of comments from serious players that the current generation of Epiphone "60's Gibson Les Paul" copies are better than the modern era Gibson Les pauls. Certainly as good as.
Some youtube video commented that the epiphone line almost makes some of the Gibson line a bad value in comparison.
El Pistolero,
The Single Rectifier is criminally underrated. I had a bandmate with one that he had the effects loop modded to be series and it was killer. I was gigging a 5150 at the time and our setups complimented each other well.
El Pistolero
04-17-23, 12:40
I've been seeing a lot of comments from serious players that the current generation of Epiphone "60's Gibson Les Paul" copies are better than the modern era Gibson Les pauls. Certainly as good as.
That includes some double blind playing tests, One of which was against a genuine '60s Les Paul.
I know I love my Epi 60' classic LP copy. Lotta guitar for the money.
I’m about to buy one of these newer Epiphone 60s Les Pauls from Sweetwater. The fact that they got rid of the ugly clipped-ear headstock of years past has sealed the deal for me. Everything you are hearing about them is true, both about the new Epiphone LPs and about the current Gibsons.
El Pistolero
04-17-23, 12:43
El Pistolero,
The Single Rectifier is criminally underrated. I had a bandmate with one that he had the effects loop modded to be series and it was killer. I was gigging a 5150 at the time and our setups complimented each other well.
So for years I’ve played single channel amps so getting the Mesa is stepping a bit out of my comfort zone but the Rectifier series is just super cool. I wanted a Dual Rec but got a Single because the price was too good to pass up. It’s a fun amp, has a great clean tone and several overdrive/distortion flavors on tap so I can plug straight into it and not be bored for a few hours.
I’m about to buy one of these newer Epiphone 60s Les Pauls from Sweetwater. The fact that they got rid of the ugly clipped-ear headstock of years past has sealed the deal for me. Everything you are hearing about them is true, both about the new Epiphone LPs and about the current Gibsons.I don't think you'll be disappointed, I love mine.
In some of the objective comparisons I'm seeing they indicate if anything the Epi's have the same or better build quality now and the tone is almost identical.
The only objective difference is that you can still get a nitrocellulose Gibson where the epis will be polyurethane.
Not a big deal for me, and even the purists indicate you can knock the sheen off the neck with a super fine Scotch-Brite if desired. In all other aspects polyurethane holds up better.
Heresy, I know.
I’m about to buy one of these newer Epiphone 60s Les Pauls from Sweetwater. The fact that they got rid of the ugly clipped-ear headstock of years past has sealed the deal for me. Everything you are hearing about them is true, both about the new Epiphone LPs and about the current Gibsons.
I love that you can pick your guitar at Sweetwater, and they list the weights and all.
I don't think you'll be disappointed, I love mine.
In some of the objective comparisons I'm seeing they indicate if anything the Epi's have the same or better build quality now and the tone is almost identical.
The only objective difference is that you can still get a nitrocellulose Gibson where the epis will be polyurethane.
Not a big deal for me, and even the purists indicate you can knock the sheen off the neck with a super fine Scotch-Brite if desired. In all other aspects polyurethane holds up better.
Heresy, I know.
I sprayed this clear matte rattle can paint (krylon, I think) on a few of my Nitro necks. It worked pretty well. Gives that glassy neck a more satin feel. It was nerve wracking, the first time I tried it.
I sprayed this clear matte rattle can paint (krylon, I think) on a few of my Nitro necks. It worked pretty well. Gives that glassy neck a more satin feel. It was nerve wracking, the first time I tried it.
My Epi neck had a satin finish which is just what I would want. I don't know if previous owner did it or if it came that way. Mine was like new and I don't think the previous owner had it long.
The Epi Gold top mentioned above has the matte gold on front, back, and neck. It is the best finish of all of my guitars. It makes my satin necks feel slick.
I love that you can pick your guitar at Sweetwater, and they list the weights and all.
I sprayed this clear matte rattle can paint (krylon, I think) on a few of my Nitro necks. It worked pretty well. Gives that glassy neck a more satin feel. It was nerve wracking, the first time I tried it.
I have a Couple Fenders that have sticky necks on the back. I used 0000 steel wool and 2000 grit sand paper to take most of that edge off.......Worked really well and there was crap all gummed up in the sand paper and wool.
I have a Couple Fenders that have sticky necks on the back. I used 0000 steel wool and 2000 grit sand paper to take most of that edge off.......Worked really well and there was crap all gummed up in the sand paper and wool.
I'm going to have to sack up and try this.
Averageman
04-17-23, 17:04
I’m about to buy one of these newer Epiphone 60s Les Pauls from Sweetwater. The fact that they got rid of the ugly clipped-ear headstock of years past has sealed the deal for me. Everything you are hearing about them is true, both about the new Epiphone LPs and about the current Gibsons.
I own one, I modified it heavily, but it's a 60's Les Paul. Love the neck on it.
I own Gibson, PRS and Epiphone Les Paul's, the Epiphone gets played the most.
I did invest a lot in upgrades though..
I'm going to have to sack up and try this.
If you go slowly, you really can't tell you were on it. It just takes a few of those thick layers off......I start with wool and finish with wool, using the 2K grit in the middle.
Averageman
04-17-23, 20:14
If you go slowly, you really can't tell you were on it. It just takes a few of those thick layers off......I start with wool and finish with wool, using the 2K grit in the middle.
I've done this to my Telecaster and reccomend it.
This is a cool 1 hour video with 4 amp guys if you have the time. I watched it twice while working out. The Tone King bit got me wanting an Ironman II attenuator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdJ0drGKl2w
Bumping this for thoughts on TUBES. Do you guys keep a back up stash of tubes? I was watching an interview with Soldano (from the video above), and he said that the tube quality isn't as good as when the military required them, and he's just happy we can even get tubes at all these days.
markm -- read this thread and I think you will understand why Soldano made that statement. It mirrors what I have heard / read for ages among the audio engineering elite.
https://repforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php?topic=18652.0
Doc B. runs a very successful tube amp business. I actually traded him some guns for some of his amp kits years back. Oliver was a genius designer. I have purchased his hand made specialty transforms. When he speaks of the Oahu amps towards bottom of thread... this is what he is referring to. https://reverb.com/item/33087796-oahu-oliver-archut-prototype-ju-28-15-watt-1x10-guitar-combo-2006 read the full description.
The reality is, according to those guys and many other top tier engineers, for going back in my reading maybe 25 years, it's too late to get the good stuff because it has all been hoarded. Beware of fakes too. "Oh this is NOS Bugle Boy but the label has worn off" or Telefunken with strange looking base. If you can find tubes that sound good in your gear even if they are not up to par, you might want to grab some spares. I think a lot of what ends up on eBay is the stuff that has been sorted through and unwanted, the old stuff that is. Not sure what the tube stores are doing.
But yeah, what Soldano said is absolutely in line with what I have heard for decades.
I have no illusions of getting the wonderful tubes of yesteryear, but I just want to make sure that when a tube croaks in the future, I have an acceptable replacement. I ordered a matched pair of EH EL 34s (Russian) today from Stewmac. I have spare EL84s for my 20W head.
Bumping this for thoughts on TUBES. Do you guys keep a back up stash of tubes? I was watching an interview with Soldano (from the video above), and he said that the tube quality isn't as good as when the military required them, and he's just happy we can even get tubes at all these days.
Stash, no. I have a few various 12AX7s from rolling different tubes in V1 of different amps over the years, and I do have a single spare quad of matched EL34s so I'm ready to retube my power section when/if the need arises. But to be honest, I don't retube amps unless they have a microphonic tube or sound noticeably "flatter" at higher volume.
Stash, no. I have a few various 12AX7s from rolling different tubes in V1 of different amps over the years, and I do have a single spare quad of matched EL34s so I'm ready to retube my power section when/if the need arises. But to be honest, I don't retube amps unless they have a microphonic tube or sound noticeably "flatter" at higher volume.
Gotcha. I have no 100w heads, so a pair of EL34s is back up for two different amps. I have spare 12AX7s somewhere, but I couldn't find them last night.
I don't know a realistic life expectancy for my power tubes... probably just long enough for the next fraud elected admin to ban their import/use.
In my experience, rough handling on the road was my personal killer of power tubes. Other than that kind of stuff, I've only ever had one power tube fail with home use, and they were the factory tubes with ~6 years on them. Preamp tubes rarely ever need replacing.
I heard Rhet Shuls (sp?) Youtube guy mention that you should let the tubes/amp cool before loading up the amp. I'm just a home player these days, so I probably have nothing to worry about.
Bumping this for thoughts on TUBES. Do you guys keep a back up stash of tubes? I was watching an interview with Soldano (from the video above), and he said that the tube quality isn't as good as when the military required them, and he's just happy we can even get tubes at all these days.
I have a large tote and a couple of 1 foot square boxes full of tubes. I have a lot of amps and stocked up in the early 2000’s.
I bought a large lot of 6V6 tubes at that time, some were crap, some were great. Also scored around 50 NOS MIL JAN 5751’s back in the day, all of them were great.
I don’t own an EL34 amp, but if I were to buy tubes today I’d need to do some research as I probably have enough to last well beyond my time left.
Mojo ships their kits with JJ’s mostly and they seem to be decent.
Mojo ships their kits with JJ’s mostly and they seem to be decent.
Yeah. Friedman puts those in his amps too. He's curiously lackadaisical about tubes. I read some reviews on the Russian Electro Harmonix tubes, and they seemed good. I bought a matched pair of those. I may get another pair later.
There is some nice amp stuff on this site. plus gun and car stuff too.
https://robrobinette.com/
Unless your amp is really screwed up or someone tries to 'hot rod' it by increasing voltages to unsafe regions you probably will be ok on tubes. If tube pins are clean and tight and bias resistors are in spec the output tubes should be safe. Especially if modern tubes are set to old tube specs like those found in Radiotron.
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