TEJASTUBES

How to get a Tone as Big as Texas! (Part 1)

This guide is for the guitar tube amp owner who is interested in obtaining the best possible tone for their vacuum tube based guitar or bass amplification system.

In making a selection of tubes for your system you must consider the following points:

1. What type of tone do you prefer?
2. What is your budget?
3. Will the sound quality and dynamic range of the system you are using benefit from high quality NOS vacuum tubes?

Most people using a guitar amplifier which uses vacuum tubes will benefit greatly from high quality NOS vacuum tubes.  Our opinion is that the first tube your signal goes through ( in most cases V1) is by far the most important.  If you use a cheap russian or chinese made tube in this position then you severly limit the tonal and harmonic possibilities which your amplifier can produce.  Thus we suggest using an American, British, German, or Dutch made tube, or other high quality vacuum tube in this position.  Most guitar amplifiers use a 12ax7 in this V1 slot and we usually recommend a Brimar CV4004 (which typically sell at $49.99).  You could pay a lot more for it but it is really not necessary. Other great selections are GE, RCA, Sylvania, Tungsram, Mullard, Telefunken which we carry as well (prices vary). The reverb drive is important as well and most amps use a 12at7 for this application and JAN (which stands for Joint Army Navy) are greta as well as other high quality production which allows the reevrb to sound rich and lush without being "surfy". Most 12at7 should be appro $10.00 and up.

In choosing a tube dealer, here are some imprtant points to consider:

1. Does the dealer test the tubes, especially for noise? This is crucial! All tubes should be tested for transconductance, noise, gas, leaks, and shorts.
2. Are the tubes used or new? Again if they are tested and the dealer can reasonably assure you what level they are testing as compared to new tubes, then used should be fine.
3. Does the dealer ship promptly? There is nothing worse than needing a tube, paying immediately and then waiting and waiting. (Check their feedback and see what comments are made). Dealers who ship quick will usually have lots of comments about how fast thier shipping is!)
4. Does the dealer have a variety of tubes to choose from and perhaps even a website to browse for greater selection.
5. And lastly, the dealer should either be a musician or audiophile themselves. This gives them first hand knowledge about how particular tubes sound in various applications.

If you have any questions about tubes or availability, please email us. Our eBay handle is Tejastubes 

We look forward to hearing form you.