Gotta get new tubes for my Rebel

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Kiteboarder

Kiteboarder

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I think it's time to change the stock tubes on my Rebel 20. Yeah, I know, most of you guys change out the stock tubes the minute you open the box! I haven't.

Anyway, I'm noticing I'm less pleased with the sound these last couple of days. There's just something "off".
 
To my ears, pre-amp tubes will make more difference than power tubes, unless maybe your are really into cranking heavy metal distortion.

:confused: :rock: :thumbsup:
 
I'm probably going to change them all out, but one section at a time to note the difference. So probably, pre-amps first, and then a couple weeks later I'll do the power tubes.
 
I've stopped the buying spree that I had going... I was going to buy a Renegade, but I didn't. As much as I want one! :(

So I need to make the best out of what I have for now.
 
Kiteboarder":2vdn2qbg said:
I'm probably going to change them all out, but one section at a time to note the difference. So probably, pre-amps first, and then a couple weeks later I'll do the power tubes.
Click to expand...

I think that's a good and logical plan. Let us know how it turns out. :thumbsup:
 
Danny:

Consider that preamp tubes can last longer than power amp tubes...

You may notice more of a difference if you replace the EL84 power tubes first.
 
Hey Nick, but what would you do? Do you consider the stock preamp tubes in the Rebel good enough?
 
To start, I'd probably get a new set of power tubes, and ONE good preamp tube. Probably a TungSol reissue, or a good NOS one.

V1 in any amp usually makes the most difference.

There's probably a FX loop tube, and a PI tube... and those won't really affect the tone as drastically as V1 will.
 
Ok, cool Nick. Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for the upcoming paycheck... :thumbsup:
 
Nick:

I didn't know that about power tubes- I would have assumed that pre-amp tubes burn out first as they are "first in line" so to speak. What are the power amp tubes doing that they burn out first?

:confused: :confused: :confused:
 
True, preamp tubes are first in line, but the power tubes are creating, well, the POWER. If well cared for (and if you have good luck) preamp tubes can last YEARS. Power tubes, if used regularly, and especially if you crank them on a regular basis, will wear out quicker. I change mine about every 6 months. That's with practice once a week, gigging about 1-2 a month, and jamming at home. (I probably should change them MORE often)

I know this isn't the best analogy, but you could think of the preamp tubes as the brains, and the power tubes as the muscles. You can think with your brain all day without "wearing it out" per se, but if you had to do some heavy lifting with your muscles all day, you'd be worn out.

(again, not the best analogy...)

I mean, this is why you see alot of ANOS (almost new old stock) PREAMP tubes being sold. Tubes from the 60s that people claim test "like new", and they're getting good $$ for them. You don't really see alot of used power tubes being sold.
 
Len Rabinowitz":1mma2s2x said:
To my ears, pre-amp tubes will make more difference than power tubes, unless maybe your are really into cranking heavy metal distortion.

:confused: :rock: :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Len, you are correct though. At a lower volume, preamp tubes will make more of a noticeable difference.

That being said, going from worn-out power tubes, to fresh new ones (assuming the preamp tubes are fine) will make a drastic difference.
 
Great bit of into there Nick, thanks. I'm really looking forward to listening to the difference.
 
BTW, I do crank up the preamp quite a bit. This little guy is very loud. To get a lot of break up, I still need to crank the preamp a lot. This, in practice situations.
 
The thing with preamp tubes (and PLEASE, someone correct me if I'm wrong...) is that they're kinda like light bulbs. Either they work, or they don't. They can start to get microphonic, or just crap out on your, but preamp tubes don't have the gradual decline in tone that power tubes start to have when they get old.
 
Kiteboarder":3858dpbv said:
For pre-amps tubes... Is this a good option? :
https://cgi.ebay.com/2-NOS-Tung-Sol-5751 ... 33564de7f4
Click to expand...

I'd recommend getting them from someone like Jon @ thetubestore.com. He stocks JP 5751s. I wouldn't recommend the 5751 in all positions.

I prefer the Tung Sol 12ax7s in all 3 positions of my Mod100 and Mod50 on the chassis tubes...as well as my M4. I use differing tubes in V1 of each module (JP 5751 for clean modules / mid-gain modules...Chinese 12ax7a for Marshall types of high-gain modules...and TS 12ax7s for my EG5.) In all of my modules..I use a Tung Sol 12ax7 for V2 ....as for EL84s...the TAD EL84s are the best I've used so far.

Eric
 
Wow Eric! I could swear you had to reference that post outta a set of notes! :thumbsup:
 
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