Sound Characteristics of 6L6 GC ?

[DvE]

The title says it.

I have noticed that a lot of amps, which sound I like too, use 6L6 tubes.

Can anyone compare them to 6550 and EL34?

I am not unhappy with the 6550 equipped herbert, just interested because there is the possibility to mix tubes

 

[chicoclint]

Based on my experience, I've noticed that 6L6's tend to be much more "round" than EL34's. The midrange isn't as pronounced (or as warm) with 6L6's, as the lows and highs tend to be more dominant. I've decided that I'm not a huge fan of 6L6's, because they can be rather "bouncy" in the low end, and they can make the highs a little unpleasant to the ear.

6550's seem to have similar sonic characteristics as 6L6's, but because 6550's have significantly more headroom and a wider dynamic range, such characteristics aren't as noticable.

But like I said, that's just based on my experience.

Clint

 

[DvE]

Ok, thank you =)

So if the 6550 goes in a similar direction thats good to know.

I like my herbert much more since I have changed to 6550, because it has a lot (!) more presence now and the cleans are nicer to my ears

But maybe the 6L6 would be interesting if you want earlier power tube saturation, right?

 

[Joeytpg]

I'm a 6L6 guy, I'm 100% convinced of that. I love the 6L6 clean tone and even the dirty tone. I don't play metal much and even when I do, 6L6 sound GREAT to my ears. I play an EMG equipped guitar 90% of the time when I play hard rock/metal so the "midrange/bass flubbiness" is not an issue for me.

for clean/blues/rock 6L6 are AWESOME.

 

[chicoclint]

I would definitely agree that for cleaner tones and more Fender-ish overdrive, 6L6's are pretty sweet. And it makes sense that if you're using EMG's, 6L6's might be the way to go for heavier stuff, too. (I'm using PAF-type pickups, so I like my amp to produce a little more natural midrange.)

I actually just got an Einstein 100w today, and as much as I love EL34's, I am curious to hear what the amp would sound like if I combined the EL's with 6550's or 6L6's.

 

[dean_fry]

for clean/blues/rock 6L6 are AWESOME.

I second that!! It's just a matter of taste but these fenderish cleans are awesome!!
Any idea if I can put 6v6 in my herbert? As I mostly play home nowadays I think reduction of watt would be useful

Cheers,
Anju

 

[DvE]

Ok, thanks for your experience =)

I am more into metal und high gain tones, but, for example engls powerball and fireball are equipped with 6L6's and I really like their clean and their distortion tones. (I know I used the bad word at these forum ;-) but I would definatly say they have great tones for this style. ) So you would guess a 6L6s herbert goes more in that direction?

My main guitar is an Ibanez with Bareknuckle Holydivers. They are not as edgy as the EMGs, but still very hot.