Tourmaster tubes

[dwfender]

So, I'm interested in playing around with my tube configuration and I want to either change my preamps or power tubes or what but I'm trying to alter my sound slightly to fit into the new group I'm playing with. Right now I rely very heavily on some boutique pedals to boost my sound and I would like to dial in my amp more and use the pedals for color.

I'm curious what influences the preamp tubes being replace will have on the sound. I can paint a picture of what I'm going for if anyone is willing to help me figure it out.

I'm new to these shifty games with tube amps so I'm not familiar with what changes do what to the overall tone.

Let the research begin

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

It really depends on what you want. I have re-tubed my Tourmaster a few times. On the whole, pre-amp tubes will have a more noticeable impact on the sound then power amp tubes, unless you are really cranking.

Doug's Tubes is a good place to go: http://www.dougstubes.com

 

[RockStarNick]

In a nutshell:

Sovteks: neutral sounding, but very good sounding and solid.
TungSols: Great sounding tube all around. Can't lose, in my opinion. However, some of them have less bass than others.
JJ: Very dark, subdued high end. Can fatten up a bright amp, or make a smooth midrangey amp dull.
Chinese C9: Cool, unique tone. Pleasing chewy-ness. Stretchy-sounding midrange, good top end.
NOS 5751: basically a 12AX7 with 80% of the gain level. Great sounding tube, can clear/clean up a gainy amp.
EH: I think they sound like garbage, but that's just me.