Who makes decent tubes these days?

[Mr. Willy]

I’ve never had quality issues with JJs. I’m also in the same camp that doesn’t like the sound of them. They’re too dark and cardboard sounding to me. The power tubes are ok, but they’re at the bottom of my list if I can get something else.

 

[Racerxrated]

So…

I just opened a box of guitar stuff that I haven’t touched in 15 years, and found this:



I think I’m set for tubes, lol

Couple things to mention…in your stash of GT 34s, if you have the LS I highly recommend them. Killer sound. And, GTs can sometimes be Siemens 34s…look for the dimple on the top of the glass…they are also a bit smaller than most EL34s.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

Are you using these NOS tubes in ultra modern amps with lots of preamp gain? If you are, then you most likely won’t hear the nuisances between the tubes.

Yep...mostly modern amps...Wizard, Fryette, KSR, Bogner, Peters, Mesa. I have owned 3-4 vintage Mesa MK2/MK3 amps and didn't notice much difference there either, but maybe because that's because they're still high gain/preamp gain type circuits? I also owned a 77 or 78 JMP, a 79 JMP, a 1987x, and a Germino club40, but still didn't notice a significant difference but that was purely swapping preamp tubes in all those amps not power tubes.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

We all hear differently…I remember talking Cs up to you and then you were like “meh, no difference “ haha…I don’t find JJ pre dull at all, but to my ears they are noticeably darker than any other pre tube I own or have tried. The difference in tone that I’ve always heard is with a vintage Marshall, 1990 or older….very noticeable with pre/power tube changes to my ear. You mostly roll with modern amps, with the exception being a JMP 2204? If I remember right. When I rolled tubes in newer Marshalls, VHTs, SLO, Naylor or EVH I didn’t hear the same big difference that I did with the vintage amps. But I always have 1 or 2 vintage Marshalls around. They always improve with vintage glass.
I used to order JJs before I tube rolled and they had a 20-30% failure rate; with new tubes no less. But I forget who I used to buy from. This was a few years back as I’ve had a good stash for years now. Friedman stopped using them; too many warranty claims. The 34s I won’t buy from them but am open to other types.

We definitely do all hear things different...no doubt there. I didn't hear a drastic difference in the =C= but they did come across slightly more creamy for lack of a better word. The JJE34L, EL34, & KT77 came across harder/edgier in the amps I compared them in at the time...think it was an Uber, the MCII, and a Splawn QR.

Yep...had a 77/78 JMP think it was and also a 79 JMP, 1987x, and a Germino club40. But I only ever played with various pres in those amps and never messed with the power tubes. Didn't hear a significant difference playing with NOS preamp tubes in them.

 

[RedPlated]

What I’ve been using with success in my Hellion

V1) JJE83CC (not the ecc83)
V2) Tung sol
V3 cf ) JJECC83
PI) Sovtek LPS

JJ KT77 power tubes

The E83CC is a great 12ax7. Not dark. Great upper mid.

 

[cragginshred]

Dave Friedman recommends Electro harmonix

Can someone explain why 'New old stock' are better or what the gist of them is?

 

[braintheory]

Dave Friedman recommends Electro harmonix

Can someone explain why 'New old stock' are better or what the gist of them is?

EH weren't my favorites. Idk about having to use NOS, but vintage tubes just have more organic, better tone and feel and many can still be quite affordable. All depends on the amp though. Some amps, especially a lot of modern ones, aren't as responsive to them and in general the differences are subtle. It's just something to try. The JJ pre's in some amps I've got can be better than some vintage pre's that aren't well voiced for the amp. It's about mixing all the ingredients well

 

[harddriver]

What I’ve been using with success in my Hellion

V1) JJE83CC (not the ecc83)
V2) Tung sol
V3 cf ) JJECC83
PI) Sovtek LPS

JJ KT77 power tubes

The E83CC is a great 12ax7. Not dark. Great upper mid.

Can you tell me more about this E83CC tube from JJ is it a newer offering? I see Doug's tubes doesn't carry it.

I found the new production Russian Tung Sol 12ax7's to be very close to my Sylvania 12ax7a's but can handle higher gain without getting plate ring if it's in a higher gain circuit. Keep in mind it's no good for CF Cathode Follower position since it can't handle the higher current demands in V2CF.

JJECC83 are perfect for CF IMHO they are a workhorse tube, sometimes a bit dark but reliable and tough.