Retubing?

rummy · 07-31-2006, 02:56 PM

http://www.carvin.com/products/singl...MTS3212&CID=GA

I've been using this Carvin MTS3212 for about 7 ~ 8 years, and I notice more and more how ugly my amp sounds, especially when cranked on OD channel. I'd like to think that I've spent good amount of time turning shiny knobs, and I just can't get it right. It sounds ugly to me. I try my buddy's Fender Hot Rod, and I can tell it sounds nice and tubey; you get that saturated, soft clipping sound out of it. Mine sounds like a diode clipping transistor amp whether gain is at 4 or 9. So, I'm beginning to think that it's my amp that's shitty, not me.

I'm wondering if re-tubing my amp will help shape my sound. It currently has 7 ~ 8 year old generic 8551x4 and 12ax7x5 in there. I read that EL34/ECC83 is a good combo for modern amps like Marshall. Any input is much appreciated.

jaredowty · 07-31-2006, 03:02 PM

Yes, that is most definitely the problem. You're lucky they lasted that long, but now comes the time to swap em out. I'd check out JJ's (www.eurotubes.com), everybody raves about them.

eaeolian · 07-31-2006, 03:03 PM

Uh, yeah, you need to replace your tubes. I'd stay with the 5881/12AX7 pairing, personally, since I hate EL34s - and ECC83s are 12AX7s, it's just the European designation for the same tube...

rummy · 07-31-2006, 03:04 PM

Yeah, I've been reading about those JJ (Tesla) tubes for some time. This amp is my bedroom amp, so it doesn't get too much playing time, nor does it get turned up too high. Yeah, I should have changed the tubes a while ago, anyhow.

Ancestor · 07-31-2006, 03:21 PM

It's time for me to re-tube as well. I'm doing all of them this time. Sometimes I just do the power tubes. Tube amps are a pain in the ass, but they are worth the trouble IMO.

eaeolian · 07-31-2006, 03:26 PM

The TungSols are getting, uh, "glowing" reviews, as well...

rummy · 08-05-2006, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaredowty

Yes, that is most definitely the problem. You're lucky they lasted that long, but now comes the time to swap em out. I'd check out JJ's (www.eurotubes.com), everybody raves about them.

THEY ARE FANTASTIC! Thanks for the advice!

Vince · 08-05-2006, 04:13 PM

Now you need to post some clips, bud. I want to hear this thing

07-31-2006, 02:56 PM	#1
rummy maybe this year Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 902 Real Name: J.C. Main Seven: RG7421 Rig: GH50L/Recto 2X12 Thanked: 2	Retubing? http://www.carvin.com/products/singl...MTS3212&CID=GA I've been using this Carvin MTS3212 for about 7 ~ 8 years, and I notice more and more how ugly my amp sounds, especially when cranked on OD channel. I'd like to think that I've spent good amount of time turning shiny knobs, and I just can't get it right. It sounds ugly to me. I try my buddy's Fender Hot Rod, and I can tell it sounds nice and tubey; you get that saturated, soft clipping sound out of it. Mine sounds like a diode clipping transistor amp whether gain is at 4 or 9. So, I'm beginning to think that it's my amp that's shitty, not me. I'm wondering if re-tubing my amp will help shape my sound. It currently has 7 ~ 8 year old generic 8551x4 and 12ax7x5 in there. I read that EL34/ECC83 is a good combo for modern amps like Marshall. Any input is much appreciated.

07-31-2006, 03:02 PM	#2
jaredowty ss.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 462 Real Name: Jared Main Seven: None currently Rig: None currently. Thanked: 6	Yes, that is most definitely the problem. You're lucky they lasted that long, but now comes the time to swap em out. I'd check out JJ's (www.eurotubes.com), everybody raves about them. http://www.myspace.com/jaredowty

07-31-2006, 03:03 PM	#3
eaeolian The Church of SEVEN • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 8,023 Real Name: Mike Main Seven: Jackson CS Soloist 7 Rig: Mesa Triple Recto Thanked: 30	Uh, yeah, you need to replace your tubes. I'd stay with the 5881/12AX7 pairing, personally, since I hate EL34s - and ECC83s are 12AX7s, it's just the European designation for the same tube... Division - American metal that doesn't suck. Much. Even on MySpace, and Soundclick, too.

08-05-2006, 04:13 PM	#8
Vince Vince is X!!! • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 5,610 Real Name: Vince Main Seven: Ibanez Rig: Rocktron / Mesa Thanked: 112	Now you need to post some clips, bud. I want to hear this thing THE ASYLUM VINCELUPONE.COM

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Welcome to sevenstring.org! You are currently viewing the site as a guest which gives you limited access to most features.

Most ad placements do not show to registered members. Register Now!

07-31-2006, 03:04 PM	#4
rummy maybe this year Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 902 Real Name: J.C. Main Seven: RG7421 Rig: GH50L/Recto 2X12 Thanked: 2	Yeah, I've been reading about those JJ (Tesla) tubes for some time. This amp is my bedroom amp, so it doesn't get too much playing time, nor does it get turned up too high. Yeah, I should have changed the tubes a while ago, anyhow.

07-31-2006, 03:21 PM	#5
Ancestor Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,183 Main Seven: Schecter A-7 Thanked: 31 $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $Ancestor is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	It's time for me to re-tube as well. I'm doing all of them this time. Sometimes I just do the power tubes. Tube amps are a pain in the ass, but they are worth the trouble IMO.

07-31-2006, 03:26 PM	#6
eaeolian The Church of SEVEN • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 8,023 Real Name: Mike Main Seven: Jackson CS Soloist 7 Rig: Mesa Triple Recto Thanked: 30	The TungSols are getting, uh, "glowing" reviews, as well...


	Powered by vBulletin 3.7.3 Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.2.0 "777" Logo © Darren Wilson Privacy Policy Affiliate Links Directory

» Gear & Equipment

Retubing?