[nonreverb]

I’m looking to order a new set of tubes for a new to me Fender ’68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Reissue, and I wanted to make sure I’ve a) selected the correct spec of tubes, and b) gather any expert feedback or suggestions you might have on other options or tube combinations you’d recommend.

Super basic question I’m sure… I’ve just never had to delve into this side of tube amp ownership before. Seem to be at the mercy of what’s available at any given store. Have looked at Lee’s Electronic and The Tube Store thus far, with Lee’s cart below being the more affordable option.

When the time comes to change the tubes, and tackle other general maintenance, I’d most likely take it to SuperFuzz Audio in Toronto As they are closest to me, but open to other shops in the GTA that you’d recommend.

View attachment 510404

Thanks for any advice you can share!

A question if I may...Are you buying the tubes as a preemptive measure in case of possible future issues or is the amp sound not to your liking now?

 

[nonreverb]

I'd avoid the JJ's as V1 and V2 preamp tubes, they tend to be noisy. The JJ 6V6's don't have the real 6V6 vibe either, Tung Sol or Mullard here. I wouldn't change the rectifier until it goes south, nice to have a spare on hand.

Interesting. I use JJ preamp tubes fairly regularly. Yes, there is the odd one that either doesn't like the circuit it's in or has some noise. That said, I've found the same issue with EH preamp tubes as well from time to time....and at the price they're at now, I'll risk the JJ's.

 

[nonreverb]

Full Disclosure: I haven't used JJ's in years after too many failures and I stocked the larder with EH. Perhaps QC has improved and as I noted in my build thread, a new Tung Sol was noisy right out of the box. Sadly, new production hasn't the quality of NOS. Remember the too-small pin size on JJ power tubes? That was a problem for Fender amps, especially combos.

That's debatable. Some late production NOS in contrast to what tube sellers would assert, were not necessarily much better than some new offerings. As for the JJ pin size, yes it can be a problem for some types of sockets, not all. Besides, retensioning the socket pins solves the problem.

Apparently Shuguang is back in biz. according to posters on the Hammond Tech page. I'm interested to see what floats out the door from there...

 

[nonreverb]

I have a slew of new production 12AX7’s. The JJ’s brand new usually sound great. They consistently tested at around 80% of life brand new on a Stark 9-66A. Usually not well matched across single tubes.

Mullards tested around the same but more consistently matched across single tubes. Sound as good if not a bit better (to me) in that they are more mellow and less gain-y.

Tung Sol Gold Pins.. I have had 4 unmatched for about 5 years. Some have served years in a deluxe reverb, various V1’s, mic preamps, single ended amps etc. relatively mild but consistent use. All tested 98% and dead matched across both sides of single tubes and close matched to one another. They also sound the best out of any modern tube I have ever tried in any amp.

I have found the EHX to be very reliable, but don’t favour them as preamp tubes. And out of all Russian made modern tubes. They would be my last choice. Regular tung sols are great. TAD’s are almost their own thing. They are almost too smooth sounding for me, but reliably quiet and test well.

Thetubestore 7025 is fairly good. Only ever had a couple, but they both sounded great.

After so many years of rolling every conceiveable guitar amp power tube and brand there could possibly ever be, here's my thoughts.
Most new production stuff is decent. Each brand has their strong and weak points. I think EH 6V6 have a close enough sound to the originals especially in DRR's. for example. The problem I find with them is they tend to die in spectacular fashion in those amps and often take out the screen resistor in the process. JJ's not so much as they'll take more abuse.
I tend to be a reliability disciple...an amp with decent power tubes that will last outweighs a now-paperweight amp that's just grenaded a power tube chosen beacause it sounds more to one's liking.
I suppose if one's just playing at home and low volume, great! The tubes will provide all that you're expecting out of them. If the tubes are expected to be played loud and often, that requires a different consideration.
Preamp tubes are a different a matter although as far a tonal difference, I'm not down on the latest minutiae. I think there is some merit to the idea of actual structral/electronic differences but some I suspect is purely emotional.

 

[nonreverb]

I completely agree with the sentiment that there are different parameters for different uses.

I often make the mistake in assuming that many people are playing at home or in a recording situation or mic’ing at a gig.

I personally have a whole caddy full of old treasure that I roll through equally as sentimental and precious (to me) vintage amps. I also have the tech ability on hand to bias amps on the spot and make a big to do about a single day of recording.

In reality, most often - I suppose many are cranking amps at a church or in a pub or jam space. Nuance and little details really do go out the window once you hit a certain volume / gain. Reliability is king in these situations.

I think I would honestly recommend JJ’s and the loudest and cheapest and most reliable hot rod series Fender for those competing with drummers in a loud bar. Perhaps even a tubeless tone master or anything that can hit those volumes and not incur damage.

@Latole definitely! I think more often than not / tube rolling or just wanting to try newer / “fancier” tubes for the sake of it - without understanding bias is responsible for the skewing of information and peoples opinion of why or how something sounds or behaves differently.

I agree with your perspective....and where vintage tubes are concerned, they are now getting scarce and quite expensive.

In my world, it's balancing tone with longevity. I have some customers that will gladly blast their freshly tubed amps from the get-go. That's cool. I just remind them that that will accelerate the decline of their tubes which in most cases, they already know and accept. My job is to keep those customers blasting for as long as possible but as you point out: Nuance goes out the window.

On another note, I'm looking forward to seeing what Western Electric has planned regarding ramping up tube manufacture for the guitar amp market. If their 300B's are any indication, they'll be excellent quality and probably pricey.

 

[nonreverb]

I purchased a “Northern Electric” 12AX7 a while back. It’s - what I think is intended to be a new old 12AX7. It is an outstanding tube in terms of sound. It’s not as robust as an old Japanese Baldwin or an Electrohome Can Phillips. But the sound is there.

I think there is a market for modern high end tubes. Maybe not $1700 6L6’s, but I think if they can produce a 12AX7 that meets the quality of yesteryear - those who know would probably pay $70-150.

I have heavily - heavily used Telefunkens and RCA’s that were in constantly used amps and equipment for 60-70 years that test at 98% (for what a tube testers word is worth). I personally don’t flinch at paying $100-150 in some instances for tubes that I know will outlive me and be dead silent and sound out of this world while doing it.

Even if it means not being able to hoard them or amps that employ them.

I have this philosophy with everything I buy. I don’t make or have a lot of money at this point in my life. But I’ll pay more for quality. I bought a Canada Goose jacket for example 14 years ago. Took me 6 months of passive saving to afford. Looks and feels brand new. Another 10 years on the warranty. Leather belts / satchels.. High quality boots, a good Briggs and Stratton etc.. Something designed to be repaired / age well becomes inexpensive when measured over a decade or two in comparison to something blasted out of a factory to meet the ever falling standards of the consumer.

Northern Electric is a Chinese tube I believe.
Decent tubes from what I've seen.
The interesting thing about Chinese tube manufacturers is they'll basically make the quality you're willing to pay for. There really isn't any standard. Personally the Ruby stuff and some of the TAD power tubes are IMHO, junk.

Western Electric's factory is in Rossville, Georgia USA. If it actually goes ahead with production, it will be the first time standard audio tubes will have been produced in the US in 35 years.
Being a fellow tube fanatic, here's a tube from my collection you might find interesting.

 

[nonreverb]

Short plate Mullard 12AX7. I have a handful of the CV4024's, very nicely packed and a base protector.
View attachment 510629

That's a nice stash you have there!
The M8137 is not really a short plate per se. It's an early stitched plate. Smooth all the way around.

 

[nonreverb]

I've not seen one of those.

Unfortunately, it's noisy as hell. I kept it as eye candy as it's quite rare.😁