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Post by mikefleming on Jun 27, 2005 20:40:48 GMT -7
I've got a used Maz 18 that I'd like to retube. Is there any EL84 that's worked out particularly well in a Maz for you guys?
Mike
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Post by goodwillsteve on Jun 27, 2005 21:10:32 GMT -7
i like my groove tube el84s rated at 6 just like the doctor suggests. tried a few vintage ones and for the price, its totally not worth it.
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Post by rpavich on Jun 28, 2005 8:42:50 GMT -7
Mike, I've used EL-84's from Bob at www.eurotubes.com. That doesn't mean they're better, just that I use them..it's been so long that I've used groove tubes, I can't remember if they sounded better or not...lol.... bob
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Post by Bill on Jun 30, 2005 9:35:33 GMT -7
When I had a Maz Jr I used over the years some NOS tubes from KCA recommended by Mike, JJ Tesla's, and Groove Tubes #6. Look at the rectifier tube also...different models (not brands) will increase or decrease headroom depending on what you're looking to accomplish.
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Post by fatsound on Jul 15, 2005 9:51:04 GMT -7
For what it's worth I like the GT #5 or #6 that comes in the amp. I've never heard a MAZ 18 with NOS tubes that I thought sounded as good as stock.
Stu "immune to placebo effect" Carter/Fat Sound Guitars
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Post by rpavich on Jul 17, 2005 3:44:31 GMT -7
Stu, I'll think about that...using stock tubes....hmmm..
Maybe something is getting lost by using those "other" tubes....
bob
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Post by singlecoiler on Jul 28, 2005 4:46:26 GMT -7
Just wondering what kind of rectifier tube might give me less clean headroom?
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luke
Full Member
Mini
Posts: 109
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Post by luke on Sept 8, 2005 10:58:39 GMT -7
Question? When the GT El 84's are referred to as # 5 or #6 is that synonymous with Musicians Friend's description of "hardness" when ordering?
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Post by woody on Sept 26, 2005 19:25:43 GMT -7
correct me if I am wrong...but aren't the GT or Groove Tubes Sovtek Tubes in disguise??
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Post by DRZ on Sept 27, 2005 2:40:27 GMT -7
correct me if I am wrong...but aren't the GT or Groove Tubes Sovtek Tubes in disguise?? No the recommended GT EL-84-S is a JJ tube not Russian. Z
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Post by Lefty on Oct 9, 2005 13:01:38 GMT -7
The nice thing about the GT/JJ EL84's #6 are they are readily available almost anywhere. Oh yea and they SOUND GREAT! No bias required
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Post by myles on Oct 9, 2005 14:41:51 GMT -7
The GT EL84R is the Sovtek. It is dark and sort of makes the amp sound as if your grillcloth was made from a Pendelton shirt.
The GT EL-84Y is the Ei tube. This can sound good in some amps but is not too reliable.
The GT EL-84S is from the JJ plant but it goes through dynamic matching over the entire operating range of the tube rather than just a static match at idle. It is the most reliable and best sounding of the EL-84's in my point of view. I prefer #6 in any Z amp that uses the EL84 tubes. The Doc also seems to agree.
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Post by myles on Oct 9, 2005 14:46:23 GMT -7
For what it's worth I like the GT #5 or #6 that comes in the amp. I've never heard a MAZ 18 with NOS tubes that I thought sounded as good as stock. Stu "immune to placebo effect" Carter/Fat Sound Guitars I love NOS tubes for many things in many amps but that is usually regagated to preamp tubes that last for years and not output tubes, especially hot running EL84 tubes. The tone of an amp comes from it's first tone and gain stage more than it's output section. NOS EL84s to be do not have much of a benefit in modern amps. We are not trying to re-capture the exact original tone and feel here. This is not like we are trying to bring a vintage 1962 Vox AC-15 back to life. The MAZ is a new design and was never designed around the tubes of 40 years ago. I prefer the EL-84S in a 5-6 rating.
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Post by joeh77 on Oct 26, 2005 9:13:45 GMT -7
OK on the tubes, but what's a Pendleton shirt? Joe
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Post by toneseeker on Nov 2, 2005 16:06:20 GMT -7
A fresh opinion from Denmark. Just tried the Electro Harmonix EL84 EH's in stead of the stock GT's (in my 1x12 Reverb). A first glance they did not seem so impressing to me!! Sligthly tighter bass (which I in fact did like), but they tends be harsh in the upper register, which I did not like. But, I did seem to bring more headroom to the amp, which for some player might be useful. BTW, I have just ordered two different sets of Harma Tubes from Watford Valves in UK (www.watfordvalves.com). Looking forward to try these...I'll let you know about that later. However, I think that the GT is a great power tube for the JR; - it got a delicious crunch... But, I'm curious to see what other tube types may bring along....best blues
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Post by mazmaster on Jan 5, 2006 16:04:02 GMT -7
The GT EL84R is the Sovtek. It is dark and sort of makes the amp sound as if your grillcloth was made from a Pendelton shirt. The GT EL-84Y is the Ei tube. This can sound good in some amps but is not too reliable. The GT EL-84S is from the JJ plant but it goes through dynamic matching over the entire operating range of the tube rather than just a static match at idle. It is the most reliable and best sounding of the EL-84's in my point of view. I prefer #6 in any Z amp that uses the EL84 tubes. The Doc also seems to agree. Tried a bunch of different EL84s in mine and agree: GT-EL84S #6 is the way to go here.
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reaper
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by reaper on Jan 9, 2006 10:35:50 GMT -7
I tried some sovtek groove tubes, and some mesa equivalents....they were lackluster to say the least. I ended up back with my JJs, I got a little bit hotter set though.
Luke
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Post by mazmaster on Jan 9, 2006 11:51:05 GMT -7
I tried some sovtek groove tubes, and some mesa equivalents....they were lackluster to say the least. I ended up back with my JJs, I got a little bit hotter set though. Luke Luke, What do you mean by "hotter"? Dave
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reaper
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by reaper on Jan 11, 2006 8:44:54 GMT -7
Dave,
They have earlier breakup, on a GT scale probably a 7 or so.
Luke
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Post by mazmaster on Jan 11, 2006 10:23:00 GMT -7
Dave, They have earlier breakup, on a GT scale probably a 7 or so. Luke Luke, It's my understanding that the higher the GT rating number, the *later* the breakup. Dave
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reaper
Junior Member
Posts: 61
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Post by reaper on Jan 11, 2006 10:48:40 GMT -7
DOH!!! sorry Dave, I'm backwards...so I guess it would be a 4 or so then, see you can tell now how long it's been since I messed with groove tubes. Bob at Eurotubes rates them differently.
Luke
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Post by mazmaster on Jan 11, 2006 10:53:40 GMT -7
DOH!!! sorry Dave, I'm backwards...so I guess it would be a 4 or so then, see you can tell now how long it's been since I messed with groove tubes. Bob at Eurotubes rates them differently. Luke Ahhh.... gotcha'!
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Post by jessterr on Mar 1, 2006 17:49:39 GMT -7
Very interesting topic here. The original tubes in my amp, which is a few years old but hasn't seen that much use, are Russian Sovteks. I guess at the time that I bought it new they were the stock tubes. From what I see here, would the general opinion be that I could improve the sound of my amp by changing over to the GT EL-84S's #6?
Thanks, Jesse
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Post by myles on Mar 1, 2006 18:24:31 GMT -7
I tried some sovtek groove tubes, and some mesa equivalents....they were lackluster to say the least. I ended up back with my JJs, I got a little bit hotter set though. Luke Luke, 1. Mesa does not match their EL84 tubes. They match their 6L6 and EL-34 tubes. 2. "Which GT" EL84? What rating? The GT EL-84S is the JJ tube.
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Post by myles on Mar 1, 2006 18:25:27 GMT -7
Question? When the GT El 84's are referred to as # 5 or #6 is that synonymous with Musicians Friend's description of "hardness" when ordering? Yes
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Post by myles on Mar 1, 2006 18:27:05 GMT -7
correct me if I am wrong...but aren't the GT or Groove Tubes Sovtek Tubes in disguise?? You are right on the EL84R You are wrong on the EL84S You are wrong on the EL84Y They are also distortion matched across the tube's entire operating range not just at idle. In many cases EL84's are not matched at all by a number of tube folks.
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Post by myles on Mar 1, 2006 18:28:32 GMT -7
Dave, They have earlier breakup, on a GT scale probably a 7 or so. Luke 7's would breakup LATER than 5's or 6's and give more clean headroom.
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Post by myles on Mar 1, 2006 18:30:16 GMT -7
Very interesting topic here. The original tubes in my amp, which is a few years old but hasn't seen that much use, are Russian Sovteks. I guess at the time that I bought it new they were the stock tubes. From what I see here, would the general opinion be that I could improve the sound of my amp by changing over to the GT EL-84S's #6? Thanks, Jesse ANY EL-84 other than the EL84R (Sovtek) will make your amp sound like a blanket was removed. The EL84R is a nice and sturdy tube but not my favorite in guitar amps. They are the stock tube in a Fender Blues Jr and replacing them and V1 is the biggest, fastest, cheapest upgrade on these amps.
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Post by jessterr on Mar 2, 2006 17:36:19 GMT -7
Thanks, Myles. Could you recommend where to buy the GT's, I've looked around but can't find where to specify the #6's. Musician's Friend has 3 options, would you know which of those would be appropriate?
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Post by myles on Mar 3, 2006 11:52:48 GMT -7
I've got a used Maz 18 that I'd like to retube. Is there any EL84 that's worked out particularly well in a Maz for you guys? Mike I use nothing but the EL84S in a 5-6 rating in my own amps and ALL the amps of my clients.
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