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Post by whitestrat on Jul 10, 2007 11:58:59 GMT -7
I'm still trying to wipe the grin off my face as I write this. Just got a new Stang Ray head from Action Music in Arlington VA. Took it home, replaced the stock "AEL" EF-86 with a NOS Mullard EF-86, and plugged it into my Avatar Vintage 1X12" cab w/ Eminence AlNiCo Red Fang. Out front I'm slingin' a Fender 60's Relic Strat (special Fat Sounds "one-off"), and Analogman KOT v. 4. The tone from this rig is sick! This amp is simply amazing, i.e., lush, chimey, crunchy organic tones that sound like an old vintage AC-30. The touch sensitivy and attack is also noteworthy. I especially like the in-between Strat pickup tones. They are sooo bell-like, it sounds like Santa's reindeer are coming out of the speaker. Hands down one of the best amps I have ever owned or played. I have owned a Route 66 for several years, but just wasn't diggin' it with my Strat. Nearly impossible to get bell-like tones from a Route 66 with a Strat. My Stang Ray shipped with an unfamilar brand EF-86. It is labeled "AEL" and has a dark grey solid RF shield. I thought DOC was shipping the Stang Rays with a current production EF-86. Anyone know what brand of EF-86 this is? (yeah I know what your going to say....., "it's an AEL") But who makes these and where do they come from? Oh well, time to fire up the Stang again. Cheers.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Jul 10, 2007 13:07:10 GMT -7
Congrats! You now own one of the only world class tube amps designed in the 21st century!
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Post by dock66 on Jul 10, 2007 13:59:53 GMT -7
Congrats on a great amp.
One of the cleanest amps I've played. 2x12 C Blues are killer with Ray.
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Post by whitestrat on Jul 10, 2007 15:21:00 GMT -7
Action Music had a matching Dr. Z 2X12" w/ Celestion Blues paired up with the Stang Ray. I was very tempted to get it, but the Eminence AlNiCo Red Fang In my open back Avatar Vintage 1X12" is a USA spin on the Blue and sounds incredible. It's rated at 30 watts so it should be fine with the Stang Ray. Plus I like the portability of a 1X12 cab.
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Post by billyguitar on Jul 10, 2007 15:29:54 GMT -7
Here's a trick I recently discovered. A simple trick but so am I! My Z 2x10 cab may be brighter than some other speakers so it may not be of use to everyone. I like the Cut to be turned all the way up but at that point it can be a little bright. I discovered that if I turn the cut all the way up all I have to do to take the edge off is just turn the tone pot down on my guitar, just a hair. I still get the tinkle out but none of the sting. (some of you old road dogs may know what a good feeling that is after a trip to the free health clinic!)
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Post by Bill on Jul 10, 2007 18:17:41 GMT -7
Nice rig, whitestrat! I can only imagine the good tone your 'Ray, Strat, KOT, and RF loaded Avatar must be putting out!
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Post by whitestrat on Jul 11, 2007 17:58:01 GMT -7
I just learned from Dr. Z that the "AEL" labeled EF-86 is a NOS Mullard-made tube built for the AEL Company and used in their Microphone pre-amp units. Cool bonus! Doc said he is planning to buy 500 more soon. Nice warm rich tone.
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Post by Joey Beverages on Jul 12, 2007 5:05:41 GMT -7
I still get the tinkle out but none of the sting. (some of you old road dogs may know what a good feeling that is after a trip to the free health clinic!) lmao - that's a good one billyguitar ;D
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Post by Joey Beverages on Jul 12, 2007 5:07:33 GMT -7
Congrats on the Stang Ray - it truly is one of my favorites. If I wasn't G.A.S. - ing so bad for the Galaxie, I'd be hookin' up with the Stang Ray and Z-best cab. I'm still in awe of how it sounded with Don's Tele ;D
play on, eh!
Joel
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