colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 5:51:28 GMT -7
I purchased a used 06/11 Carmen Ghia Head. The amp is awesome, but has a lot of clean headroom and I was wanting it to break up faster and have a gritty clean. The local music store I frequent has a new Carmen Ghia and it sounds dirtier and warmer, mine is bright and clean. Any ideas to fix this??
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2018 6:17:51 GMT -7
Tube selection can have a big effect on tone and breakup in any tube amp. Doc currently recommends the following tubes for the Ghia:
V1: JJ ECC83, V2: Tung Sol 12AX7, V3/4 JJ EL84 (matched pair), V5: 5Y3
The previous owner may have wanted more clean headroom and gone with a different, "stiffer" setup.
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 6:57:32 GMT -7
Is V1 and V2 where you will notice the most difference? Or is it all pretty equal?
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Post by KeithA on Jul 14, 2018 7:29:37 GMT -7
Is V1 and V2 where you will notice the most difference? Or is it all pretty equal? I would say yes...especially if there is a 5751 in there (which was the old spec for this amp if I recall). |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2018 7:43:36 GMT -7
Is V1 and V2 where you will notice the most difference? Or is it all pretty equal? I would say yes...especially if there is a 5751 in there (which was the old spec for this amp if I recall). It all contributes, but iirc the 5751 was also the go-to solution for players who wanted more headroom and a stiffer front end. The power tubes can make a big difference, too--Tung Sols sound different from TADs which sound different from JJs, and so on. If it was me, I'd spend the $50-60 bucks or so on the Doc's preferred tubes and see if that doesn't give you the sound/feel you're looking for. If not, take it to the store and trade it plus cash for the one you liked better. |
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 8:53:46 GMT -7
Thank you. I’m going to try the preferred tubes and if that doesn’t work I will just get the one at the store. The tone is incredible just a little bright for my taste.
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Post by Stephen on Jul 14, 2018 9:05:22 GMT -7
I recently bought a new 1-10 combo and changed from a Z speaker to a Greenback. That helped it break up quicker.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 14, 2018 9:28:41 GMT -7
Remember to set tone with your ears not eyes. Play with that and volume to see if you can get the sound you're looking for.
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 9:44:01 GMT -7
I could try a different speaker that’s an idea! Thank you all for the help. The amp is awesome and it’s a loud 18 watts
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Post by mauiman(Bill in Texas) on Jul 14, 2018 10:04:36 GMT -7
I purchased a used 06/11 Carmen Ghia Head. The amp is awesome, but has a lot of clean headroom and I was wanting it to break up faster and have a gritty clean. The local music store I frequent has a new Carmen Ghia and it sounds dirtier and warmer, mine is bright and clean. Any ideas to fix this?? I too bought a used Carmen Ghia and had the same issue. Someone had replaced the speaker in the cab and some tubes. I ended up replacing tubes and the speaker before I got it right. It sounds fantastic! Don’t forget, you could always send it in to the Doc and let them take care of it for you too. Just my 2 cents. |
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 10:26:29 GMT -7
I emailed about sending it in and never got a reply. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to diagnose and fix that particular issue. I’m hoping the tubes do that trick. Somebody was telling me tubes can be rated different as well? I may try to email again
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jul 14, 2018 10:32:41 GMT -7
I emailed about sending it in and never got a reply. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to diagnose and fix that particular issue. I’m hoping the tubes do that trick. Somebody was telling me tubes can be rated different as well? I may try to email again Don is usually pretty quick getting back with people. I'd suggest another note because they have been busy with Z-Fest. It could have gotten lost somewhere along the way. |
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Post by John on Jul 14, 2018 11:41:55 GMT -7
I purchased a used 06/11 Carmen Ghia Head.
You mean it was made in 2011?
I had a 2011 Ghia....Doc said he found a particularly nice batch of 5751 tubes back then and put them in the phase inverter of the Ghia. (small tube next to the power tubes.) Perhaps changing that to a 12ax7 would be dirtier.
And as suggested, a less efficient speaker...which will require you to drive the amp more, thus giving you the dirt you want.
What speaker are you currently using?
Also, since the amp only has a tone control (which is really more of a mid-sweep), you're going to have to control treble/brighness with the tone control of your guitar. For years I never used the tone control on my guitars. I always adjusted the amp. But with the Ghia, I had to start using it. Instead of leaving the guitar's tone control wide open, try backing it off just a bit..just enough to take any brittleness away. You'll get used to using it in no time. For me, it was 'problem fixed'.
If adjusting the guitar's tone control fixes any overly bright issues you may have, you may be able to turn the amp up a little more, thus giving you the dirt you want.
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 14, 2018 13:20:36 GMT -7
That’s a great idea with the tone knob on the guitar. I’m new to the one tone knob (mid-sweep) I do know it’s very reactive. I shouldn’t complain because I love the amp and it handles pedals nicely. Just trying to get a little more sustain. Thank you all for taking the time to try and help. It really means a lot
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jul 15, 2018 7:19:03 GMT -7
I purchased a used 06/11 Carmen Ghia Head. The amp is awesome, but has a lot of clean headroom and I was wanting it to break up faster and have a gritty clean. The local music store I frequent has a new Carmen Ghia and it sounds dirtier and warmer, mine is bright and clean. Any ideas to fix this?? Unless I missed i it, I’m not sure what speaker / cab your using with your CG head. Regardless, here is what you should do IMO: 1. Get whatever tubes Doc is sending out in the new Ghia (less costly) 2. Get a low DB low efficiency speaker to use with your Ghia. A10” greenback to get you the maximum results your seeking. For a 12” option check out the Creamback 65. 3. do both! All of the above suggestions about tubes are correct I’m sure, I mean, who am I to say their not? But as for me, I never really can hear THAT much of a tone difference in tube swaps when compared to speaker swaps. Speaker changes with the Ghia are almost like changing amps. Here’s what I’ve learned with all of my Z’s...making sound tweaks alone in my music room as opposed to making tweaks during a practice session with a band are two different things. I’ve made tone changes in the alone phase and then as soon as the bass and drummer kick in my tone changes and my so called “improvements” were obsolete. I’m not sure what your doing, but make sure you let that beautiful little amp cut through the mix. Personally, I’ve settled on the Ghia with 12” Gold Z cab. If it’s a quieter gig I’ll bring my Creamback 65 cab. |
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 15, 2018 16:15:41 GMT -7
I have 2x12 Vintage 30’s I believe. I was thinking about a creamback. I’ll actually look into that if it’s the big difference maker. Right now it cuts through the mix great. I ordered new tubes (recommmended) and change the speaker. See what it does
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Jul 15, 2018 16:33:34 GMT -7
Vintage 30s can be perceived as very bright due to an upper midrange hump inherent in its design. Perfect in large, closed back cabs for heavy music. But would not be my choice for a Ghia.
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Post by ss "Shane" on Jul 15, 2018 18:09:54 GMT -7
I have 2x12 Vintage 30’s I believe. I was thinking about a creamback. I’ll actually look into that if it’s the big difference maker. Right now it cuts through the mix great. I ordered new tubes (recommmended) and change the speaker. See what it does your problem is in the speaker situation I think. Good luck! |
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 15, 2018 18:48:26 GMT -7
Awesome! At least it’s narrowed down. I’m going to give it a shot!
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Post by John on Jul 16, 2018 4:23:06 GMT -7
Vintage 30s can be perceived as very bright due to an upper midrange hump inherent in its design. Perfect in large, closed back cabs for heavy music. But would not be my choice for a Ghia.
Not only this, but V30's are LOUD. Not only are they 100 db..but that upper mid spike in tone gives the additional perception that they're really loud. They cut through the mix great in a band situation. There are actually a lot of Ghia users who like the V30. (I would speculate most of them play live gigs) Getting a speaker that's not as loud (for the same given amount of power) will help you a lot. And additionally, one without that upper mid spike (which makes them seem even louder) will help too.
If you have a 2x12 cabinet and want to keep it, I would suggest picking up a pair of used greenbacks from ebay or craigslist. There are always lots for sale, they're cheap too. No need to purchase new. (and they're most likely already broken in) Since it's the Ghia, there's no need to buy the creambacks. They're more expensive and you don't need the higher power handling. Heck, if you wanted to downsize, a 1x12 cabinet with one greenback will be fine with the Ghia. (your back will thank you) Greenbacks are 2db quieter than V30's...and don't have the upper mid spike in tone. (2db is a noticeable reduction in volume)
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Post by limenine on Jul 17, 2018 20:10:34 GMT -7
I'm a little late here, but my first though was to bring your head to the music shop and play it through the same speaker as the Ghia you liked - my money's on speakers!
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colbs
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Post by colbs on Jul 18, 2018 7:30:56 GMT -7
The Ghia in the store had a vintage 30 in it. I have some greenback's I plan on trying tomorrow. Just wanted it to be a little warmer and break up faster. The greenback is probably the answer. I changed the tubes to exactly what comes in the Ghia's now.
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