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Post by jjcolas on Apr 18, 2021 17:02:11 GMT -7
My Cure has a real stiff feel to it, even when cranked. It has JJ 6V6S power tubes, Sovtek rectifier, JJ12AT7 phase inverter and gold lion 12ax7’s and stock Dr Z speaker. Where should I start? Rectifier? Speaker? I really like the amp but wish it had more of a looser feel/more sustain to single notes.
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Post by Don A on Apr 18, 2021 17:27:55 GMT -7
My Cure can feel a little stiff when playing dirty leads when I use my Strat or Tele. I need a mild overdrive to push it over the edge or it can feel like I'm fighting with it. I don't need an overdrive when I use P90s or humbuckers.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Apr 18, 2021 17:41:25 GMT -7
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Post by jjcolas on Apr 18, 2021 19:02:33 GMT -7
I’m using a 5AR4 that’s spec’d. I think the new tube layout is for a 5U4.
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Post by Ridgeback on Apr 18, 2021 19:10:51 GMT -7
I have no experience with the Cure but is the speaker broken in? That's the first thing I think of when the word "stiff" is used.
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Post by jjcolas on Apr 18, 2021 19:22:26 GMT -7
I have no experience with the Cure but is the speaker broken in? That's the first thing I think of when the word "stiff" is used. Yes, well broken in.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Apr 19, 2021 1:12:22 GMT -7
A 5U4 will make a big difference.
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Apr 19, 2021 3:15:33 GMT -7
A 5U4 will make a big difference. Try a NOS 5U4 if you can find one. It should last you forever. As always, YMMV.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Apr 19, 2021 6:21:25 GMT -7
A 5U4 will make a big difference. Try a NOS 5U4 if you can find one. It should last you forever. As always, YMMV. Everyone raves about NOS tubes. I bought a NOS Phillips 5U4 from a well respected online seller. The tube separated from the base the first time I pulled it from the amp. I was going to try it in another amp. Just another NOS tube that disappointed me.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Apr 19, 2021 12:31:28 GMT -7
I was just playing through my Cure and swapped the stock Sovtek rectifier for a JJ. The JJ softened the note attack slightly. Give it a try.
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Post by jjcolas on Apr 19, 2021 15:21:17 GMT -7
I was just playing through my Cure and swapped the stock Sovtek rectifier for a JJ. The JJ softened the note attack slightly. Give it a try. I just snagged a JJ GZ34 to try out and have a NOS GE 5U4 on the way so I’ll report after I swap those out.
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Post by nmz on Apr 19, 2021 17:32:57 GMT -7
Rub it a bit, should loosen up 🤣
Ok, I’m leaving
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Post by "Z" Steve on Apr 19, 2021 21:01:46 GMT -7
I was just playing through my Cure and swapped the stock Sovtek rectifier for a JJ. The JJ softened the note attack slightly. Give it a try. I just snagged a JJ GZ34 to try out and have a NOS GE 5U4 on the way so I’ll report after I swap those out. This is what is great about the Cure as well as a few other of Doc's creations - no biasing required when trying new tubes.
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Post by jjcolas on Apr 22, 2021 5:18:02 GMT -7
So I tried first the JJ GZ34 first and there was a subtle improvement in the feel of the amp and the mids seemed to change a little or that’s how I can best describe the feel.
Then I tried the NOS GE 5U4 and there was exactly what I was missing from the amp. All the feel was there. There was more play to the amp and even the distortion when I turned the pre up was sweeter sounding. This is a clear winner.
That being said, given that my amp was originally intended for a 5AR4/GZ34, I want to make sure using a 5U4 won’t hurt anything like the power transformer over time.
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Post by lowbudget on Apr 22, 2021 5:57:38 GMT -7
You can go back and read that entire thread in the Cure section but it’s just a little bit confusing I thought. Evidently some component values were changed along the way that necessitated the change in rectifiers, as well as the driver tube. I don’t remember if there was a specific line of demarcation in the production sequence somewhere but I don’t think it was announced as a new Mk. series or anything. I’m believe Frankie said you could use either rectifier/driver tube in either amp version, but given there were some component changes I’m inclined to use whatever came in the amp originally. That’s just me but you may prefer one way over the other. In any event I think it’s no harm no foul.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Apr 22, 2021 6:01:25 GMT -7
All of Doc's transformers are rated for any of the common octal rectifier tubes, including the 5U4. The 5U4 has more sag and a lower output voltage than the 5AR4 so that's what you're hearing. I experienced the same thing when I changed my Cure to a 5U4. It's really a great feeling, great sounding amp.
The updated Cure specifies a 5U4 rectifier and a 12AX7 Phase Inverter, while the original Cure used a 5AR4 rectifier and a 12AT7 PI.
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Post by Russell B on Apr 22, 2021 9:22:28 GMT -7
The speaker needs to break in. To test that, do you have another speaker cab you can try that has a well broken in speaker? Try a different speaker. I recently put a Celestion Gold in my Cure just to try out. It was well broken in. Not as stiff, and had more mids. My Cure is a staple in my amp arsenal.
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Post by bluesboy52 on May 14, 2021 20:44:09 GMT -7
So if I swap the 5AR4 rectifier for a 5U4. then does that mean I should switch the 12AT7 PI to a 12AX7?
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on May 15, 2021 5:53:54 GMT -7
So if I swap the 5AR4 rectifier for a 5U4. then does that mean I should switch the 12AT7 PI to a 12AX7? You don't have to, but I did and it sounds real nice.
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Post by bluesboy52 on May 17, 2021 16:06:15 GMT -7
thank you. NOS 5U4 in the mail. Looking forward to hearing the difference.
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Post by rjshama on Nov 2, 2021 19:03:47 GMT -7
I swapped out my stock rectifier for a 5U4 and I really like the new tone and feel! I tried swapping out the phase inverter too but I like it better with the original 12AT7. My pedals sound better now too. ;o)
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Post by southmusic70 on Nov 15, 2021 17:51:01 GMT -7
I’ve had 8 Z amps over the past 11 plus years.
The Cure and Maz38nr are my favorites.
What I’ve found is that the Cure is very well-behaved with humbucking pickups. I’ve played jobs with my Tele or Strat into the Cure, but it seems to like humbuckers better.
The amp I use when I go out with Strat or Tele is a Maz38nr.
Obviously, others will hear things differently.
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