I find my Express works well with the tube compliment I've suggested, for either outrageous, screaming leads or as a "clean" machine.
With the guitar volume turned up just a little, the sound is pristine. I've found it very hard to quickly make that change on the guitar, so I use a Bad Monkey pedal (solely because it is cheap) with the gain and output set low to enable a quick change to a clean sound.
ampdoc1
Pre amp glass
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Pre amp glass
Picked up some preamp tubes today on the cheap and here's what I found. Tried 12AT7 in phase inverter and no bueno. The amp made a freaky oscillation whenever the bright switch was in the center position. I will have to say I liked the tone in the other two positions though. Seemed to be a little darker and smoother. Same thing with another 12AT7. This was done with Sylvania NOS 12AX7's in V1 & V2. Next, I placed the 12AX7 back in the phase inverter and tried a 5751 in V1. Bingo! The first thing I noticed was the hiss at idle was reduced by maybe 1/3. The amp really seemed to like this tube. It was a little smoother, yet retained very good definition. Great for tight, punchy, riffs. Some have said that these amps are like tube testers. I can surely hear and feel the differences in tubes like never before. Has anyone experienced that weird oscillation with tube substitutions in the phase inverter?
Jim
Jim