Express Power Tubes (NEW PRODUCTION)

Paul-in-KC · Post by **Paul-in-KC** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 2:42 am

All,

This a companion thread to my other Express Power Tube thread - which is primarily covering my quest for some NOS tubes.

Same disclaimer/qualification - tone is in the ear of the beholder, lots of factors play a part in tone, etc.

BUT - I'd like to think this group has a better-than-average sense of tone.

So, I'd like to hear opionions on new production EL34s in the Express.

Preferably comparaitve assements between different current production tubes.

I'm guessing there my be some posts on this subject already (so, I'll see what I can find) - but there may be some new data from some since the last posts.

I presently have Groove Tube GT-EL34M in mine, but haven't put anything else in yet so, no comparison. I'll say that I think the tone is pretty good but lacking a little in the mid-low end.

I have some current production =C= that I'll install and compare those with the GT-EL34Ms.

Would like to hear what new production tubes you like in your Express.

In particular, would like to hear about the current production Mullard, anyone tried the Genalex Gold Lion (KT77)?

Other?

I'll post what I think about the Winged-C compared to the Groove Tubes.

Thanks.
-Paul

Clyde · Post by **Clyde** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 5:17 am

I like the Mullard reissues, the Tung Sol's a little better, Genalex KT77's best of all.

amplifiednation · Post by **amplifiednation** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 9:39 am

I liked JJ 6V6. They knock the volume down a tiny (really tiny) bit and give an American vibe to the gain

ampmike · Post by **ampmike** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 10:45 am

I would love to know what the best new production tube are for Trainwreck inspired amps.My express is starting to sound wimpy and fizzy,I hate to shell out a hundred bucks again.I got about 20 amps now in my studio room and there is always 2 or 3 that have problems.They are like having sick kids.My old fenders and even old boogies start giving me problem and mostly its tubes.Its would be nice to find some good new tubes that dont cost a bundle.
I did have a good experience with the mullard reissues Mikey

passfan · Post by **passfan** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:30 am

I've run 6L6's in some of mine. I feel they clean up a tad better and produce more chime if you use the right pair. I ran the twin halo getter Sylvania STR 415 big bottle. I think TAD sells these in a reissue now. Had a set of their 6L6WGC's in a #124 that were sweet.

ampmike · Post by **ampmike** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:48 pm

I have 6v6" in my Express,Im ready to try some new tubes.6L6 would be cool but I imagine I would have to do some changes.I got tones of Boogie tubes that I changed out from my Mesas.This was In my Life before Amp Garage.The tubes were not even bad I just kept putting new ones in every 6 months or so.Mike

passfan · Post by **passfan** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:19 pm

ampmike wrote:I have 6v6" in my Express,Im ready to try some new tubes.6L6 would be cool but I imagine I would have to do some changes.I got tones of Boogie tubes that I changed out from my Mesas.This was In my Life before Amp Garage.The tubes were not even bad I just kept putting new ones in every 6 months or so.Mike

The changes from a "stock" Express is the first resistor in the bias supply 220k/180k .

ampmike · Post by **ampmike** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:48 pm

Wow,Thats it,If its that easy Its worth a try,Awesome!,Mikey

leadfootdriver · Post by **leadfootdriver** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:08 pm

I've read that the RUBY EL34BSTR's are very good, but I haven't tried them. I need to get a set.

guitarsnguns04 · Post by **guitarsnguns04** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:44 pm

The jj kt77 s are worth considering as well I think they sound killer in an express

passfan · Post by **passfan** » Sat Apr 21, 2012 6:57 pm

ampmike wrote:Wow,Thats it,If its that easy Its worth a try,Awesome!,Mikey

6L6's just need a little bit more drive, that's all.

Paul-in-KC · Post by **Paul-in-KC** » Sun Apr 22, 2012 7:54 pm

All,

I swapped out the Groove Tube GT-EL34M tubes for the Winged-C and I like the sound of the Winged-C over the Groove Tubes, but it's not a huge difference. At least not to my ear and only comparing one set of each.

These are the only two tubes that I have tried in my Express build.

Both sound really good - but not as "warm" as the two Originals that I have heard (which I believe both had RFT EL34s).

I think the Winged-C are a little "tighter" than the GTs and overall tone and harmonics sound a little nicer - but again, not a huge difference.

I should have a pair of NOS RFTs later this week to compare with - and I think of them as the gold standard for Express tone.

Just FYI - Here are the other tubes I have in V1, V2, and PI. I'll leave these all the same for my comparisons.

V1 - NOS JAN Sylvania 5751
V2 - NOS JAN Philips 12AX7(WA)
PI - GT SAG 12AT7 MPI

-Paul

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GT-EL34M vs Winged-C