Re: Pro Junior tube swap

["Bob Maglinte" <bbqbob917@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "The Bernadettes" <mdestefano@xxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2002 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: Pro Junior tube swap


>
>
>
> Dan Todd wrote:
>
> > Happy Holidays to one and all!
> > I  just got a new non-tweed Pro Junior (1X10 @ 15 watts) and want to
> > boost the harp volume I can get before feedback.  In the archives,
> > knowledgeable folks sometimes recommend switching the 12AX7's for
> > 12AU7's.  I have never swapped out tubes before.  Is it as easy as: 1)
> > unplug amp  2)  remove 12AX7's  3) replace with 12AU7's  4)  plug in
> > amp and blow ??
> > I also plan to play guitar through this amp.  I see so many other
> > guitarists/harmonicists on the list these days. I wonder if my guitar
> > sound will lose commensurate treble tones (I play in a Robert Junior
> > style -- very few ripping post-Hendrix single string high leads -- more
> > of a pre-60's Memphis Sonny Boy ensemble sound, if that makes sense).
> > Any suggestions/ directions or tube brand recommendations would be much
> > appreciated -- even a reputable online dealer's URL.
> > Thanks very much for any help here, and have a great New Year everybody!
> > Dan Todd
>
> Dan,
>     Yes unfortunately trying to change the gain characteristics of the amp
> to optimize it for harp will hurt it somewhat for guitar.  You're gonna
have
> to kinda compromise a little for both.  I'd go with Bob Maglintes
suggestion
> of a 12AY7 in the 1st position.  This will help it somewhat for harp and
> still be good for guitar, especially if you're going for a smooth, sweet
> rhythm guitar tone, (you might actually like it better with a 12AY7 for
> guitar.)  Even for harp I wouldn't go with all 12AU7's, this would kill
too
> much gain and the amp will lose a lot of it's "spank" or "bite".
>     As a suggestion from another harp-guitar player, this is what I use
for
> gigs where I'm playing both harp and guitar, and I'm too lazy to lug two
> amps...consider buying yourself a classic, vintage two channel Fender
black
> or silverface amp such as Deluxe Reverb, Vibrolux Reverb (my fave), Pro,
> Super, or Bandmaster.  (P.S. don't get the reissues!!)  This gives you two
> separate channels.  Stock, one will be perfect for guitar, then modify the
> other channel for harp.  You'll have two separate, dedicated channels with
> their own volume and tone controls.  No switching cords, fiddling knobs
back
> and forth, etc.  You can be playing guitar on a tune and just grab the
harp
> mic to blow a solo mid-tune without having to screw around with amp
> settings.  Something to think about...save your pennies.
>
> Tube dealers:
> NOS tubes: KCA...  http://www.kcanostubes.com
>                     Angela Instruments...   http://www.angela.com
> Current production:
>                 JJ tubes, Eurotubes...   http://www.eurotubes.com
>             various makers, New Tube Store...   http://www.newtube.com
>                                     Hoffman Amps...
> http://www.hoffmanamps.com
>
> Good luck,
> Don D.

Hi,
The only other tube substitution I'd go with would be a an NOS RCA 5751,
which is kinda inbetween a 12AX7 and a 12AY7, but in the first stage only..

Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA


- ---------------------------------------------
Introducing NetZero Long Distance
1st month Free!
Sign up today at: www.netzerolongdistance.com