Saturday, December 29, 2007

Tube-a-licious . . .

"I'll take a decent amplifier with the finest tubes any day over the finest amplifier with mediocre tubes." - Zen Guitarist

Over the past ten years or so (*perhaps its been longer), guitar amplifier manufacturers have seen a huge resurgence in the demand for tube-powered amps with vintage-based circuit designs. To meet that demand, leading manufacturers have introduced new models that pull into cue vintage circuitry, tone, and styling. Today's players, perhaps now more than ever, are savoring the harmonically complex, organic tones delivered by traditional tube circuits. Ladies and geltlemen of the congregation - can I get an amen?!!

A high water mark in this trend would certainly have to include the tube-powered gems at the lower end of the feeder chain. Models like the Epiphone Valve Junior, Peavey Classic / Valve King lines, and Crate V-Series are generating a lot of fanfare, not only for their great tone, but also for their affordability. All of which hearkens back to simpler times, where players and bands made due with what they had, because they didn't have the lettuce to blow on high-end gear.

Now as we all know, vacuum tubes don't last forever. Over time, and through general use, tubes lose their fidelity. In other instances, they can develop a microphonic condition, which also results in a less-than-desirable tone. Long story short: replacing tubes is part of owning a tube amp. And just like anything in the Great Gear/Tone equation, what tubes you put in will have a lot to do with how good your amp will sound.

One company that appears to be on the forward line of thinking in regards to the vintage / tube trend is New Sensor, manufacturers of Electro Harmonix tubes and effects. After acquiring the name-brands of a several vintage-era tube companies, they have responded by introducing a number of reasonably-priced re-issue tubes from these legendary tube lines for use in both new and vintage amplifiers. The design elements of these tubes focus closely on that of their classic predacessors. New Sensor's attention to detail has resulted in a new production tube with many the desirable tonal qualities found in the originals. And compared to NOS tubes - a mere fraction of the cost!! Tube amp players everywhere are rejoicing in the fact that they don't have to take out a second mortgage to get great, consistent tone.

Over the last year or so, I've re-tubed several of my amplifiers with Mullard and Tung-Sol re-issue tubes, and would rate them very highly for harmonic complexity, balance, musicality, and overall tone. For lower-watt amplifies, such as the Epiphone Valve Jr., the Electro Haromix EL84 EH is an excellent power tube replacement that provides immediately noticeable tonal benefits. At some point in the near future, I hope to have a few sound clips posted on Tone Farm of the aforementioned tubes for all to hear. Otherwise, if you're looking to score some new tubes, check out the Classic Clones link under the Back Forty header on the right. Tell Ed I sent you.

New tubes are an incredibly easy and cost-effective way to change / affect your amplifier's tone. A little online research may indeed provide a player with big dividends, perhaps even the chance to stand face-to-face with their own personal "Grail Tone". So, to surmise - tubes can be the difference between good tone - - and great tone. May your own search be fruitful - J.

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