Replacement Tubes EVH 5150III

[Jaymz]

I think my EVH needs a new set of tubes....im leaning toward the preamp tubes as the main suspect is a lack of gain/biscuit tin top end. Volume is fine and I don't get any clicks or pops which is more in the power dept?

Now, I have no idea on what to get for such a head....there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Does anybody have any experience of re-tubing one of these or have any suggestions?

Cheers!

 

[bryan_kilco]

6L6 and 12AX7s?

Check Dougs Tubes. Bought a set off him for my Mark IV. JJ's for power and the "handpicked" pre section with Tung Sols and I forget what else.

Depends on what you like though.

 

[Jaymz]

Oh yeah forgot to say, im in the UK

 

[amarshism]

The shipping is cheap from Doug's anyways. I'm in Australia and the shipping from him has always been fine for me.

 

[Jaymz]

Well packaged I assume?

 

[sbwakfk1]

http://www.thetubestore.com/Resources

Not sure if they will ship to the UK but the have a lot of seemingly unbiased reviews of the tubes they offer. It will at least give you some info on what you might want to purchase and then you can find a dealer that you can order from.

Check out the 12AX7 reviews for the preamp tubes in your 5150. 6L6s for the power tubes

 

[Jaymz]

Thanks!

I think the power tubes are fine...but im looking at the 12AX7's...namely the Electro Harmonix high gain and Tung-Sol

 

[Jaymz]

I guess I should add im not after something that's bright/brittle....firm and smooth is what im after!

Reading some of these reviews writes off a few brands.

 

[sbwakfk1]

You'll definitely know if the power tubes are bad. As they get older they will sound a little more "spongy" but the preamp tubes have more to do with the sound of the amp as far as I know. Im not highly educated on tubes. Im mainly an engineer and just a recreational guitar player. I have noticed that changing the tubes in my amps sometimes gives them an entire different character when I record them. Im interested in the TAD (Tube Amp Doctor) tubes but i havent heard a lot about them. Some of the guys here in Nashville have talked a lot about them saying they are very "balanced". Good luck with your selections.

 

[Jaymz]

Thanks

I rarely fiddle around with gear....I play things and mix things, the technical stuff I leave to people who know what they are doing/talking about.

After a bit of research it sounds like the ORIGINAL tubes that shipped with the EVH were less harsh in the top end and sound generally more balanced.

As follows:

v1 : sovtek 12ax7wc
v2: EH 12ax7
v3 EH 12ax7
v4: sovtek 12ax7wc
v5: EH 12ax7
v6: EH 12ax7

v7: Sovtek 12ax7LPS
v8: Sovtek 12ax7LPS

 

[53Crëw]

As power tubes wear, you'll lose punch and the tone will become dull.

Preamp tubes can outlast power tubes by quite a bit. I find the main reason for changing preamp tubes on my amps lately is that they develop crackling noises. Not so much tone loss.

For preamp tubes, Tung Sol's are good in V1, and I like JJ's, Sovtek LPS's, or the Penta Labs 12ax7's for the other positions. Each have their own character.

Personally, I haven't had much luck with EH 12ax7's. It seemed to me that they all developed noise issues rather quickly. Not sure if I got a bad batch, but it seemed they hardly lasted 6 months.

For power tubes, Winged =C= 6L6's are good but have gotten very expensive. They have a good even tone and generally last well. Ruby 6L6GCMSTR are good, too, and have a bit more aggressive tone than the Winged =C=. Slightly less warmth in the tone... I used to run JJ's in my old 5150 which have a bit stronger low end to them, IMHO.

 

[Jaymz]

I messaged an amp guru and he said it sounds like the preamp tubes so I went and ordered the set above. I've also read the Winged C's are not good for use in a EVH 5150III =(

 

[psycle_1]

If you're in the UK, look at http://www.watfordvalves.com/.

 

[Jaymz]

If you're in the UK, look at http://www.watfordvalves.com/.

That's where i've ordered from

Great site!

 

[Danihell]

Thanks

I rarely fiddle around with gear....I play things and mix things, the technical stuff I leave to people who know what they are doing/talking about.

After a bit of research it sounds like the ORIGINAL tubes that shipped with the EVH were less harsh in the top end and sound generally more balanced.

As follows:

v1 : sovtek 12ax7wc
v2: EH 12ax7
v3 EH 12ax7
v4: sovtek 12ax7wc
v5: EH 12ax7
v6: EH 12ax7

v7: Sovtek 12ax7LPS
v8: Sovtek 12ax7LPS

Do you like with sovtek and EH or the stock all jj ?