Quote:
Originally Posted by Deadduck
I haven't done any mods to my newer GA5 other than swapping out the preamp tube to a NOS JAN 5751. I think it was like $12. I really like it and wouldn't go back. With all respect to Guitar Slinger, it really doesn't lower gain as much as one would think, and it will certainly still break up, at least mine will with P-90s or a Tele.
Stock, the amp got a loose and uncontrolled after about 11:00 on the dial. This is with an Epi Casino with P-90's. The the OD tone was harsh and grainy. The 5751 gave it a little more clean headroom, but the big change is the OD tone. Smooth and crunchy. More "British" sounding to me. It was quite a dramatic change in overdrive tone. I really prefer this tone and wouldn't go back to the 12ax7, I don't think. I think the JAN 5751 is a pretty clean tube, and lets the EL-84 tone come through more. The clean tone is still chimey and 3D sounding, kinda Voxy.
I run my amp at about 11:00 on the volume now, and use my volume controls and pick attack to go from clean to crunch. I mic with a Shure SM-57 to FOH.
I'm able to get a good AC/DC OD tone by using a cheap Danelectro Fish N Chips EQ pedal. I use it as a clean boost by turning up the volume on the EQ, cut the lows a little, and boost the mids. Instant Malcom Young. I only kick it in when I want the boost, I leave it off a lot.
My suggestion is to go to the Tube Store or KCA Tubes and order one. If you don't like it, let me know and I may buy it from you as a spare.
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The clean tone is still chimey and 3D sounding, kinda Voxy... exactly what I am looking for. Looks like I need to order some tubes
After that, I will consider a speaker swap. Subtle changes are all I'm looking for at this time.
Thanks for the input on tube and speaker swaps folks.