[toadman]

UPDATE...........i just replaced the tubes with some crap Groove tubes (the only brand anybody sells nearby) problem solved! i appears the EL84 was the bum. but i replaced both anyway just to make sure it wasn't something else. i definately going to put sme JJ's in there eventually. the 12AX7 will be switched to a 12AU7. but for now it's up and cranking and i'm off to the island with it. i tried all my guitars with it just now and the one that works and sounds best with the VJ is my newest addition...a butterscotch Squire Affinity! go figure!