Gibson GA40RVT questions

[Jack]

EFK1, I have a some questions if you don't mind. I was looking at the Tung-Sol RI's on the KCA tube page and here's what he said about the TS 12AX7 "Great vintage tone in a new production 12AX7. Excellent in Fender amps. Not for use in "cathode follower" stages like V2 in Marshall "Plexi" type circuits, JCM800s, and '59 Fender Bassmans."

I remembered you post (Sep. 29) where you mentioned channel 1 had a cathode follower. Also, I'm a little confused as to which channel is actually similar to Fender and Marshall. If I read your post correctly you said channel 1 is Marshall and Channel 2 is the Fender, but I ran across a review that says the opposite:

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyl...Ampkind_%20Gi/

Some pretty good sound clips on this page. Maybe I'm worried about nothing, but after reading the warning from KCA I want to avoid running one of my Tung-Sol's where it might cause an issue.

I ordered a Blue Dog Ceramic for mine as well. I know you told me to go with the 50 watt, but all that was in stock was the 30 and I didn't want to wait. Hope it doesn't make that much difference.

Anyhow, if you could help me out yet again I'd appreciate it.

[EFK1]

Sorry to confuse you! There is NO cathode follower in this amp. What I was trying to indicate was that it's tone stacks - both of them - are plate driven like a Fender (or many other amps for that matter, my old Selmer included...) *as opposed to* the Marshall-style cathode follower. You can use those Tung Sols in any of the preamp spots with no problems. I've never had any issues.

Interesting review. I personally disagree with his assessment but then we all have different ears! I suppose you could try to eq channel one to be 'snappy and twangy' but the way in which the Baxandall stack is set up, it has a very high mid-point with accentuated lower through upper mids when both controls are approx. at 12 oclock. When I think accentuated mids, I think British. His mention of "mid scooped" British amps - ??? Maybe he is referring to old Hiwatts or Laneys. I sure don't hear Marshall's as mid-scooped, at least not JTM45/early plexi amps. Channel 2 tone stack is a weird mix, probably dreamed up by Belov, as an improved JTM45 with some Blackface values thrown in.

With only one 30W speaker, you'll probably be fine as long as you don't really wind it up. I always like to run a safety margin, hence the recommendation for a 50W speaker in a 30W amp. Some people push that margin a lot more with no worries, I'm just not one of them! I don't know anything insofar as how liberal or conservative Weber speaker ratings are. Anyone?

[Jack]

EFK1 have you rolled in any more speakers? I bought the Valve Sr. which came with a Eminence Lady Luck so I gave it a try and didn't like it very well. Can't really put my finger on it, but it just kind of seems lifeless. It's like a cheaper version of the speaker that came with the Gibby.

I've had the Blue Dog for over a week and I can see why you like it, but I don't think it's going to end my search. It's hard to describe what I hear, but to me these are just a little too metallic, if that makes any sense. I guess this is what some consider chime? I hear people talk of the woody sound of U.S. type speakers and I guess that is probably the softer sound I'm looking for.

Still there's something about this speaker that's very right. This one and the V30 have worked best and I'm not really sure which I like better at this point. I'm going to stay with the Blue Dog for awhile to see if it softens up after some break-in. The Legend 1258 is very close to what I was looking for except it has this spike in the upper mid/lower treble region that I can't dial. If it weren't for the spike this just might fit the bill.

I've been doing allot of research trying to figure what will work well and I'm not really much closer then when I started. My next move will probably be an Eminence Legend V128, Weber Silver Bell (alnico or ceramic?), Weber 125A50 or maybe a Celestion G12M.

Keeping my eyes peeled to see if I can find one of these I might be able to trade for. I could go broke just trying to find a speaker for this amp. Too bad there aren't may others to get some info from. Especially considering what a great amp this is.

[EFK1]

The blue dog took a long time to break in. I stuck it in, played it for a while, thought I didn't like it and removed it, then got an idea and stuck it on an unused workbench in my shop for a week with a 120V to 9V AC adapter hooked up to it. Put probably 70-80 hours of this on it - very loud low vibrating hum. Definitely made a change - not earth shatteringly different, but subtly different in many ways which completely turned around my opinion of it. It is a bright speaker and in this amp I think it works perfectly paired with another speaker. By itself? I don't know, but you sure have the bass on tap if any is needed! ;)

I removed the Private Jack and currently am trying out a Weber silver bell. Going to give it a chance but my initial impression is a little dark and unclear. We'll see... I may go back with the Private Jack as it is very similar to the Silver Bell but a little more detailed and not as forward - right now the Silver Bell, believe it or not, seems to be overwhelming the Blue. The Private Jack did not do that. I've read a LOT of glowing reviews of the Emi GB12 so may give that a go - supposed to be a little clearer or brighter than the Jack.

[Groovey Records]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. It seems between the two of you to have done Gibson's job

You guys should collaborate on an article for TGP or HC on your experience

EFK do yourself a favour and try a Celestion Blue and some NOS Tubes for the pre amp

Mullard 12AX7's and Telefunken AT7's

If you want a brit sound you owe it to yourrself to try the English Blues

[Jack]

Which Silver did you get? I'm glad you mentioned the GB12 as I actually have one of these on order. I was doing some more research last night and came across numerous glowing reviews so I ordered one. I'm going to have a bunch of speakers to sale before this over. :0)

[EFK1]

Because of the excessive and slightly flubby bass of this amp (much like a jtm45) I'm sticking with ceramic speakers to keep it as tight as I can. I have both ceramic and alnico silver bells as well as ceramic and alnico blue dogs, but in this amp I prefer the ceramic in the silver bell - definitely - and could go either way on the blue dog. The ceramic that is in there now is very bell-like and clear so I'm done with that side! leaving it alone!

[Jack]

The GB12 is a winner. Sound very much like a Celestion GB to my ears, but smoother. The bass is really nice and there's no way this speaker is going to overwhelm you Blue Dog. I think you might really like it.

Is is better than the Blue Dog? Hard to say. The BD is brighter for sure and I really like both. These two are my two favorites followed closely by the V30. How do you think the Silver would work as just a single speaker? I may end up making a new baffle and turning mine into a 2X12. It's tough getting everything I want from a single speaker.

[EFK1]

Just personal opinion but there is no way I would use a silver bell as a single speaker in this amp - too dark. I'll definitely give the GB12 a go and will look forward to comparing it to the PJ as they are supposed to be somewhat similar. I find the PJ actually a little brighter than the silver bell, although possibly the silver bell may be a louder speaker in which case I'm just hearing more 'dark' than I do with the PJ (which is definitely not as loud as the blue dog). I LOVE blue dogs!