I honestly had NO idea. (Groove Tubes content)

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 23rd, 2005, 01:40 AM

I just had some mods done to my Rivera by a local "wunderkind" tech and when I went to pick up the amp he'd swapped out my pre-amp tubes for a full set of (7!) Groove tube12AX7M's and a quartet of Groove Tube 6L6 GE power tubes... just for me to "try out"... to see if I "liked them".

GOOD GRAVY!!!! I must be living under a rock, because I had NO idea these things (the gold series GT's) were out there, and sounded this good! Does anyone know of any other "sleeper" 6L6 tubes I need to know about? If so... give it up, 'cause I needs ta know!

ruger9 · February 23rd, 2005, 07:08 AM

I don't know what volume you were at, or what settings you were using, so I don't know how much of the "good gravy" came from the 12AX7M's or the 6L6's- no doubt from both. I don't know a thing about 6L6's (I run an EL84 amp), but the 12AX7M's are amazing, IMHO. Best AX7 I've ever heard.

Jakedog · February 23rd, 2005, 09:18 AM

Try out the JJ Tesla 6L6's sometime. I got a set last summer, and never had any idea what I was in for. Turned my amp into a whole new beast!

Jake

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 23rd, 2005, 11:17 AM

We seperately swapped out both the pre and power amp tubes to A/B compare, and BOTH made a HUGE difference. The amp sounded better with either changed, but with both swapped out... SHEEESH, did it sound good! I ran the amp at everything from quiet rehearsal volume to "big stage/outdoor gig" volume. The tubes are on the pricey side for sure, especially te preamp bottles, but hey, they sound SO good. I really shouldn't complain about price, I mean it's not like paying a gazillion bucks for NOS Mullards or Brimars or RCA's. I don't even want to hear this amp full of those "vintage tubes" because (worst case scenario) I'll probably fall in love, my Mastercard would go through the roof, and I'm POSITIVE my wife would have me committed. Or at least relegate me to "evening couch patrol".

Thanks for the tip Jake. I'm going to search out some JJ's and see what's what! I should ask, has anyone A/B'd the JJ's against the GT's? Differences, similarities?

Funny thing is, I remember getting my HiWatts re-tubed a few times when I was a kid (I thought you re-tube every 6 months whether it needs it or not...), and it was nothing but Sylvania's and RCA's. If only I had the tubes from those amps I could take a holiday...

mmahoney · February 23rd, 2005, 03:16 PM

such as Tung Sol, Philips, or Sylvania ... but bring your wallet

... matched pairs can cost up to $200 or more.

many here and elsewhere dis the Sovtek tubes, but to my ear they are pretty good, especially when price is considered.

cheers,
Mike

Jakedog · February 23rd, 2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin' Joe Picante

Thanks for the tip Jake. I'm going to search out some JJ's and see what's what! I should ask, has anyone A/B'd the JJ's against the GT's? Differences, similarities?

...

I had GT's in my head previously, the biggest difference I noticed with the JJ's was that top end REALLY smoothed out. No more harsh highs, they are really smooth and creamy. I didn't lose any tightness or definition in the low end either, still plenty of chunk on the low strings. Clean tones are warmer and smoother too, all the way around. Really a change for the better. Unless you like a really agressive high end. I don't.

Jake

4mal · February 23rd, 2005, 06:14 PM

One of the real positives about the JJ's is that they come matched at least when you go through Bob at Eurotubes. I guess hte other is that as Bob is a guitar player and has researched the tubes from a player's perspective, you don't have to talk intechie terms to get what you're looking for. You simply say, Bob, I'm looking for warm and clean, lot's of headroom or maybe blusey with breakup happening at a little lower volume ... he can translate that into here is a set you'll like. Lot's of sources out there but his approach has me sold ...

e-merlin · February 23rd, 2005, 07:49 PM

I should point out that the majority of the tubes Groove Tubes sells are re-labeled and are available through other sources for less money. I don't remember which brand they are, though. Groove Tubes tests and grades the tubes, but so do other tube resellers.

Also, you will notice a big difference between old tubes and new tubes, so an A/B comparison between a set of new tubes and your old tubes will not be as valid as a comparison between two different brands of tubes that are new.

I say this, not to pee on your parade, but because I know that there are a few people out there who take every opportunity to bash Groove Tubes despite the fact that many people like to use them. If you like them, then my opinion is of no consequence. But there has been a lot of bashing on this forum lately and I'm hoping that this thread doesn't turn into a GT bashing thread.

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 23rd, 2005, 09:50 PM

In the afterglow of the GT experience, armed with some facts, and turned on to the JJ's I think I'll call Bob at Eurotubes and give them a whirl.

For half the price of the GT's, and the endorsement that you guys have given Bob and the JJ's, it's worth a try!

I know GT re-badges tubes, I just cant's find the original source (to cut out the middle man) of the 6L6GE they produce. Apparently it's constructed with a quantity of American parts on GE machines (or so they say), unlike the 6L6C and CB (Chinese), 6L6R (Russsian), and 6L6S (Slovakian) versions. Does anyone know where to find these 6L6 GE "GOLD LABEL" Groove Tube types outside of Groove Tubes?

NOS doesn't really appeal to me because I'd like to know I have a slightly less finite supply of tubes too provide a consistent tone for the amp. If (heaven forefend..) my amp blows up in either Calgary or Des Moines I want to know I can quickly get another set without mortgaging my house.

$500.00 cdn (plus shipping) for output tubes alone is a little steep for me.

Caper · February 23rd, 2005, 10:00 PM

The tubestore in Hamilton is another great business to buy tubes from. I've bought both JJ's and Jan Philips from them, great tubes and great service, second to none.

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 23rd, 2005, 10:06 PM

Hamilton, Ontario or Hamilton, Alberta or Hamilton...? Do you have a link or info? Thanks!

Loni Specter · February 23rd, 2005, 11:28 PM

I do know that Groove Tubes does make 6L6s. I've seen the machines. The guy to ask is Myles Rose of wwwguitaramplifierblueprinting.com
He works at Groove tubes by day and freelances as a consultant also. I brought Greg Leisz over to him with a crapy sounding old princeton and he retubed and adjusted it on the spot and it was like night and day. He works on Carl Vehien(sp) and Brad Paisley's rigs too.
Tell 'em Loni sent you

RJT · February 24th, 2005, 12:43 AM

I have to agree about the JJ tubes... I've been repairing and modifying Fender style amps for 25 years and making custom amps for 10 years. The JJ's are the best modern 12AX7 for stability and reliability. Their tone is excellent, at least for blues. It is very reliable in high gain situations, seldom microphonic.

RJT

Daddy Elmis · February 24th, 2005, 12:52 AM

I had Bob retube my Pro Jr. with JJ's all around -- loved the results.

I also put some GT 12ax7-M's in my Marshall and love them.

The 6L6GEs are made by GT on the same machines that GE used to make them back in the day. Same with the 12ax7-M (the "Mullard Reissue").

GT does repackage other tubes, as does most other manufacturers. Check Myles' web site for more info on all things tube.

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 24th, 2005, 02:21 AM

Thanks for the info everyone! Thanks for the tip Loni! Myles' site is pretty crazy! I'm going to talk to Bob and maybe contact Myles then think on it a day or two, then jump.

mike_levitt · February 24th, 2005, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin' Joe Picante

Hamilton, Ontario or Hamilton, Alberta or Hamilton...? Do you have a link or info? Thanks!

Ontario. Excellent service and prices, and really fast and cheap shipping. I've been using JJ 6v6s in my brown deluxe, and can give them an enthusiastic YES!

thetubestore.com

They've also got a really good matching service at the tube store. If you pick up a set, ask them for something "in the middle" and take note of the number they give you. You'll probably get a pair around 50. Take them to your tech and have him bias the amp, and then the next time you need a set, just order a set with the same number and you'll be set without re-biasing.

I've never ordered from Bob at Eurotubes, but everybody seems to love him and he would also be a good choice for JJs.

Mike

Ramblin Ray · February 24th, 2005, 09:21 PM

I'd like to try the 12ax7M, but when I read they were made in China, I found no justification for the price. I'll stick with my EH12ax7's from the Tube Store.

Brick · February 24th, 2005, 10:56 PM

I was just going to post about 12AX7s because a friend lent me a bunch to try, and I just A/B/Cd some in my Gibson GA15 (Trace Vellocette).

Real Mullards made me pee in my pants! Never had a chance to try them before, but they were smooth and creamy and got better the louder I cranked the amp.

I had the GT Mullard clones in the amp already and they are very good tubes but a bit brighter and a tad harsher sounding than the Mullards.

Chinese Ruby Tubes had a real rock and roll attitude to them, and if I played real hard rock these would cut it. Hard and raspy and bright and with an OD in front of the amp sounded very aggressive.

None of these tubes made me want to turn the tone control anyway but highs totally rolled off. What were they thinking when they voiced this amp? I refuse to even try the bright switch, but I suppose you could get the muddiest humbucker to sound really bright if you wanted.

Alas. Real Mullards rule.

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 25th, 2005, 12:04 AM

I also JUST found out the GT 12AX7M is Chinese manufactured. At $26.00 a pop that's a little hard to swallow. They sounded GREAT, but I talked to Bob today and I think I'll give the JJ's a spin.

I've used the EH 12AX7EH and it's pretty nice sounding, particularly for the dough. Sounds like the JJ pre bottles might be a step up for what I want sonically though.

TT100 · February 25th, 2005, 01:07 AM

I emailed Bob at Eurotubes about my two amps and got a very nice response. For my 5e3x2 Weber I want to replace the Chinese tubes even though the amp sounds great. The price of the JJs makes it easy to experiment. For about $60 I can get a 12AT7, 12AX7 and a matched quad of 6V6GTs.

For my Pro Reverb I want to replace the Sovtek 5AR4 with a JJ GZ34, get a matched pair of 6L6GCs and a balanced 12AT7. The rest of the tubes in the amp are Telefunken and I'm keeping them.

I can do both amps for under $100. Hard to beat and with all the positive posts I read here and at other forums about the JJs I don't think I can miss.

TT100

ruger9 · February 25th, 2005, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin' Joe Picante

I also JUST found out the GT 12AX7M is Chinese manufactured. At $26.00 a pop that's a little hard to swallow. They sounded GREAT, but I talked to Bob today and I think I'll give the JJ's a spin.

I've used the EH 12AX7EH and it's pretty nice sounding, particularly for the dough. Sounds like the JJ pre bottles might be a step up for what I want sonically though.

The GT12AX7M "Mullard Reissue" is NOT chinese. GT makes then right at GT. It's one of only a few tubes they DO make.

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 25th, 2005, 06:35 PM

Wow, the more I look into just getting a simple set of tubes, the more I see this incredible 3-way wrestling match between Bob, GT/Ampblueprinting, and The Tubestore. They all seem like nice folks each to their own... can't we all just get along?

When I asked about the GT12AX7M Bob said " You mean the Chinese Mullard?" and of the 6L6GE's " You mean the Mexican American tube?". He certainly wasn't going out of his way to hip-check them (he only got on GT when I asked), and was quiet cordial and informative about the JJ's, but I sense there's no love lost between he and the GT folks. And the GT/Amp blueprinting vs. Tubestore debacle... forget about it!

I don't know what to believe anymore, sheeesh. I don't really care where it's made, I just want good sound, and good value for my buck.

Daddy Elmis · February 25th, 2005, 07:43 PM

I thought the GT "Mullards" were american made -- anybody find some "real" info on this? The GT site doesn't say (not that I could find). It does talk about the 6L6GE's being made in California.

I also thought that Myles and Bob @ Eurotubes got on well. hmmm.

I know Myles has a real problem with The Tube Store as indicated on his site. Myles has shown many, many times that he's a very level headed guy, and despite working at GT he routinely recommends other tubes to folks. Take that for what it's worth.

I, for one, really like the Mullard Reissues, and use them where I previously has NOS JAN/Philips 12ax7's (which also sounded really good, but not as "balanced" or smooth as the 12ax7-M's).

Smokin' Joe Picante · February 25th, 2005, 08:35 PM

By "three way" I meant three parties that didn't get along with SOMEBODY else. Bob had nothing at all negative to say about Myles, and nothing at Myles' site say's anything negative about Bob, but they both have bones to pick with someone else, as does The Tubestore (which completes the triangle.)

I'm absolutely NOT trying to start anything here, just commenting on my on-going experience trying to buy some tubes and get some straight info. As I said in my last post, ALL parties mentioned all seemed MORE than nice enough in thier own right.

tiktok · February 25th, 2005, 08:54 PM

Myself, I'm quite happy to pay someone else (GT, Boogie, etc.) to sort and test tubes for me. Hell, they can even put a picture of Aspen or Randall on them if it makes them happy. I"m not going to pay those crazy NOS 6L6 prices, but paying for quality control every few years (about how often I have to change tubes) is fine by me.

When I look at my string bill for the year versus my tube bill, I'm not concerned. It's all necessary consumables.

February 23rd, 2005, 01:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	I honestly had NO idea. (Groove Tubes content) I just had some mods done to my Rivera by a local "wunderkind" tech and when I went to pick up the amp he'd swapped out my pre-amp tubes for a full set of (7!) Groove tube12AX7M's and a quartet of Groove Tube 6L6 GE power tubes... just for me to "try out"... to see if I "liked them". GOOD GRAVY!!!! I must be living under a rock, because I had NO idea these things (the gold series GT's) were out there, and sounded this good! Does anyone know of any other "sleeper" 6L6 tubes I need to know about? If so... give it up, 'cause I needs ta know! __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 23rd, 2005, 07:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
ruger9 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackettstown, NJ Posts: 1,726	I don't know what volume you were at, or what settings you were using, so I don't know how much of the "good gravy" came from the 12AX7M's or the 6L6's- no doubt from both. I don't know a thing about 6L6's (I run an EL84 amp), but the 12AX7M's are amazing, IMHO. Best AX7 I've ever heard. __________________ "I've got callouses, from all those nights, spent playin' a Telecaster, 'till my fingers bled Bud Light" - Travis Tritt

February 23rd, 2005, 09:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jakedog Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cleveland,OH But my heart's still in TE Posts: 3,227	Try out the JJ Tesla 6L6's sometime. I got a set last summer, and never had any idea what I was in for. Turned my amp into a whole new beast! Jake __________________ Oh, the fear I've known That I might reap the praise of strangers And end up on my own All I've sown was a song And maybe I was wrong -Emily Saliers

February 23rd, 2005, 11:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	We seperately swapped out both the pre and power amp tubes to A/B compare, and BOTH made a HUGE difference. The amp sounded better with either changed, but with both swapped out... SHEEESH, did it sound good! I ran the amp at everything from quiet rehearsal volume to "big stage/outdoor gig" volume. The tubes are on the pricey side for sure, especially te preamp bottles, but hey, they sound SO good. I really shouldn't complain about price, I mean it's not like paying a gazillion bucks for NOS Mullards or Brimars or RCA's. I don't even want to hear this amp full of those "vintage tubes" because (worst case scenario) I'll probably fall in love, my Mastercard would go through the roof, and I'm POSITIVE my wife would have me committed. Or at least relegate me to "evening couch patrol". Thanks for the tip Jake. I'm going to search out some JJ's and see what's what! I should ask, has anyone A/B'd the JJ's against the GT's? Differences, similarities? Funny thing is, I remember getting my HiWatts re-tubed a few times when I was a kid (I thought you re-tube every 6 months whether it needs it or not...), and it was nothing but Sylvania's and RCA's. If only I had the tubes from those amps I could take a holiday... __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 23rd, 2005, 03:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
mmahoney Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 146	try some good NOS tubes such as Tung Sol, Philips, or Sylvania ... but bring your wallet ... matched pairs can cost up to $200 or more. many here and elsewhere dis the Sovtek tubes, but to my ear they are pretty good, especially when price is considered. cheers, Mike

February 23rd, 2005, 06:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
4mal Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Gorge Posts: 2,198	One of the real positives about the JJ's is that they come matched at least when you go through Bob at Eurotubes. I guess hte other is that as Bob is a guitar player and has researched the tubes from a player's perspective, you don't have to talk intechie terms to get what you're looking for. You simply say, Bob, I'm looking for warm and clean, lot's of headroom or maybe blusey with breakup happening at a little lower volume ... he can translate that into here is a set you'll like. Lot's of sources out there but his approach has me sold ...

February 23rd, 2005, 09:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	Don't worry about "raining" on my parade... :) In the afterglow of the GT experience, armed with some facts, and turned on to the JJ's I think I'll call Bob at Eurotubes and give them a whirl. For half the price of the GT's, and the endorsement that you guys have given Bob and the JJ's, it's worth a try! I know GT re-badges tubes, I just cant's find the original source (to cut out the middle man) of the 6L6GE they produce. Apparently it's constructed with a quantity of American parts on GE machines (or so they say), unlike the 6L6C and CB (Chinese), 6L6R (Russsian), and 6L6S (Slovakian) versions. Does anyone know where to find these 6L6 GE "GOLD LABEL" Groove Tube types outside of Groove Tubes? NOS doesn't really appeal to me because I'd like to know I have a slightly less finite supply of tubes too provide a consistent tone for the amp. If (heaven forefend..) my amp blows up in either Calgary or Des Moines I want to know I can quickly get another set without mortgaging my house. $500.00 cdn (plus shipping) for output tubes alone is a little steep for me. __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 23rd, 2005, 10:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
Caper Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,169 7 Photos	The tubestore in Hamilton is another great business to buy tubes from. I've bought both JJ's and Jan Philips from them, great tubes and great service, second to none.

February 23rd, 2005, 10:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	Which Hamilton? Hamilton, Ontario or Hamilton, Alberta or Hamilton...? Do you have a link or info? Thanks! __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 23rd, 2005, 11:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
Loni Specter Banned TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lost Angels, CA Posts: 45	I do know that Groove Tubes does make 6L6s. I've seen the machines. The guy to ask is Myles Rose of wwwguitaramplifierblueprinting.com He works at Groove tubes by day and freelances as a consultant also. I brought Greg Leisz over to him with a crapy sounding old princeton and he retubed and adjusted it on the spot and it was like night and day. He works on Carl Vehien(sp) and Brad Paisley's rigs too. Tell 'em Loni sent you

February 24th, 2005, 12:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
RJT TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 14	Re: I honestly had NO idea. (Groove Tubes content) I have to agree about the JJ tubes... I've been repairing and modifying Fender style amps for 25 years and making custom amps for 10 years. The JJ's are the best modern 12AX7 for stability and reliability. Their tone is excellent, at least for blues. It is very reliable in high gain situations, seldom microphonic. RJT

February 24th, 2005, 12:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	I had Bob retube my Pro Jr. with JJ's all around -- loved the results. I also put some GT 12ax7-M's in my Marshall and love them. The 6L6GEs are made by GT on the same machines that GE used to make them back in the day. Same with the 12ax7-M (the "Mullard Reissue"). GT does repackage other tubes, as does most other manufacturers. Check Myles' web site for more info on all things tube.

February 24th, 2005, 02:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	Decisions, decisions... Thanks for the info everyone! Thanks for the tip Loni! Myles' site is pretty crazy! I'm going to talk to Bob and maybe contact Myles then think on it a day or two, then jump. __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 24th, 2005, 09:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
Ramblin Ray Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: New York Posts: 412	I'd like to try the 12ax7M, but when I read they were made in China, I found no justification for the price. I'll stick with my EH12ax7's from the Tube Store.

February 24th, 2005, 10:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Brick Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose Age: 58 Posts: 793	ax7s I was just going to post about 12AX7s because a friend lent me a bunch to try, and I just A/B/Cd some in my Gibson GA15 (Trace Vellocette). Real Mullards made me pee in my pants! Never had a chance to try them before, but they were smooth and creamy and got better the louder I cranked the amp. I had the GT Mullard clones in the amp already and they are very good tubes but a bit brighter and a tad harsher sounding than the Mullards. Chinese Ruby Tubes had a real rock and roll attitude to them, and if I played real hard rock these would cut it. Hard and raspy and bright and with an OD in front of the amp sounded very aggressive. None of these tubes made me want to turn the tone control anyway but highs totally rolled off. What were they thinking when they voiced this amp? I refuse to even try the bright switch, but I suppose you could get the muddiest humbucker to sound really bright if you wanted. Alas. Real Mullards rule.

February 25th, 2005, 12:04 AM	#19 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	I also JUST found out the GT 12AX7M is Chinese manufactured. At $26.00 a pop that's a little hard to swallow. They sounded GREAT, but I talked to Bob today and I think I'll give the JJ's a spin. I've used the EH 12AX7EH and it's pretty nice sounding, particularly for the dough. Sounds like the JJ pre bottles might be a step up for what I want sonically though. __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 25th, 2005, 01:07 AM	#20 (permalink)
TT100 Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 214	I emailed Bob at Eurotubes about my two amps and got a very nice response. For my 5e3x2 Weber I want to replace the Chinese tubes even though the amp sounds great. The price of the JJs makes it easy to experiment. For about $60 I can get a 12AT7, 12AX7 and a matched quad of 6V6GTs. For my Pro Reverb I want to replace the Sovtek 5AR4 with a JJ GZ34, get a matched pair of 6L6GCs and a balanced 12AT7. The rest of the tubes in the amp are Telefunken and I'm keeping them. I can do both amps for under $100. Hard to beat and with all the positive posts I read here and at other forums about the JJs I don't think I can miss. TT100

February 25th, 2005, 06:35 PM	#22 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	Really? Wow, the more I look into just getting a simple set of tubes, the more I see this incredible 3-way wrestling match between Bob, GT/Ampblueprinting, and The Tubestore. They all seem like nice folks each to their own... can't we all just get along? When I asked about the GT12AX7M Bob said " You mean the Chinese Mullard?" and of the 6L6GE's " You mean the Mexican American tube?". He certainly wasn't going out of his way to hip-check them (he only got on GT when I asked), and was quiet cordial and informative about the JJ's, but I sense there's no love lost between he and the GT folks. And the GT/Amp blueprinting vs. Tubestore debacle... forget about it! I don't know what to believe anymore, sheeesh. I don't really care where it's made, I just want good sound, and good value for my buck. __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)

February 25th, 2005, 07:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	I thought the GT "Mullards" were american made -- anybody find some "real" info on this? The GT site doesn't say (not that I could find). It does talk about the 6L6GE's being made in California. I also thought that Myles and Bob @ Eurotubes got on well. hmmm. I know Myles has a real problem with The Tube Store as indicated on his site. Myles has shown many, many times that he's a very level headed guy, and despite working at GT he routinely recommends other tubes to folks. Take that for what it's worth. I, for one, really like the Mullard Reissues, and use them where I previously has NOS JAN/Philips 12ax7's (which also sounded really good, but not as "balanced" or smooth as the 12ax7-M's).

February 25th, 2005, 08:35 PM	#24 (permalink)
Smokin' Joe Picante Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 508	I should clarify.. By "three way" I meant three parties that didn't get along with SOMEBODY else. Bob had nothing at all negative to say about Myles, and nothing at Myles' site say's anything negative about Bob, but they both have bones to pick with someone else, as does The Tubestore (which completes the triangle.) I'm absolutely NOT trying to start anything here, just commenting on my on-going experience trying to buy some tubes and get some straight info. As I said in my last post, ALL parties mentioned all seemed MORE than nice enough in thier own right. __________________ http://www.joecurtisband.com/ Overheard at a gig... "The guitar could be louder... I have no idea how, but I'm sure it can be done..." ;)