Valve question

Norman86 · Feb 23, 2011

Sorry if im going to ask a stupid question here... :-[

Lets say i have an amplifier that uses an EL84 Power tube, obviously a Marshall voice, would it be possible to change this to a 6L6 Tube if a wanted a Fender voice?

Or would i only be able to swop between the different brands of EL84 tubes or if the amp uses 6L6 or 6V6 swop between those types?

Or am i understanding the tube types incorrectly?

Thanks!!

Karel-Mars · Feb 23, 2011

The EL84 uses a 9 pin base, whereas all the other power tubes uses octal base. So you cannot swop an 6L6 into a EL84 amp.

But it is not the tubes that gives the voice only. Fender uses a 12AT7 driver/phase splitter and Marshall a 12AX7. That makes the Fender cleaner sounding.

Look at the Fender Pro Junior and compare it to the Marshall 20. Both uses the same tubes, but sounds very different.

Norman86 · Feb 23, 2011

Okay, so just swopping tubes wont change anything?!

See, i wasnt sure, so i thought it might be a stupid question :-[

Tonedef · Feb 23, 2011

No such thing as a stupid question. You learned something and so did I!

[deleted] · Feb 23, 2011

Well, changing valves may not turn a Marshall into a Fender (just too much other stuff at play), but the effect is not negligible. Have a look here, for a start:

http://www.guitarforum.co.za/amps-speakers-and-valves/some-%27old-old-stock%27-tubes-to-experiment-with!/

Norman86 · Feb 23, 2011

Thanks Stratisfear!

I had read that thread before! Thats what picked my interest and curiosity!

But also, im actually considering a tonelab pedal and wondering what effect different valves will produce on the pedal!

Sean · Feb 23, 2011

Norman86 wrote: Thanks Stratisfear!

I had read that thread before! Thats what picked my interest and curiosity!

But also, im actually considering a tonelab pedal and wondering what effect different valves will produce on the pedal!

I upgraded the valve in my tonelab, I could not hear a difference :-[ , but to be honest, I'm still developing my ear for this sort of thing ?

Norman86 · Feb 23, 2011

Thanks Sean...

Thats why i asked!

But im looking at the Vox Tonelab EX (the new one) and the POD HD's...
Just gonna look at them and go test them etc...
Then save and buy!!

But the Tonelab is probably half the price of the POD, and more in my price range anyways!!
Especially since im not looking for THAT many effects etc...

But it helps to keep options open eh?!