My Hot Rod started making a bit of a humming sound a couple of weeks ago, and I figured out that it was one of the preamp tubes. So instead of replacing the bad one, I decided to replace all of ‘em. Not knowing what was best, I called up The Tube Store because I knew they’d know what would work best in my amp. After a nice, long conversation with Paula, I got two Tung-Sol 12AX7 and one Jan-Phillips 12AY7 - all three for about $49. I put one TS in my first stage, put the JP in the second stage, and the other TS in the phase inverter. What are the results? A lot more clean headroom in my clean channel, and a much smoother distortion in my drive channel. I had already tamed my drive channel a bit by getting THD Yellow Jackets and using EL-84’s in place of the 6L6’s I put in last year. But combined with the JP, we’re talking sweet, beautiful sound!
I’d heard of the virtues of NOS (New Old Stock) tubes, but I’m now a true believer! If you’ve got one of the Hot Rod series amps and are looking to tame your drive channel, and get a sweeter clean sound, do yourself a favor and replace your preamp tubes. You’ll welcome the change!
Some great advice, I’ve never owned a valve amp, I can’t believe it, not sure how that happened but I’ve always had solid state. Anyway I’m currently waiting on a Peavey Windsor Studio for home recording which is loaded with 2 12AX7 preamp tubes and 1 EL34 power-amp tube and a power sponge to keep driving the tubes at low volume. I haven’t had a chance to test yet so I may go with the ValveKing 112 in the end.
I used solid state amps for 25 years before I finally went to a tube amp, so you’re definitely not alone. In fact, I still use a Roland Cube 60 to amplify my Ovation acoustic/electric simply because that combo sounds great. I tried many, many amps, and that $300 box sounds so much better than amps 5 times the price. Joe Satriani used solid state amps (specifically, a Roland JC-120) for a long time before he got big.
As far as the Valveking is concerned, I’ve heard mixed reviews about it. Its pricepoint is nice, but you might consider doing A/B tests with other amps in the same category. If you can, you might check out the Blackheart BH5-112. It’s a 5 Watt tube amp with a 12 inch speaker. It’s only $249, and it sounds great! You can get an extension cab for it for less than $150, and that’ll up your volume.
BTW, Blackheart is a partnership between Crate and Emminence. I’m normally leary of Crate gear, but from what I’ve seen and heard, the Blackhearts are great amps for the money.
Just a thought…
Thanks for the info!
I have a Hot Rod Deluxe and was just thinking about replacing the tubes. I am going to consider your advice. This information came at a great time.
Awesome! I’d definitely go for a Jan-Philips 12AY7 in the V2 socket. It really tames the natural edginess of the HRDx. Don’t know which one is the V2? Here’s a great FAQ: http://studentweb.eku.edu/justin_holton/faq.html#preamp
And the Tung-Sol 12AX7’s in the V1 and V3 sockets just completed the picture! I’m tickled pink about how good the amp sounds now with the replacement of the original Groove Tubes. BTW, awhile ago, I also replaced the drive tubes with JJ Electronics 6L6GC’s. Unfortunately, I burned out my EL-84’s and have to get them replaced, so I can’t use my Yellow Jackets right now.
Bummer. Oh well…
Anyway, call the Tube Store, or there’s another place that others rave about called EuroTubes. I’ve never used ‘em, preferring to do business on this side of the pond, but I understand they’re pretty good, with really good prices. I just like the knowledge of the folks at the Tube Store.
Thanks for the link to the Hot Rod Deluxe FAQ’s! A lot of great information there.
I haven’t used my Hot Rod amp in a couple of years. I had to sell my electric guitars to pay off some debt. I still have my two acoustics though. Next month I will be coming in to a little extra cash and thought it would be a good time to buy another electric guitar and break out the Hot Rod Deluxe. I bought the Deluxe used about four years ago. Even then I could tell it was time to replace the tubes. So I think now will be a good time to do both.