Are all amp tubes the same?

These tubes are largely the same, but feature different gain factors, so you can use them to custom-tailor the response and tone of your amp. Different tubes can noticeably change the tone of an amp, so it can be worthwhile to experiment with various tubes to find the ones that your amp “likes” the best.

What tubes are used in guitar amps?

The 5AR4 (aka GZ34) rectifier tube is the most widely used model today. It can be found in many new Fender reissue amps such as the Deluxe Reverb, Princeton and Super Reverb. Vox AC30, Marshall JTM 45 and Bluesbreaker combos also use them.

What class are tube amplifiers?

Tube amps for guitar fall into two categories: Class A and Class AB. The archetypal Class A amplifier is a Vox AC30, while the most famous Fender, Marshall, and Mesa/Boogie amps are Class AB machines. Class A amps tend to distort more quickly as you increase the volume. This is considered positive by many players.

Can I use any tube in my amp?

Even if your amp has more than one rectifier tube, you can use whatever brand you want, just make sure it’s the same model as what you’re replacing.

What is the difference between EL34 and EL84?

In general, EL34 and 6L6 tubes are typically used in higher wattage applications, usually amps that are over 50 watts. EL84 tubes are used for lower wattage amps, typically in the 15 to 30 watt range, but have essentially the same sonic “flavor” as EL34 tubes.

How do I choose a tube amp?

The most important thing to keep in mind in your search for a tube amp is that YOUR opinion of the tone of an amp is the most important opinion of all. By all means, listen to the input of others to help guide you, but in the end, you need to make your decision based upon how good an amp sounds to YOU.

Do guitar amp tubes have to be matched?

Power tubes, unlike preamp tubes, do generally need to match. This is because each power tube needs to have an identical account of idle plate current. The amplification characteristics of the tubes also need to match up when they are used in a guitar amp, for example.

What amps use EL84 tubes?

The most common tube amp that uses EL84 tubes is the Vox AC30, as well as most other amps manufactured by Vox. Their circuit design is generally regarded as the “classic” use of EL84 tubes, providing a sweet gain-y midrange sound and a medium output volume.

Which is better Class A or Class AB?

Class A design is the least efficient but has the highest sound fidelity. Class B design is a little more efficient, but full of distortion. Class AB design offers power efficiency and good sound.

What is class A tube?

tube flows at all times”. That’s the entire definition from the RCA Tube Manual: the Ultimate Authority itself. To make it simpler, think of a tube in the British sense: It’s a “valve”. All Class A means is that the valve would never shut off all the way. Some amount, even a trickle would always be flowing through it.