Question:
I like the clean tones from my 15 watt fender solid state bullet reverb better than those of my Classic 30 (w/ Major Tom attenuator). Now, granted, the Classic 30's lead channel completely obliterates my Fender's distortion, but still, the fact that I can't get a clean tone I like out of the Classic 30 bugs me.
I think that the tone I'm going for would be best described as ... transparent. Minimal coloring, but just enough dynamics to keep things interesting. I don't know...basically exactly what the Super Reverb gives me.
Can I get this level of clarity with a tube amp? And if so...how? Would something like a Vox AC30 do the trick? Fender Blues Jr. ? Is there something I can do to my Classic 30 to make it sound "cleaner" ?
One thing I thought might help is the speaker in my Classic 30...right now I am still using the Blue Marvel that came with it. Would putting in a Celeston Vintage 30 or a Greenback or something help in this area?
Thanks.
Answer:
Try playing with the attenuator at zero, so that the tubes are not being saturated or forced to overdrive. You should have more "headroom" this way and you can keep your amp.
Answer:
This kind of works. Only problem is when I want that saturated overdrive and I switch channels, there's no attenuator ... = really freaking loud.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Flyguy This kind of works. Only problem is when I want that saturated overdrive and I switch channels, there's no attenuator ... = really freaking loud.
Sounds like you will have to balance your normal gain with your post and pre gain. I think you can lower either your post or pre gain and increase your normal volume level. Try tweaking it a bit. Or, bring up your attenuator in small increments to your liking.
Answer:
replacing the 2nd position 12ax7 with a lower gain tube (12AT7, 12AY7, 12AU7) will give you much more clean head room, and won't noticeably affect your drive channel. I had the same problem with br HR Deluxe breaking up too early for my tastes. I popped in a NOS 12AT7 and that fixed it right up.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Casey replacing the 2nd position 12ax7 with a lower gain tube (12AT7, 12AY7, 12AU7) will give you much more clean head room, and won't noticeably affect your drive channel. I had the same problem with br HR Deluxe breaking up too early for my tastes. I popped in a NOS 12AT7 and that fixed it right up.
I'll have to look into this as well. Did you have to re-bias when you changed the preamp tube?
Answer:
Originally Posted by Flyguy I'll have to look into this as well. Did you have to re-bias when you changed the preamp tube? you only rebias power tubes.