12AX7 Tungsol

I play through a Marshall JCM601 with a Fender American Deluxe 2006 Strat. I use the Tungsol 12AX7 in my preamp section and Electro-Harmonix 12AX7's for the next three tubes. I am using Mullard EL34s for the output, and I swear by the sound that I am getting with this amp. It has a Celestion 12 inch speaker.I swear by the Tungsol 12AX7 in the preamp section and that finalized by the Mullards is definitely the original sound of the 1970 Marshall Super Lead 100 1959 head on a smaller scale.I will wind this up by saying that I play ALL types of music ... period.

http://myspace.com/wallydow
Wally Dow July 20, 2010 - 11:33 PM

Amp: Jet City JCA20H
Speakers: 2 Jet City cabs w/Eminence Spkrs.
Axe: Gibson Les Paul Studio w/Duncan 59's N/B

I tried a butt-load of different tubes (mesa 12Ax7 SPAx7, JJ-ECC83-S, Groove Tubes GT12AX7-C, and the stock China 12AX7-B. And EL84 output tubes JJ, Groove Tubes, Mesa, and Stock China) No set or combination of the aforementioned were dialing it in. The tone was either too harsh, or muddy, or the bass was lost or something. Until, on a wild hair, I found what nailed it beautifully a Tungsol 12AX7 in V1 and V2, Mesa SPAX7 in V3/PI spot, and matched Sovtek EL84 power tubes. It sounded much warmer and smoother at all volume levels and it breaks up right where I wanted it to.

To be fair I wasn't looking for more headroom since I rarely play totally clean anyway. But with the exception of the GT12AX7-C, all the others cleaned things up too much for my taste. The GT's were just a tad harsh or edgy. The combo of Tungsol and Sovtek produce the early distortion without sounding too trebley and the individual notes are still well defined at higher volume levels. For reference My settings when playing at home: Gain 6 or 7, Bass 8, Mid 3, Treb 5, Pres 3, and Vol 2 - 4. For Club size venues I kick up the Mid to 5, Treb to 7, Pres to 5, Vol to 6 - 8, then I adjust the gain to dial it in (but it doesn't change much) I'm sold on this combination thanks to the Tungsols. I am extremely pleased with how it all comes together now and for this amp at least it'll be Tungsol for life.
Russ Jackson July 11, 2010 - 12:42 AM