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Recommend me a quality 12AY7.

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markjmarkj Frets: 914
edited May 2017 in Amps
The Electro-harmonix 12AY7 hasn't lasted very long in the V1 position in my Blues deluxe. To all you amp techs out there what 12AY7 would you recommend.
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Comments

  • ICBMICBM Frets: 72322
    Old-production US-made ones, any brand.

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

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  • markjmarkj Frets: 914
    put me in the right direction with brands.
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  • RiftAmpsRiftAmps Frets: 3155
    tFB Trader
    RCA, Sylvania, GE, JAN Phillips
    *I no longer offer replacement speaker baffles*
    Rift Amplification
    Handwired Guitar Amplifiers
    Brackley, Northamptonshire
    www.riftamps.co.uk

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  • ricorico Frets: 1220
    Do TAD make 12AY7s?
    https://orbitaljunction.bandcamp.com/
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  • ICBMICBM Frets: 72322
    No... TAD don't make any valves ;). They're a tester/distributor - the valves are made in China, the same as for several other distributors. Their standard of testing seems pretty high though.

    They do sell them -

    http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/shop_TAD_Premium_Tubes_TAD_Pre_Amp_Tubes_SELECTED/12AY7_6072A_TAD_Premium_Selected_396

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

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  • earwighoneyearwighoney Frets: 3494
    markj said:
    The Electro-harmonix 12AY7 hasn't lasted very long in the V1 position in my Blues deluxe. To all you amp techs out there what 12AY7 would you recommend.
    I have a JJ 12AY7 in the V1 of my FBD and it works well.  No idea if it compares to the others mentioned above. 
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  • kreggskreggs Frets: 64
    I have tried the JJ 12ay7 which was darker sounding than the EH 12ay7. The EH seemed more touch sensitive  and brighter.  I thought they both sound descent. I would like to try the TAD. I have never had a nos 12ay7 in my amp yet. Maybe one day!
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  • ICBMICBM Frets: 72322
    kreggs said:
    I have tried the JJ 12ay7 which was darker sounding than the EH 12ay7. The EH seemed more touch sensitive  and brighter.  I thought they both sound descent. I would like to try the TAD. I have never had a nos 12ay7 in my amp yet. Maybe one day!
    That's the typical difference between any JJ and EH valves I've heard. I don't really like the JJs, they have a strange combination of dark and harsh at the same time, for me. I much prefer the sound of the EHs, but they generally don't last anywhere near as long.

    "Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski

    "Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

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  • earwighoneyearwighoney Frets: 3494
    kreggs said:
    I have tried the JJ 12ay7 which was darker sounding than the EH 12ay7. The EH seemed more touch sensitive  and brighter.  I thought they both sound descent. I would like to try the TAD. I have never had a nos 12ay7 in my amp yet. Maybe one day!
    Good info. 
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  • kreggskreggs Frets: 64
    Cheers! I will probably  try a TAD ay7 when my EH gives up the ghost but at around 20 to 22 quid each thats surely getting into NOS price territory.  You would hope the TAD would be worth it but I dunno.
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  • ricorico Frets: 1220
    I've TAD premium selected 12ax7 in one of my amps and it absolutely transformed it from the JJs that were in it before. 
    https://orbitaljunction.bandcamp.com/
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  • markjmarkj Frets: 914
    rico said:
    I've TAD premium selected 12ax7 in one of my amps and it absolutely transformed it from the JJs that were in it before. 
    I'll order one up later.
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  • RiftAmpsRiftAmps Frets: 3155
    tFB Trader
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM me and save yourself shipping from DE.
    *I no longer offer replacement speaker baffles*
    Rift Amplification
    Handwired Guitar Amplifiers
    Brackley, Northamptonshire
    www.riftamps.co.uk

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  • markjmarkj Frets: 914
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM me and save yourself shipping from DE.

    Sorry ordered one up earlier.
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  • kreggskreggs Frets: 64
    markj said:
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM me and save yourself shipping from DE.

    Sorry ordered one up earlier.
    Cool let me know how it sounds!
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  • markjmarkj Frets: 914
    kreggs said:
    markj said:
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM
    RiftAmps said:
    @markj I've got a few TADs stock, PM me and save yourself shipping from DE.

    Sorry ordered one up earlier.
    Cool let me know how it sounds!

    Yes I will.
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  • markjmarkj Frets: 914
    TAD 12 AY7 now fitted. This has certainly improved the tone greatly, it's made the amp sound a lot warmer.
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  • kreggskreggs Frets: 64
    Superb! Glad it worked for you. I will add it to my list of things to buy. New bridge p90 for my les paul special and tuners first though!
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  • ricorico Frets: 1220
    Nice one! I really like TAD valves. I'll be getting a pair for my 40w Marshall combo soon. 
    https://orbitaljunction.bandcamp.com/
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