I’ve owned my FBD a long time - since ‘94 which was when they first came out I think.
For various reasons; work, family, life, it didn’t get played a whole lot in the early days and I ended up thinking I didn’t really like it. Anyway, over the last 5 years or so I’ve been playing WAY more and increasingly using the FBD along with other amps I’ve bought along the way. For some reason though the FBD seems to suit me and in the last couple of years I’ve come to really love it (bear with me this is going somewhere).
It’s time for a revalve (24 years ain’t bad!!). Now - do I also love the amp more and more because the valves have matured - is that a possible factor or just rubbish? If I like it so much should I replace the valves exactly like for like? (I’ve seen recommendations for changes on other threads). Importantly, does it matter which make I get? I’ve been to Watford Valves’s site and prices for 6L6’s for example range from approx £10-£85. Does it matter if the valves were made for the US army, were GEC from the ‘80’s etc, Cyro etc.?
I’m a bit lost as to what will be the best replacements tbh - your experience and advice would be gratefully received.
Sorry for the verbiage and all the questions and thank you!
Comments
I use @karltone of this very parish and I use JJ power amp valves in my amps. You'd ideally want matched pairs or quads, depending on how many valves you have!
Yeah, JJ is a manufacturer and probably the most commonly used valves worldwide.
For what it's worth, I use TAD (tube amp doctor) preamp valves in my Marshall amps and JJ power amp valves.
I myself have a 94 FBD that I owned since 97 or so and I put some new valves in it recently and I really think it brought it back to life and I put the following valves in it if it's of any interest.
Power Valves - JJ 6L6GC's
V1 - JJ 12AY7
V2 - NOS ECC83
V3 - RFT ECC81
The JJ 6L6's I bought from Langrex and the other ones I bought from Langrex, both NOS around a tenner each from what I remember.
@earwighoney how did this configuration affect the tone? Is it very different to 3 12AX74's? Is it important/significant to have those 12AY7's or can they be any type and in any order?
The 12AY7 was the valve Fender originally used as V1 in the 50s Tweed amps, and the 12AT7 as the phase inverter (V3 in this amp) in the 60s and 70s Blackface/Silverface amps, if that helps explain it.
"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
I agree with ICBM's tonal description.
Can you mix those around then and does it affect the tone?
The 12AX7 can be used anywhere - that's what they come with as stock - the 12AT7 can sound a bit 'cold' in V1 or V2, and the 12AY7 doesn't sound that good in V2 either in my opinion.
"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
Thanks for your help and patience.