fatbagg":26vg5d7l said:
Thanks! I need to do another with more volume and less verb. I’m new to the Herbert, but so far it really lends to your playing, keeps you motivated, haha.
Ventura, I have seen your name around here for years about Diezel stuff. Got any recommendations on tube type/brand? I like using the Herbert on the smoother warmer side, was curious, based on your experience, if there were certain EL34 or other power tubes that really tend to that tonal realm.
I have some tube advice but I don't wanna get my ass kicked by Papa
Honestly, and I gotsta be straight upfront with you - the ONLY Diezel I personally never gelled well with was the Herbert, now, that's not meaning I won't fall head over heels in love with the Mk.3 if I get my hands on one; but the reason this needs outing is because my "tube advice" wouldn't be specific to your amp with lots of "
in my personal experience" attached to it. So I don't wanna blow smoke.
But that said, ahem, I know of several die-hard Herbert users who'll happily pipe in here and offer the goods. I know Papa does't like anyone using the big bottles due to heat issues/dissipation and the like; but 6550s mixed with EL34s, or straight across the board, has been around for a while in the thunder department. Do a little search and I'll step back and let the pros who've worked the Herbert step in here and give their personal 2 cents.
Preamps though?? Love the GL-ECC3 in V1 of my Diezels, a solid grey plate Ei Yugo or LPS in the Phase Inverter slot, and bear in mind V3 and V4 in the Herbert are cathode follower positions to the best of my understanding - meaning - preferably no Russian long plate or spiral filament tubes in those sockets. Peter recommends high grade select Chinese in V1 and V2, then high grade Chinese for the rest of the sockets. They're cheap, decent for noise (for the most part) and offer gobs of gain. They're also sturdy little f*ckers. Hence the reason he chooses and uses them. But stepping OUTSIDE the RECOMMENDED tube-set for pre's, I've been a fan of the GL-ECC83, and honestly the new Svetlana 12AX7. Bear in mind all New Sensor are Russian and they're making the EHX, Tung Sol, Gold Lion, Sovtek and Svetlana to the best of my knowledge - but the Svet 12AX7 has a cathode-to-heater rating of about 200v both +/- (I've currently got them in my V3 sockets of the D-Moll and Hagen, test driving them to see how they fare there). But that's really it man - V1, V2, V3 are tonal preamp section with V3 also being a CF. So those are the 3 you get to work with, HG Chinese in V4 and V5 (loop send/return/mix) is fine with V4 being a CF as well; and phase inverter V6 to taste. The GL-ECC83 is smooth and sophisticated and offers MASSIVE soundstage; the Svets are warmer with just a smidge less graininess than the Chinese, Svets rate @ 85-115 gain ratio, Chinese @ 100), but are dead quiet and sound amazing cranked... Hence my love for them. Otherwise, NOS baby, all the way. But in a pinch, good ol' Chinese or selected High-Grade Low-Noise TAD 7025S, they'll be fine.
Maybe get used to your Herbert as is first and get to know its nuances... Then start toying with the tubes. Hey, 6 PTs and 6 new pres ain't cheap
It's a killer amp Bro, congratz!!!!!!
Unkle Mo