Great customer experience with Valve Queen...

[guitarded_1]

Rarely do I post on a forum about a great customer experience, because quite frankly, every business should strive to ensure that their customers are satisfied. Every once in a while, someone goes the extra mile and gets my attention. I have a Friedman Smallbox and I wanted to replace the stock JJ's with a set of Ruby EL34 BSTR. I tried putting in a set of BSTRs that I have in another amp, and I couldn't get them to bias below 44mA (way too hot). I tried a couple of other sets of EL34s I have - and the same thing - can't get them to bias down to safe levels (32mA) in this amp. All of the tubes I tried bias just fine in the 3 other amps I own.

It became clear that the Friedman came stock with an unusually "cool" running set of JJs, and the bias resistor in the amp didn't have enough range to accommodate a typical set of EL34s. While most other tube retailers told me that I needed to get a new bias resistor installed, Valve Queen took the time to search her stock and find an unusually "cool" running set of BSTRs that would bias to a proper 32mA in my amp. Most other dealers didn't even want to mess with it.

Mad props to Laura at Valve Queen for listening and taking the time to solve the problem. I highly recommend Valve Queen.

 

[aizenx]

Yep, Laura's awesome. Buy with confidence!

 

[jc986]

Agreed. I won't buy tubes anywhere else.

 

[fretout]

I've always heard great things about Laura. I was looking to see what tubes were available and wandered into her site for a while. I remember her name back during the HCAF days and everyone always raved about her. Good to see she's still around!

 

[psychodave]

Based on what you wrote it seems like this is an issue with the amp builder not supplying an amp with a proper bias range. It seems like you should take the amp to a tech to get it set with a proper bias range. If not, next time you want or need new tubes, you will be forced to hunt out tubes with specific bias ranges.

 

[guitarded_1]

Based on what you wrote it seems like this is an issue with the amp builder not supplying an amp with a proper bias range. It seems like you should take the amp to a tech to get it set with a proper bias range. If not, next time you want or need new tubes, you will be forced to hunt out tubes with specific bias ranges.

You are correct. I am aware of this. I may eventually have a new bias resistor installed, but right now, I can't afford to part with the amp for 2 weeks. I now have new tubes that will last a while, and the amp sounds great.

 

[stompboxfreak72]

Laura just sent me a Black Arts Pharaoh Toneworks Fuzz pedal to try. I asked if she knew anything about them and she had it shipped to me for me to try the same day. Who does something like that ? Valve Queen is the best. Her tube recommendations are great and her products never fail ir disappoint me.

Thanks Laura !

 

[Buckeyedog]

Totally agree, she is great and her matching is great. Always had great luck ordering from her.

 

[splawner]

 

[blackba]

Nice to see Valve Queen expand here selection of tubes, brands she carries has improved alot.

 

[rottingcorpse]

I just ask her what she thinks I need, and pay what she says.

Wait...pretty sure I've done that with every woman I've known my whole life.

Her customer service for me is worth many times what I have paid her. I've wound up sending every local bro who asks me about tubes her way.

Ask for the "drunken Laura picture" discount.

 

[sleewell2]

Laura is the best. top notch customer service and knowledge, I would never consider getting tubes from anyone else.

 

[Laura]

I just ask her what she thinks I need, and pay what she says.

Wait...pretty sure I've done that with every woman I've known my whole life.

Her customer service for me is worth many times what I have paid her. I've wound up sending every local bro who asks me about tubes her way.

Ask for the "drunken Laura picture" discount.

I will regret that for years to come!

Thank you all for the kind words! Appreciate seeing this thread this morning!

 

[metalmaniac93]

One of the best IMO. I will only buy tubes from her!!! Her customer service is second to none!!!