Tube Change Time - Guidance Needed

[IndyWS6]

I need some guidance on tubes. I'm a tube n00b

I have several tube amps, but I don't roll tubes like some of you. Consequently, I don't know the details about what can/can't be substituted. Long story short, I need to re-tube my Switchblade 100. Currently, it has the stock (brand unknown) EL34's. Obviously I can get a replacement set of EL34's, but what other tubes would work in the amp and what tone/gain changes could be expected from any of the possible options?

Thanks in advance...

 

[jski59]

I can't help you with specific tubes, but I would recommend buying them from Valve Queen.

The last set of Ruby EL 34s (I think it was Ruby's) I bought from her did sound better than when I had bought the same tube through Amazon, Musicians Friend, etc...not sure if she matches them better or what, but I'll definitely purchase my next set through her.

 

[Deanmachine]

Blackburn Mullard for V1 and Winged-C for the power section turn up and enjoy.

 

[mrTapp]

......make sure you set the BIAS for the power tubes...or buy tubes with right spec.!!

 

[IndyWS6]

......make sure you set the BIAS for the power tubes...or buy tubes with right spec.!!

Thanks. Understood

I'm looking to see what alternatives there are (tubes that will interchange with EL34's) and what difference they might make...

 

[maddnotez]

......make sure you set the BIAS for the power tubes...or buy tubes with right spec.!!

Thanks. Understood

I'm looking to see what alternatives there are (tubes that will interchange with EL34's) and what difference they might make...

KT77 or 6CA7


Dont try throwign anything else in there unless you want to fry something. Some amps can take multiple tube types and others cannot.

Your manual did not say that it can so I would proceed with caution. I am not a tech but am pretty sure you can't just drop in a 6l6 into an EL34 amp. Some can take KT88 depending on the tube and the amp.

 

[IndyWS6]

What's the difference between "EL34" and "EL34BSTR" - is it just a branding thing?

 

[maddnotez]

What's the difference between "EL34" and "EL34BSTR" - is it just a branding thing?

Extended low end and a smoother midrange than regular EL34.

AFAIK, all EL34 are EL34 weather it is EL34B, EL34BSTR, EL34XYZ should not matter. Just like you said either branding purposes or tonal differences within the same tube family.

JJ also has an E34L which is another EL34...Just dont mix tube types like KT88 or 6l6 type of thing.

 

[John4021]

Blackburn Mullard for V1 and Winged-C for the power section turn up and enjoy.

Wheres your best place to get Wing C' s....and the Mullard too.

 

[Deanmachine]

Scored a quad wingedC on EBay for 100.00 which was a great deal ..the Mullard cost me half of that but it as n.o.s..

 

[Chester Nimitz]

SED Winged =C= went out of bidness like 4 years ago.

Lots of factory rejects floating around.

 

[rottingcorpse]

Contact the valve queen. Ask Laura's opinion,and take her advice. Don't cheap out.

There is good reasons why so many here are fans of hers. Trust me,she won't let you down.

 

[Hardvalve]

Valve Queen is excellent as others have said. Best to buy from a good respected dealer that properly matches, and tests all their tubes. She does. She is honest, and a hell,of a guitar player with good ears.

 

[errrrrl]

Contact the valve queen. Ask Laura's opinion,and take her advice. Don't cheap out.

There is good reasons why so many here are fans of hers. Trust me,she won't let you down.

This 100%

I told her what I got and the sounds/tones I'm aiming for and she told me what she thought would work best to get there, awesome service!

 

[Deanmachine]

Mine were purchased from the tube store originally and sent back to have them retested

 

[Speeddemon]

JJ KT77's are a drop-in for EL34's, and have a tad bigger, but stiffer low-end and some more high-end as well.

Given how smooth an Engl Invader 100 overall is, I went with KT77's after having Tung-Sol EL34's in it. This improved it.
I still need to swap out my V1 tube though (a Tung-Sol...want something with a bit more crunch).

As others said, 6L6 won't work in 99% of the times (some amps allow it, but it's usually called out).