This is info for folks in the Scarborough UK area.  We are now focusing on our website business and so we have run out of time to fix amps ! We do carry extensive stocks of quality valves, electrolytic capacitors and valve bases  and always happy to give advice. There are some good amp repair folks who are not too far away. We recommend Paul at Cuenet Services in Sunderland.  If you are an […]
If your amp’s been humming a little lullaby of noise, or you’re just after that ultra-clean tone, it might be time to upgrade your V1 preamp tube. Whether you’re rocking a Strat through a vintage combo or spinning vinyl on a high-end stereo rig, swapping out your V1 valve can seriously dial down the noise floor and tighten up your sound. Here are three top-tier 12AX7/ECC83-compatible tubes that are making noise by… well, not making
Quiet the Noise: Killer V1 Tube Upgrades for Your Amp Read More »
Valve Market Update – July 2025 A Straight-Talking Look at the UK & Global Tube Supply Situation UK Market: Harsh Headwinds for Music Since April 2025, the UK’s economic climate has been tough on the live music scene. The sharp rise in National Insurance and business rates (the dreaded property taxes) has hit hospitality and small venues hard. Many pubs and clubs that used to support local and semi-pro bands have had to scale back
Fender Blues Jr Bias Kit Fender Blues Junior amps have one major design weakness. They use non adjustable grid bias in the power stage, and it’s usually set far too high. We have  seen as high as 130% idle bias on units straight out of the factory. It’s no wonder so many of them can ruin the pcb.  The issue is made worse because Fender set the mains voltage on these ampds to 230
Are your output valves matched for your amp? Just because a set of valves says “matched” doesn’t mean it’s matched for your amp. Most valve suppliers put a sticker on the valve showing the anode current and the Gm. But what were the test conditions? So you might think they must be matched. Not necessarily the case. In the UK, a number of suppliers use and maintain venerable testers such as the AVO Mk4 that
Test To The Limits, Hear Beyond Expectations Background Our goal at Valve Tube Guitar Amps has always been to deliver the absolute highest quality valves. Of course, valve manufacturers do their own quality assurance, but their focus is on valve production and meeting market demands. A lot can go wrong during the manufacturing process. And nothing spoils a gig or jam session faster than a failed valve. Valves are old technology and they can develop