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
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of a replacement main board for the iconic Marshall JCM2000 amp series, including the DSL50, DSL100, TSL100, and TSL122. Sign up here to stay posted as they become available, and read on for more details about this rocking amp upgrade. Why You Need This Upgrade Great tone never dies, but unfortunately amp components do. As beloved as they are, Marshall’s iconic JCM2000 amps are showing their age, and
Some folks find they can hear the valves rattling in their 6V6S-loaded amps. Usually with specific notes. I see reports of Fender Re-Issue Princetons and Deluxe Reverbs having rattling 6V6 valves. This rattling sound does not come through the speaker but is actually the mechanical parts inside the tube which you can hear. The tube internals resonate when you play specific frequencies. As it is acoustic rattling, this effect is usually only audible in quieter
Introduction If you have recently bought a new valve amp and you have never had a valve amp before, then this short blog will give you a quick understanding of the valves in your new ( or, new to you) amp. I receive a lot of messages and emails on folks who are new to valve amps. I thought I collate the common things in this one blog. I have tried to keep all the
Unleashing the Sonic Power: Exploring the Art of Valve Rolling for Guitar Amps Introduction: Valve guitar amplifiers have long captivated musicians with their distinctive warm tones, rich harmonics, and organic response. Central to their magic are the valves, also known as vacuum tubes, which play a crucial role in shaping the amp’s sound. If you’re an owner of a valve guitar amp, you may already be aware of the potential for tonal exploration through valve
A few weeks ago, I had a chat about the valve market with Cliff Brown of 633 Engineering. Some really cool amps from this leading UK bespoke amp manufacturer. 633’s amps are the culmination of Cliff’s rich experience, having designed mixing desks and valve amps for household-name manufacturers. We chatted about the valve market under the banner “The truth About Valves” and Cliff recorded the discussion. Lots of inside knowledge about valves (vacuum tubes for
