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 […]
6V6 and 6L6 output valves Valves are ancient technology. Over 100 years old. Many folks expect the reliability of modern electronics like an Iphone. However, the reliability and the lifespan of old technology is much less than modern electronics. We al love the sound of valves and this this the trade off. Two really common audio output valves are the 6L6 and the 6V6. Very commonly used in American amps. They came on to the
Find the valves you need quick and easy We have added new categories to make it easier finding valves/ tubes . If you go to the ” Categories “ menu at the top of the page you find instant links to common types. The idea being to find stuff faster. If you are looking for more unusual pre-amps such as the 12DW7 or ECC99 they are still there just look in the “preamp valves” section
A brand New feature for amp techs and amp makers We have a brand new ” Website Trade Area” for amp techs, service folks and amp manufacturers. Click on the Logo/Register button on the top left of our homepage. Then complete the simple form. We might ask some questions. When the account is apporved, you will receive an email asking you to change the password. A username will be allocated. Make sure you have
Have you ever wondered why amplifier valves wear out or why they dont last as long as solid state stuff? Why do the big amp manufacturers give you three years warranty on the amp and 90 days on the guitar amp valves? Valves are very old technology. The popular 6L6 output valve came to market in 1937 and our little friend the 12AX7 ( ECC83) was first introduced by RCA way back in 1947. The
There is a lot of confusion in the market on Svetlana and Winged C Valves. A number of UK suppliers claiming they are selling current production Winged C valves which are made in the St Petersburg factory in Russia. By the way, the “C” is the Russian letter for “S” so it is the logo for the brand using the company name first letter. Here is a cut and paste from a well known valve reseller
Another Fender Hot Rod Deluxe arrived . This was one of the early ones in really nice physical condition dating from around 1998. It was made in the USA. Alas, I only ever see sick ones. This one had about 0.2 watts out on full volume and totally distorted. The valves had not been changed in years and the output valves were original Sovtek 5881’s rebranded as Groove tubes. They were still kind of working