The JJ ECC83S with gold pins is a variant of the standard JJ ECC83S also known as the 12AX7. I wanted to check out if there was any difference to the specification and more importantly the sound of the amp with this valve in my Fender Deluxe Reverb ( 1971).
Specification Thoughts
We just received these parts into stock so I tested 50 of them. I have tested hundreds of the standard JJ ECC83S so I am used to seeing the spread of specification of the standard part. The first obvious difference was that the gain of the JJ ECC83S with gold pins was consistent and higher on these valves than the standard ECC83S. While doing this exercise I selected out the ones with best match and balance using my Avo Mk2 tester.This suggested to me that the valve should really make the amp sound warmer and richer. It’s tough to improve on this old amp’s warmth and when cranked up.
Sound Test
This suggested to me that the valve should really make the amp sound warmer and richer. It’s tough to improve on this old amp’s warmth and when cranked up. I used my 1993 Fender Telecaster and also my Fender Select series 2013 Telecaster. The amp valves are all recently fitted JJ. Then listened to the amp set at volume 3 and 4.
I put the JJ ECC83S with gold pins in the Vibrato channel position right at the front end of the amp. This is the valve that receives the inputs from the guitar. In Fender Deluxes and Twin Reverbs both halves of the valve are used in one channel so I upgraded the “normal ” channel valve too. This is the most critical stage of the amp for sound shaping. I repeated the above test. Changinf no settings. I have to say I was surprised at the rich warm sound. It was more detailed . The mids sunded much better and no loss of the Telecaster “jangle” on the back up.
My intention was just to plug in and test them, but I decided to leave the standard ones out and keep my noce gold ones in. A great little 1971 Deluxe really is alvice again. The amp is close to collecting its pension but it still acts and sounds like it is just out of the factory. I definitely like what these valves have done to the amp.
A Fender Blues Junior would only need one of these gold pin valves. Hybrid amps like the Marshall JCM 2000 would benefit less due to the front end having solid state electronics rather than valves.
We have these in stock now ( but 2 less I as I grabbed a couple for my amp!)
