A really neat added value benefit of using Tung Sol valves in your amp is their low microphonics. During testing at the factory Tung Sol Valves are tested on a vibrating table to ensure they are not microphonic. Of course this extra testing adds a little bit to the cost.
I first witnessed this benefit in my own original silverface Fender amp. Ever since it was new way back in 1970 the amp was always slightly microphonic. If I turned the volume up to 10 and tapped the case I could hear my tapping come through the speaker. Of course this got worse as the amp aged.
Just recently the amp became so microphonic, that it started feeding back on itself. V1 had gone totally microphonic and it had degraded really suddenly. So I replaced it and V2 ( for the normal channel) with Tung Sol 12AX7’s.
The amp was now totally non microphonic – a result ! This is the first time in 46 years that this amp has been so silent !
I have seen rubber rings to fit around valves etc and I wonder why use a microphonic valve and then go to such lengths to shut up a microphonic valve? Why not just use a low microphonics valve ?
The tone is nice and rich too. Why don’t you try the microphonics test? Unplug your instrument and turn the volume to maximum on each channel in turn. Tap the case with your finger and if you can hear your tapping through the speaker , then welcome to the world of microphonic ECc83/ 12AX7’s ! It’s time to fit Tung Sol 12AX7’s
We now stock the Tung Sol 12AX7 and click right here to see the product and order.
Tung Sol Valves – a Neat Feature
