Matt B wrote:Thanks a ton for your help guys. Budda, I kow exactly what you're talking about. I can sort of do that will my Fulldrive, but I have to roll the pot down to around 1/4 haha.
As far as tubes, what do you think would be best for overdrive at low volumes? Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the output tubes make more of a difference that preamp tubes? What charachteristics do each of the type of tubes have?
EDIT- Also, do you think the guys at Guitar Center would mind if I brought in my guitar to try the amps out with?
The output tubes do play a critical role in the tone IF you are able to make them sweat a little bit. You probably won't hear the differences between a 6L6, 6V6, EL34, EL84, KT66 etc at whisper volumes. Here's my take on how each sound:
6L6 -Glassy, round, bright with a lot of bottom end authority (metal heads love them in their Mesas). The 6L6 articulates nicely.
6V6 -Similar to the 6L6 with less headroom, less volume, sweeter top end with perhaps a more maintained bottom end. Midrange is warmer than the 6L6. The 6V6 has more a compressed quality than many tubes.
EL34 -A midrangey tube with a good amount of bottom, moderate headroom (less than 6L6), and a snappy bite and attack. The top end is kind of bright but not as harsh as the 6L6. Has the more aggressive British sound. Great articulation.
EL84 -Chimey, less headroom than a EL34, and a great upper midrange. Less bottom end than a EL34 but is more pronounced in the higher frequencies. The OTHER British sound.
KT66 -Warm, fuzzy, midrangey with a much looser bottom end than the EL34 and less headroom as well. The KT66 is not as aggressive as the EL34 either. Very smooth singing quality with a brown, wooly edge to the sound.
My low volume favorites are definately the 6V6 and the EL84. Good luck, hope this clears things up!
'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.