• From: Pittsburgh PA
  • Registered: 2008-12-24
  • Posts: 76

Topic: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

I just saw on another forum a handful of people saying the quality of JJ tubes has gone down recently.  Which is concerning because I was JUST about to order 2 sets for each of my amps.  So I'm wondering if Joe is still using these in his live rigs or if he's moved on to something better.

guitarman19853's Website

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

I can vouch for the unreliability and I am/was one of the strong JJ supporters.  My Marshall has melted 2 sets of 'em within the last year, could be the amp but who knows.  I love the sound of them, but I am definately considering a swap to perhaps some of the Mullard Reissues or even Groove Tubes.

'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.
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-23
  • Posts: 553

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

I cannot say something about the current quality but I have JJs in all of my
my amps (except the poweramp tubes of my Hayseed) and had never any issues with them.
But I'll observe them open in the near future after I replaced them.

Alex

...it's a musical journey
www.u2-experience.de

Stratovari's Website

  • From: Pittsburgh PA
  • Registered: 2008-12-24
  • Posts: 76

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

That's disappointing.  Would ordering them from Eurotubes be any better?  That guy seems to take more care in selecting and testing(?) tubes before he sends them out.

guitarman19853's Website

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

guitarman19853 wrote:

That's disappointing.  Would ordering them from Eurotubes be any better?  That guy seems to take more care in selecting and testing(?) tubes before he sends them out.

Unfortunately that's exactly how I get mine....again it could be my Marshall which has been a PITA since I aquired it.  We'll have to see how well my other amps hold 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.
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

I can vouch for the unreliability and I am/was one of the strong JJ supporters.  My Marshall has melted 2 sets of 'em within the last year, could be the amp but who knows.  I love the sound of them, but I am definately considering a swap to perhaps some of the Mullard Reissues or even Groove Tubes.

are you biasing the amp, or having a professional do it?

I just got JJ's and used to have Svetlana powertubes and groove preamp tubes. I consider the sound a big improvement. Higher gain and more headroom and bass.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Is Joe still using JJ tubes in his live rigs?

Love the JJ's, hands down.  Some people hate them and some love them.  It's like anything though.  I beat on mine pretty good and I bias them hot and knock on wood haven't had problems.

Rock out yo,
Ben