• From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Topic: Groove Tubes

Hello All-

I play through a Fender Hotrod DeVille. It has the stock tubes, and i have had it for a couple years now. How often should tubes be changed, and if it is that time, what kind of tubes should i look into getting?


Thanks alot,
Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 20

Re: Groove Tubes

This answer may frustrate you but the truth is "it depends" on the sound you're after.  I'm not familiar with the configuration of your amp but I can tell you that different tube brands will give you a different nuance to your tone.  I've tried JJ, Mesa, Tung Sol, Groove Tube, EH and probably a couple I can't remember.  I wouldn't say one is better than another in terms of tone - that's up to you to decide.  But I can tell you to be careful in regard to where you buy them.  Beware of eBay, etc. - everyone's using the term "NOS" (New Old Stock) these days and you're never sure exactly what you'll be getting.  The Tube Store has a good reputation.  Bob at Eurotubes knows quite a bit about tubes but he only sells JJs.  Some people swear by Groove Tubes but they are not an actual brand - they're claim to fame is that they pre-select and sort tubes so you're assured of good quality product.

Life was just a fist of change... tossed in the water just in case.
  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Groove Tubes

Thank you for the reply... now with all that being said, I am looking for a warm, rich, fat tone... can you help me from there?


Thanks,
Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • gsj
  • gsj
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: North Essex, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-21
  • Posts: 2,149

Re: Groove Tubes

Logo, I think that tubes are a bit like lightbulbs. Some last for years and some last for far less. It also depends on how much you gig and how you run your amp. Screamin is right....steer clear of E-Bay. My rule of thumb is that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.....but if you need more clean headroom or maybe earlier breakup then check out some tube websites for specs. You want a warm fat rich tone.....don't we all smile

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