Life- and Tubes- Is Cruel

[stevieb]

So, I am loving this little Ampeg J12T I recently got. Simplest amp I have had in a while- one channel, no foot-switch nonsense or effects-loop craziness. Got all the effects I really ever want- tremolo and reverb- right on-board, no foot-pedal tap-dance tom-foolery. Only fly in the ointment (Q: What do you put on your pig when he's sick? A: Oinkment.) is that it's a bit loud with the guys I play music with most often- can't turn it pats 4 or 5, and the volume is TOUCHY- not enough not enough almost there almost there TOO MUCH!

So, I substituted a 12AU7 for the pre-amp 12AX7, and it was transformed! In my little music room, a 3 was too loud, but now 5 is not as loud as the 3 was. Power tubes are working a bit harder, giving me that sweet, brown power-tube distortion that I love so much. I was smilin'! Then, I thought, "Oh, man, some tremolo on this would be the icing on the cake!" So, I turn the tremolo strength up to about 5, speed to 5... and nothing. No tremolo that I can hear. Strength to 6,7, 8, 10- NOTHIN'! Then I remember- 12A-7 tubes are two-sided, and this amp uses one side of V1 for pre-amp, the other side for... tremolo! Seems the 12AU7 is just too "gentle" to excite the tremolo circuitry on this amp. Darn!

No chance anyone makes a half 12AU7/ half 12AX7 tube, is there?

Oh, one more:
Q: What do you put on your pig to change his color?
A: Pigment!

 

[c7sus]

It helps if you're smarter than an electron.

 

[Capriccio]

No chance anyone makes a half 12AU7/ half 12AX7 tube, is there?

A few options (of the many open to you):

1) Use the volume knob on your guitar to bring the volume down when usinh 12AX7 tubes.

2) Talk with a reputable tube dealer and they will know, brabnd by brand and batch by batch, which 12AX7 tubes run hotter or cooler.

3) Try 5751 tubes.

4) A power soak will allow you reduce the final volume, after you have the tube compression, distortion and tremolo that you like.

5) Use ear defenders.

 

[mjbphotos]

Or a volume pedal if your guitar doesn't sound as good when its volume is turned down ...

 

[Milnoque]

+1 on the attenuator (power soak). I use a Weber Mini-Mass.

A 12DW7 would be exactly what you're looking for. it's a 12AU7 on one side and a 12AX7 on the other. If you're lucky (a 50/50 probability) it'll drop in and you're in business. otherwise you may have to do a minor mod to switch the signals through the socket. Either way you can try it without any risk to the amp.

 

[stevieb]

Thanks for all the constructive suggestions.

I own an attenuator, and like the thing lots, but part of the beauty and appeal of the Ampeg it how much simpler my rig is, nowadays. I have several L-pads, and have thought of installing one to the back of the Jet- it would be a set and forget sort of thing.

Capriccio, several 12AX7's I tried had, at best, moderate results, it is obvious to me that X's won't get me where I want to go. I can understand you might think they might work, as you were not there, but trust me, they are all too hot.

Mjbphotos, I prefer to start with the amp where I need it to be, and use volume controls from that point. And there is still that "simple rig" thing.

But, that12DW7- yeah, that's it, that's the ticket... Thanks, Milonque. For a curmudgeon, you're not so bad. I googled the tube, and it turns out there is a reverse of it, too, so I need only determine which side is the pre-amp side of the socket, and order the right tube. Oh, and pay for it, too- JJ's are only one dollar more than 12AX7's, Thanks, again!

 

[Milnoque]

In the old Jets the input went to pin 2. I don't know about the re-issue.