Svetlana 6L6GC versus Groove Tubes 6L6GE - and the verdict is?

[Mike Corrieri]

I need some advice from all you tube experts out there ;-)

Svetlana 6L6GC versus the Groove Tubes 6L6GE (the one they manufacture
using the original mfg equipment from RCA).

Which tube is "better" for a Fender amp, specifically a Vibro-King?

FYI, I tend to tone adjust my amp as follows Bass 3, Treble 3.5,
Middle 10. It improves the mids a bit. The now fried pwr tubes were in
fact Sovtek 5881 valves, with a GT stamp on them. They lasted about 6
months, can't complain about that. Would like some more midrange
though.

Thanks in advance for the help!

If there is something else I should do with it, short of jamming it up
my ..., please advise ;-)

Mickey C.

[Thorny]

The GT Tubes were made from GE tooling, not RCA (thus the name 6L6GE).
I have not tried them yet so I cannot comment on their tone other than
others said they were pretty good but pricey tubes. Of the power
tubes, I don't recall any particular power tube that I would
characterize as having a lot of mids.

My suggestion is to try the Shuguang 6L6GCs from Lord Valve - they
seem to be rugged, sound great, and produce full power. They are dirt
cheap too. I also like the 7581As from philips, but they are pricey
like the GT/GE. I don't think they will solve your tone problem.

As far as why you have to crank the mids like that I am at a loss. I
would investigate your preamp tubes also. Try the 12AX7EHs because
they have a pronounced upper mid range spike in their tone. Also, the
JJ ECC83 also has a more even high end and bass response. Be sure and
have your amp biased properly after you change the power tubes - it
will make a world of difference and your amp and tone will thank you
for it.

An EQ pedal and/or a tube screamer will give you more mids. You
should have plenty with the amp working correctly and those 3-10s.
Guitar pickups can greatly enhance your mids also (that is about all
some of the higher output ones put out).

Thorny

Post by Mike Corrieri
I need some advice from all you tube experts out there ;-)
Svetlana 6L6GC versus the Groove Tubes 6L6GE (the one they manufacture
using the original mfg equipment from RCA).
Which tube is "better" for a Fender amp, specifically a Vibro-King?
FYI, I tend to tone adjust my amp as follows Bass 3, Treble 3.5,
Middle 10. It improves the mids a bit. The now fried pwr tubes were in
fact Sovtek 5881 valves, with a GT stamp on them. They lasted about 6
months, can't complain about that. Would like some more midrange
though.
Thanks in advance for the help!
If there is something else I should do with it, short of jamming it up
my ..., please advise ;-)
Mickey C.

[Mike F.]

Post by Thorny
The GT Tubes were made from GE tooling, not RCA (thus the name 6L6GE).
I have not tried them yet so I cannot comment on their tone other than
others said they were pretty good but pricey tubes. Of the power
tubes, I don't recall any particular power tube that I would
characterize as having a lot of mids.
My suggestion is to try the Shuguang 6L6GCs from Lord Valve - they
seem to be rugged, sound great, and produce full power. They are dirt
cheap too. I also like the 7581As from philips, but they are pricey
like the GT/GE. I don't think they will solve your tone problem.
As far as why you have to crank the mids like that I am at a loss. I
would investigate your preamp tubes also. Try the 12AX7EHs because
they have a pronounced upper mid range spike in their tone. Also, the
JJ ECC83 also has a more even high end and bass response. Be sure and
have your amp biased properly after you change the power tubes - it
will make a world of difference and your amp and tone will thank you
for it.
An EQ pedal and/or a tube screamer will give you more mids. You
should have plenty with the amp working correctly and those 3-10s.
Guitar pickups can greatly enhance your mids also (that is about all
some of the higher output ones put out).
Thorny

Yeah, I was wondering what type of guitar/pickups as well. Adjusting
(usually lowering) the pickup height can have a big impact on tone.

Mike F.

Post by Thorny

Post by Mike Corrieri
I need some advice from all you tube experts out there ;-)
Svetlana 6L6GC versus the Groove Tubes 6L6GE (the one they manufacture
using the original mfg equipment from RCA).
Which tube is "better" for a Fender amp, specifically a Vibro-King?
FYI, I tend to tone adjust my amp as follows Bass 3, Treble 3.5,
Middle 10. It improves the mids a bit. The now fried pwr tubes were in
fact Sovtek 5881 valves, with a GT stamp on them. They lasted about 6
months, can't complain about that. Would like some more midrange
though.
Thanks in advance for the help!
If there is something else I should do with it, short of jamming it up
my ..., please advise ;-)
Mickey C.