Full Amp Re-Tubes

May 7, 2005

Hi Doug,

Alex from Italy here.

First of all it is my privilege to work with a really amazing pro tech like you, sounds like you've got my amps there. Also you know so good my needs, this is a symptom of a great experience. I told you my problems on the amp and....tada' it is solved! I put your setup in my marshall 100w plexi Arredondo mod and now the amp screams and sounds like it's modded again, clear with a really good intelligibility. In V1 your JJ 803 plays clear, pump and fat, round tone. In V2 your jj hg ecc83...uhu uhu, hey guys, buy it! Killer tube. Also your Shuguang in V3 and V4 play really good very good balance. I repeat it again, sounds like you were here to check my amp. Your preamp stage play very very musical and hot. Power amp stage is the greatest work I ever heard. Your Ruby EL34 bstr are amazing. They play larger than life. I think you are one of the best retubed guru in the world. Super professional, kind person, and great ears and experience at really low low prices. Also the package was perfect and the tubes arrived to me in perfect conditions. The shipping cost was very low. You gave me other choices when i needed so thank you so much. Amazing work.

Thank you again I discover my best retubed amp tech, and it is my honour to work with you. You are a very important part on my own instrumental guitar cd.

best regards

Alex Touch

Guitarist-producer

October 5, 2005
Doug,
I have to say you are a tube GOD! I have been playing a variety of amps live for more than 15 years and trying to get the much searched for sound that all guitarist dream of. Anyways to make a long story somewhat shortened I recently purchased a Carvin MTS 3200 head that I play through a 4x12 cabinet. I had purchased that setup because I had heard great reviews on it, I wasn't exactly impressed with Carvins factory setup with stock 5881's, it wasn't bad but it wasn't great, the better sound was on the clean side. I then had it rebiased for EL34's and put a set of electro harmonics on the power amp side it was an improvement BUT after our consultation I took your word and ordered a set of matched Ruby's EL34BSTR's for the power amp side and a combination that goes like this... on the preamp side V1-JJecc803s, V2-Tung Sol reissue 12AX7, V3-9th Generation 12AX7c, V4 and please take my word on this everyone its night and day tone in the reverb slot a NOS Mullard CV4024, and finally in V5 a balanced EH. Doug I think my Mesa, Marshall and Fender are going to collect allot of dust, with my 3200 amp I have it all. I know for a fact it would do any guitar, regardless of brand and or pick-up configuration justice. For example I played my custom Les Paul as well as my American Strat and even played an Ibanez through this amp. They all got sweet harmonic overtones at the tale of each note on the dirty side ( with no added effects peddles) and the clean side was absolutely the thick smooth cream on the cake!! Doug once again thanks man!!!

KAnderson

Las Vegas, NV

October 23, 2006

Doug,

Well the SLO has been re-tubed and it sounds incredible. Everyone who heard it before and after said it sounds much better. They were skeptical before on me making a complete tube change in this amp. But they are not any more. So now I am now becoming the man to ask about tubes. But I give all the credit to you (well almost). So I'm sure you will be getting calls from my friends in the near future for tubes. They are learning from my lessons learned about tubes.

Thanks Again.

Best Regards

Bill

January 21, 2006

Received and installed the valves today (JJ EL84's, Tung Sol reissue 12AX7, JJ ECC803S, etc), I should have done this when I first found the amp (Crate Vintage Club 50)….the tone is unbelievable. I really want you to know that you will be the one I refer to all my friends, and continue to use please email me if you ever change your web address.

Thanks

Camm

June 28, 2006

Doug,

The Ruby EL-34BSTR’s, JJ ECC83S, and Shuguang 9th generation 12AX7C tubes arrived today. I put them in (Shuguang in V1 and the JJ in V2) and noticed a big difference in my Engl SE. It had more mids, seemed louder, the gain seemed more organic and refined with a tight bottom end. The fizziness the amp had is now gone but the amp’s original voicing and character is still there. I am definitely going to recommend this setup to anyone that has an Engl. Thanks for the great service and advice. I look forward to doing business with you again in the future.

Thanks Again,

Eric

Customer Service

August 4,

I bought the JJ's from you and had the amp biased properly and it's like I didn't own a Bassman before, I don't know what it was, but what it is now is something on the verge of being awesome. Thanks for the preamp tube recommendations. I'll probably place an order soon.

Just one comment. Some people think that doing business over the internet is cold and impersonal. I've had such great experiences with you and a couple of other companies, that I don't think I've ever been given this kind of service in person at a shop. Your business and other's like yours set the bar pretty high for any type of business. I wish you a ton of success and you will be my only source for tubes, internet or otherwise.

Thanks again,

Jerry

September 1, 2005

Hey there Doug!

I got my new tubes on Tuesday morning (ordered on Sunday) and they sound absolutely killer. Your service was very quick and you were very pleasant to talk to on the phone. In my 5150 I previously had a quad of Sovtek 5881/6L6GC, in V1 a GT12AX7C, V2 a Mesa 12AX7C, V3 an original block letter 5150 12AX7 and then in V4,5, 2 more Mesa 12AX7's. I THOUGHT that sounded good until I put in the quad of JJ's, the C9 Chinese in V1& V5 and the EH12AX7's in V2,3,4. I almost fell over. It was like I had a brand new amp that I had never played before. I am not a "pro" player and only play for my own amusement but I had no idea how GREAT my amp could sound. The distortion is much tighter and defined. The "clean" sounds are even better. I am floored by how these new tubes have made my amp sound. I am not one who will need new tubes every 6 months but you can rest assured that when I do, I will return to you for tubes and will definitely steer everyone I know who needs tubes in your direction. You, your service and your tubes are great.

Thanks and Have a nice day

Jim

Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 6:44 AM

Subject: New Tubes

Hello Doug,

I would like to thank you for your help in choosing a set of tubes for my VHT Pitbull 45. As we discussed, it was sounding muddy and just not where a great amp like that should sound. You recommended the Sovtek 12ax7b for V1 and the Penta Labs Chinese 12ax7 for the rest. The amp came to life as soon as I turned it on. The clarity is back, tonality is awesome and the gain structure is absolutely perfect.

Thanks you for taking the time walk me thru the different choices out there, and there are many as you know. I will be telling all of my friends and business associates about your company.

Again, thank you and keep up the good work.

Best Regards,

John

November 27, 2006

Doug,

I just wanted to thank you for my latest tube order. When I placed the order late Friday night I had my fingers crossed that it would arrive by Wednesday (if I was very lucky). Saturday I got the shipping notification and by Monday the order had come halfway across the country and arrived at my door. It doesn't get any better than that!!

I also wanted to give you a big thumbs up on my previous order. I'm glad I took the time to give you a call because the Svetlana 6L6GC's are exactly what I was looking for. I agree that these are very similar to the SED 6L6GC and a much better "Bang For The Buck". I installed them in a Bassman100. I got that amp dirt cheap many years ago and it usually sits in the corner and collects dust because I was never that impressed with it. Now with the Svetlana 6L6GC's installed the amp sounds fantastic!

Thanks again!

--Jeff

September 15, 2006

Hello Doug,

I got the tubes today. I put them in and the Laney amp sounds great! I couldn't put the guitar down the amp sounded so good. I practice at home on the GH50 L and I changed the preamp tubes but I would also like to change the power tubes to a el34 from the 6l6(I have that bias switch -to 6l6 to el34s and visa versa-on the back which I am sure you are well aware of) but was told that playing at lower volumes changing the power tubes wont make a difference. Is this true? And if it isn't and you would recommend changing power tubes, what would the recommendation for el34s be? And if you think something is good but out of stock I will wait and get those. Mullards comes to mind. But you are the expert so let me know. I cant thank you enough you are amazing to deal with. Thanks.

Craig

January 20, 2006

Got the tubes last night. They arrived safely in their packaging and fired up sweetly in the Boogie. That Tung-Sol is one sweet little pre-amp tube. The SEDs give me great punch and tone compared to some others manufacturers that Ive tried. Awesome stuff Doug. Thanks for the great service. Im sure well be doing business again.

-- Steven

January 10, 2006

Hi Doug,

I just wanted to thank you again for the great personalized service that you provide. I ordered a matched quad of power tubes(KT88EH), one of which happened to be a manufacturers defect. This problem didn't rear it's ugly head until I was close, if not beyond, the ninety day return policy. You quickly and accurately analyzed the full quad, and got me up and running in no time, without hassle. My amp sounds as good as I have ever heard it. Again, thank you for running such a class act.

Regards,

Daryl

Penta Labs KT88sc

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:40 AM

Subject: Small review of Penta KT88SC Tubes

Hello Doug.

Its Lou.

In short, these tubes are great!!! I have a Rogue 88 Magnum at home, and over the past 6 years I have tried most of the current production power tubes.. My favourite (up to this point) was the Ei KT90 Type III (I think it's the type III). The KT90's were always an exciting sounding tube, with excelent base and great top end extension. The problem with them was reliability. The rogue is an auto biasing amp so not so good with a tube like the KT90, you really have to ensure that the quad set of tubes are matched. I did have one set of KT90's run off on me too (luckily the speakers were not affected by this). Also the KT90's need about 200 hours before they warm up.

Now on to the Penta KT88's, I think the base is a tad fuller than the KT90's. But the top end is smoother. Not more rolled off, but smoother, more refined, more detail. It is subtle details, like a keyboard line, or air around a microphone. On several recordings I am hearing things for the first time. I also purchased a set of NOS RCA black-top 12AX7's in the driver stage, and this further improved the overal sound.

My only real complaint is that I wish I actually had more power. By that I mean, I would love to try out a Rogue Zeus (with its massive 250W of tube power). In summary, the Penta KT88 is probably the best sounding current produciton 6550-tube in existance, I have heard them all, most are boring, the KT90 is good, but this KT88 is better.

Thanks Doug.

EL84/6BQ5

January 21, 2006

Received and installed the valves today (JJ EL84's, Tung Sol reissue 12AX7, JJ ECC803S, etc), I should have done this when I first found the amp (Crate Vintage Club 50)…the tone is unbelievable. I really want you to know that you will be the one I refer to all my friends, and continue to use please email me if you ever change your web address.

Thanks

Camm

November 29, 2005

Hi, Doug.

I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the tubes you got for me. The tubes that were in my Peavey Classic 100 head were on their way out (making little crackling noises). I was also way overdue for a retubing, so I bought two matching quartets of JJ EL84 power tubes, and JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes. My amp has never sounded better!!! I wanted a lot of clean headroom and vintage tone, and these JJ's delivered in a big way!!! The amp sounds warm, fat, and juicy, with tons of character and headroom for months!!! I used the head on the gig this past Saturday night. I ran the head into two 1X12 closed back Rivera cabinets each with a Celestion 75 rated at 8 ohms (amp running at 4 ohms). I use two guitars live; one is a Suhr Classic with a DSH humbucker in the bridge and 2 V60 lp's in the middle and neck, and a PRS McCarty model with two McCarty humbuckers and a split coil switcher. Each guitar sounded amazing through the amp. I play in an R&B, classic funk cover band that requires a lot of rhythm playing. We do some rock stuff as well. On the rythym stuff, I was really able to get my tone in the Nile Rodgers Jimmy Nolan, Motown, Stax territory. Nice shimmering sweet highs. When I kicked in my Analog Man modded SD-9 distortion pedal for the rock stuff, my amp roared like a pissed off lion!! To make a long story short, my amp sounds Godlike!!

Thanks again for your help and tube knowledge. I'm sending all of my musician friends your way.

Regards

Dave

Mullard EL34

hey doug,

I just set in my new tubes and biased the amp. What a great set up you recommended! The new Mullard re-issue el34s are what tube tone is all about! Very warm, smooth, and great breakup when pushed hard! These are a great traditional sound from the Ruby el34BSTR you sent me. Im prefering the mullards in my Carvin Legacy now. These puppies SING!

The jj ecc803 you sent, is just soooo smooth. I use it in my V1 slot, and it makes my lead phrasing sound like " butter"....just smooth and creamy. Im really diggin it ( they got that certain "mojo" in em!)! The combo of these two tubes are really what a good true tube tone should be like. Once again......you have done wonders for my amp. Ill keep in touch for more.

Bryan

JJ KT77

April 7, 2006

subject: JJ KT77's arrived!

...And they're absolutely brilliant. Without question, best sounding el34 production tube out there. 3D just as you described. There's no turning back!

Will hit you up for some more soon...Let me know if you start running dry. Want to load em in all of my EL34 amps!

Cheers,

Peter

April 9, 2006

Doug,

RE KT77's...Still loving them. Played my SG Std (with Jason Lollar's HB's) and it sounds ala Clapton Cream '67. Still have them in my 73 100watt SuperLead. I sense that the tubes have such defined and pronounced low's and high's that the amp gag's for relief. Almost has sort of a KT66 quality to it, but with the EL34 chime. Too cool.

Cheers man,

Peter

JJ E34L

January 20, 2006

Hi Doug.

The tubes are excellent! The JJ E34L is everything and more than I expected. It's perfect tonally, with a lower end and higher headroom. The JAN GE 5751 is balanced and appreciated. The biggest surprise however, was the JJ Ecc803. WOW! I love that tube!! It's in the V1 and although I was seeking a lower gain/more headroom response to my amplifier, that 803 you recommended turned out the be the "wonder tube" for me. It matches perfectly with the EL34L and give such a good tone, the headroom I was seeking is secondary to it's distinct sonic character.

Thanks Doug for taking those few moments to talk to me. Even though it was not a high dollar sale for you, I got the distinct impression that you thoroughly love tubes and talking tone.

I'll talk to you again when I need some tubes for my other amps! They will definitely be JJ's from you.

Sergio

SED EL34

December15, 2005

Doug, I recently put in the SED EL-34's I got from you in my Lee Jackson XLS 100 head........WOW!!!!! These made this amp sound absolutely huge, they made a good amp into a great amp. The SED's have that great EL34 growl in them. They have a great bottom, a snarling midrange and smooth highs, everything you could want. I will be buying more of these in the future, great tubes and great service, thanks Doug........Paul

Ruby EL34

March 24, 2005

( Peavey XXX -- Ruby EL34BSTR's, JJ ECC803S, JAN GE 5751, 2 Shuguang C9)

Just wanted to let you know I received the tubes yesterday and am very pleased. The 2 dirty channel's have more punch and better note definition, and the clean channel is really fat, but it's more like an overdriven clean, in other words, not very clean at all. That's ok though, because I like it like that for live use. Plus, if I want a good clean I've got a Classic 50 for all that, and who buy's a Triple X for the clean anyway. Back to the dirty channels... The crunch channel has a modded Marshall feel to it that is just ripping. You nailed my description right on the head with this one. The ultra channel is more modern sounding with the gain a little looser that the crunch channel. I guess I would consider this channel in the Boogieesque area. It pulls off a good "scooped" tone, but still cuts through really well. Overall I will have to say I am very pleased! Keep up the great work!

6L6/5881/KT66

Tung-Sol 5881

January 9, 2006

I have never used the NOS Tung-Sol 5881's so I had no idea what to expect when I popped these reissues into my Barber Echelon (430 on the plates with a 5u4 and biased around 40ma). WOW! 6V6's and 6L6's are ruined for me now that I've tried these, I'm not kidding. I don't think I've ever heard a better clean sound, they are nicely balanced and BIG even at low volumes. The power tube dirt comes quickly and it compresses with a highend rolloff that is very cranked Tweed, but still HUGE and at a reasonable volume! I could care less what name is on the label or where they were made, these are amazing tubes. Save me a pair, I put those 6V6's in the mail this morning.

Thanks again,

-- Marc Boyer

TAD 6L6WGC

November 11th, 2007

Thanks for sending these priority. Received them yesterday, worked great. I really like the TAD 6L6WGC-STR in the 1966 Vibrolux Reverb, right up there with some of my best NOS tubes -- it is good see the quality of the current production continuing to improve. The Tung Sol 12AX7 in the first preamp stages were fine as well. I appreciate your excellent recommendations.