For anybody wondering: When somebody speaks about having Matched Tubes, it means that these tubes were tested to give about the same current when regulated at the same bias voltage. Without that, it could cause one of them to conduct more current than the other, thus making it run hotter, and end up burning out much earlier than the first one.
Thanks for not saying "Hello Boy's and Girl's". I saw the "Truth about tube's" video where you guy's remarked that you should use a black sharpie to number your amplifiers power tubes if you remove them for any reason, so that you could return them into the same socket. Good work. I know my Ampeg Classic 300 watt tube bass amp had the same trouble shooting LED lights on the rear of the amp as well. This was many years ago. They still make that amp. I'm learning to respect your work T.K. (Lou) see I have learned your first name now. I had a JCM900 years ago and your Bugera 1960 reminds me a little of that amp. I sold the full stack including two cabs loaded with Celestion Vintage 30's, because I was loosing my hearing playing so loud. I'm using 5W tube amps, 2 at a time with 3 x 12 speakers. Plenty loud but just not insanely Baseball Stadium filling loud. Still I always look at the Bugera amps and who knows one day if I forget about hearing loss issues I may purchase one and a full stack of 2 cabs with 4 x 12 speakers each. Pete
I would suggest that you pull the tube out not by the glass itself but grab the bacolite brown ring with your fingers and tease them out with that.You can do damage pulling the glass.
I was always wondered what could happen if you remove a vacuum tube while the unit is powered on and working? This may sound like a dumb question, but the answer can actually tech us alot about the importance of the tube in the system while is in use...
Thanks TTK. Bugera is such a great company and always thinking. Self biasing = less $ for maint. since you don't need to pay a tech. Its also cheaper because you don't need matching tubes which cost more. Great job.
So many considerations for the hands location, shocks, hand oils on the glass...Just. Wear. Gloves. lol I have a pair with the rubber coating that I keep clean to use for this stuff. I also wipe down the tubes one final time when I'm done.
You can also still get that tube, its a 12ax7 LPS Sovtek, or Groove Tube Russian 3, it never went anywhere, other that it has a high failure rating with current production.
about the mesa biasing. mesa amps are fixed biased, but it is an unchangeable bias(fixed resistor in place of pot). mesa tubes are all done to mesa spec and all have the same bias setting. they do this so you have to buy mesa tubes, and so some people dont screw up the biasing when buying different brand tubes. this mostly sucks for people looking for affordable options, or like tweeking sounds.
Yep that's why said look for NOS they were very consistent. Thx for letting the cat out of the bag for those who think GT & Mesa, Fender, EHX...rebrand tubes. The EPA does not allow tubes to made in the US cause Mercury is used in the process of manf. Vacuum tubes. Euro Tubes is THE place to get JJ Tesla , Bob test them all you can even get a matched 12AX7 single for the Phase inverter Tube used in a push pull amp. They work great for duel Tube Compressors Mic Pre Amp's. JJ Tesla's #2 Sovtek#1
I have a Fender Quad amp that I shipped and in the process the 4 tubes were removed and packaged safely but they were not marked so I have 4 (presumably working) tubes. with Tubes that are at least from the early 90's.. so what's the biasing? I have successfully put all 4 tubes back in.. but this thing hasn't been turned on in many years but it has been in a dry safe place.. is it safe to turn on? or do i have to do this biasing to protect it? or maybe not needed.. but given its era.. i don't know.
How much pressure is required to replace a preamp tube - I tried wiggling in the new tube while applying gentle but firm pressure but it just doesn’t seem to go in - do I need to press in really hard ? Just doesn’t feel right cuz all the videos I see of people replacing tubes - it seems to be very little effort -
Mesa use's Sovtek tubes. The 12ax7spl is The best Pre Amp tube ever made. Mesa did use those but it was PV that worked with Sovetek to design the Spiral filament e.g. SPL @ the end of the 12AX7 SPL, low noise highest gain. The 6L6 WXT+ is THE Best 6L6 also by Sovtek The NOS from mid 90's is what to look for.
What about the 1990 Non Infinium? That amps comes with cheapo 5881. But I am measuring 475 volts on the plates, well above the 5881 specs. So does that amp really need 6L6GCs?
so the original 1990 does need to be biased? I was watching another video where a guy had a 1990 but it had this bias switch in the back and he hooked to the amp and had to manually set the level. I am looking into one of these because I can't afford a JCM 900. I hear this is the most common and unavoidable problem with these amps (power tubes). If the Infinium is easier but still sounds the same then I think you have helped me make my choice. Thanks TTK and God bless.
I'm just saying they have a Mesa brand on them. Probably are made overseas but they are tested rigidly at the Mesa factory. If you replace your stock Mesa tubes with EL-34 Mesa's let's say there's no need to re-bias.
How would I modify a Precision Electronics S35 to a 2 channel (clean and quiet (high capability for natural and pinch harmonics) high gain metal distrortion/versatile) guitar amp with foot switch selected channels? I hate his and noise. Thanks.
Hey TK how bout a 6L6 / KT88 set up in a Push pull 100 watt amp the 6L6's in the two center & the KT88's one on either side of the 6L6's i.e. #1-KT88, #2-6L6, #3-6L6, #4-KT88 , I'd like to see you do a Video on that.
The four tubes you took out would of had to be matched. So, why did you mark them? It does not matter which order you put them back in. Also, touching these tubes with your bare hands????
I have Bugera V5, and I wonder if I upgrade the tubes to different makes, would it produce different sound based on the different tube make? Second, my reverb dial on the amp is not responding. I mean I cant really hear any reverberation. Is there anything I may try to replace here? It is already out of warranty and it has been like this since I bought it. thanks for helping out.
I bought a Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe pedal hoping to get the brown sound out of my Bugera 6262 Infinium, I am going through a carvin legacy 4x12 cab with vintage 30’s. I'm not getting the sound I'd hope for. The Bugera has 6L6’s in it. The pinnacle deluxe improved the sound of the Bugera greatly. Two questions , Does the 6262 need to be biased ? and will I be able to get the brown sound out of the 6262 with EL34's tubes ??
Hey, is it possible to put let's say two different tubes (e.g. EL84 and ECC83) in one amp? Or would the amp have problems with that? And could you do a second video with the bios stuff? Is there a button on some amps or how does that work?
Nice Video! But I owned lots of Mesa/Boogies over the last 22 years. Other than the simul class models. You should take them to a tech for a bias jobs as 90 percent of them run so cold with mesa tubes, and you can do danger to the amp using non mesa tubes if they pull to much current. Simul class models, well I like them but the power section is pretty screwy to get running perfect.
Power tubes from big 120w heads are delicate enough to break by trying to pull em? What kinda dodgy cheapies you using? Glass on those things is massive, its like calling a latte coffee mug delicate
How do i know a tube went bad? all of mine seem to be at a consistent color except one seems to be duller (not sure if thats a variable to the issue). Im getting a bunch of crackling when playing certain notes and keeps going in and out. I have a Fender Twin amp 100 watt all tube. Sounds great but not sure if all the tubes are A-OK but them seem to all be working and in good cosmetic condition
hey ttk i have a question ( maybe a silly one) im getting the bugera 6262 infinium head and i was wondering how exactly does it work=? i mean i put some tubes in and just need to switch it on and thats it? or do i need to wait or do anything else before using the amp with new tubes?
Another excellent tutorial (as usual). Quick question. I have a Bugera V55, I really love it. However, the lead channel can lose it's warmth, especially on the cathode mode. Thus, I was thinking about changing out the tubes (6L6s). Should I take it to the shop to get it biased? The tubes I wish to use come in a matched set. Also Have you had the chance to listen to compare tonal dynamics when using the yellow jacket adapter that allows you to change from 6L6s to EL34s? If so what did you think?
Tonight I put brand new JJ power tubes in my Bugera 1990. After I installed all 4 it said that tube number 3 needs replaced even though it’s a brand new tube. Does anyone know what the problem is? Thanks
Im running through a marshall Ma50h, was playing and all of a sudden there was a pop and no more sound was coming out, all the lights are still coming on fine, i've changed the power tubes and still nothing, is this a fuse problem, or the pre amp tubes? any feedback is much appreciated!!!!!!!
I'm confused, if all these people who are making negative comments already know how to replace tubes, why are you watching the video????? Get a life!!!!
hey I have a question and its an emergency. I have an early 80's Twin and the power tubes are 6L6GC's with 6 prongs. I wanna get new tubes for it but every time I look for the 6L6GC's they only have 3 prongs,they're only a few with 6 prongs but im afraid to buy them and it ends up fucking up the amp. Apparently the tubes I have are Fender Special Design Slyvania tubes. What should I do?! Pls help
a 6L6 has a Bigger tone Fender Twins...use them cause the Tone is awesome, on the Flip The 5150 Amp use's 6L6's , now EL34 is more Midrange toppy sounding it don't have the same Bottom of a 6L6 , EL34 is The Marshall tone. So it's a matter of taste now FYI 6v6 is the little brother of the 6L6, & the EL84 is the little brother of the EL34. IMO 6L6 is The one for me. 5150 is THE Amp for High Gain & IF you understand a 5150 is like a Fully Blown HEMI 6 is 10,if you see some one DIME a 5150 U don't
I've been told long ago to not touch the tubes with your fingers due to the oils and or stuff on your fingers. That can cause extra heat around the touched area. Have you ever heard of this?
bassplayersayer I have, and I don't think it affects it so bad just touching and putting it in, but I think if you like grab it like a base ball or something or really get your oils on it, I would.
OK, thanks, I usually wear rubber gloves when changing tubes, It might not make a differance like you say, If you grab them with your whole hand. Rock On.!!!!
I have a VK -100 it won't light up i.e...come on, it worked the other day, I guess that's a power issue. what tubes do I replace, and where do I get the tubes, I just bought this, no experience yet, I am an electrician, so I should be able to fix this. tutorial perhaps, I think it's a matter of replacing the power tub or tubes. when I was 17 I worked in a TV shop, we tested tubes and replaced them. that was TV this can't be too much different.
what was the point in labeling the old tubes, 1 thru 4? Do the new tubes go in a certain order? If so, how do you determine which new power tube goes where?
+stringbender11672 You're right. If the power tubes are matched, there is absolutely ZERO reason to number them or any need to put them in any particular order
Bugera really has something with this. The amp is so quiet with that tracking > no slight hum developing. Put in some old 5 year 6l6 tubes from a bogner that did not have any high power usage really. They sound perfect. The overdrive on the bugera t50 was a bit into fuzz land to me, so I replaced two of the four 12ax7 with 12at7. Now perfect.
Hey bro, nice vid!! I have a 6262 Bugera without the infinium technology (unfortunately). I've had good luck so far and havent had the need of changing my tubes but I don't know if one tube is bad I have to replace them all.
Greetings. Any suggestion on how to upgrade/update a BlackStar Serie One combo 2x12? Are there any set of tubes that can make it sound better? Thanks for your advice. Lucio
Lucio Costa yes but never put say kt88s in an amp that cant handle that power you can get a brand new set of tubes for any amp just find what tubes the blackstar uses and find which tubes work interchangeably
Hey tK!,I own the bugera 1960 and the bvv3000.i just replaced the tubes in my 1960 got the jj KT77 and i have extra el34's. one of the tubes went up in my bvv3000(that got retubed only 5 months ago)would it be a bad idea to replace it with one of my old el34's from my 1960 as a tempoary fix,thanks!
Can someone help me? I recently changed all 4 Power tubes and 4 preamp tubes. I hooked them up properly, turn it on and started playing and 15 min later, BOOM! the whole amp shot down and it didn't turn on. One tube broke/burned and i think the fuse went also. I didn't use gloves, just bare skin. Im going to change that one tube. Any suggestions what i can do or coments on what i did wrong? I own a Bugera 333XL Infinium, fixed bias. Thank you.
alright, thanks for the lesson in tubes :) didn't know that the EL34 and EL84 are brothers, always thought they are more different i only know 5150 Amps from Jorn, i saw a live concert where the guitarrist hade one, sounded actually really nice but anyway, there's still my question if you could take two different types and mix them, as far as i know it's possible with modern H&K Amps because of there TSC you can mix 6L6 and EL34 however you like it, but is that also possible with normal amps?
Great video :-) I wish all amps were made with this feature. You don't have to re-bias my Mesa as long as you replace the tube with a Mesa Brand tube. I guess they do that so you'll buy Mesa tubes. LOL
I would like to ask you something ! I've got a bugera v22 and I'm about to change the power tubes .. if I put a matched pair , do i have to bias them ? You also need to bias the tubes, if you put the same type( EL84) as factory ?
Why is it suggested? If it's exactly the same tube (just not damaged, of course), why would that affect my amp or (other) tubes. Assuming that by the time I replaced it, I biased it. I've been looking for this answer everywhere. Can you help me?
The old SPAX7's were Sovtek, in the early 2000's boogie were back to some Chinese, then about 7 years ago started relabeling JJ !2AX7's. The current power tube that offer are all Chinese, and OK for that matter. The problem is in a Class AB where you want 60 percent plate dissipation, with not lower than 50%. I have seen 90 percent of Mesa's run way under that. I know I was a dealer and authorized service center before I got out of the business in 2008. Most mesa amps sound better re biased.
No need to rebias correct in the fact they are running safe, how ever I just measured some Mesa (Chinese) 6L6's in my Mark III, they were running below 50% plate dissipation idle very cold. Sure its safe but they don't sound good, and your are losing power on top of it. I switched back to the JJ's that are a higher current pull, and am back to about 61 percent plate dissipation. You all should invest in an oscilloscope, tone generator, and dummy load. To see the difference on the stuff.
The difference between a 6L6 and EL34 (amongst other things) is plate draw and voltage. EL34's need a higher input gain. this is what bias is all about. Setting bias on a normal amp is the medium voltage between the 4 tubes. On a "Normal" amp, setting the medium between EL34 and 6L6 will mean EL's runs too hot and 6L6 too cold. I think the HK and "MAYBE" the infiniums adjust the voltage per each tube, rather than across the entire plate.
The power tubes should also not be taken from the glass capsule to remove them from its socket. It could break. They should be taken from the base of the tube. Upgrade????? You just replaced them...
you're not supposed to touch tubes with your bare hands, also it's not a good idea to write on them,… you could get the tubes to get warmer on the places you touched the glass and where you put the mark with the pen,.. cos of residue you left there with greasy fingers or pen…. just my 2 cents
If you absolutely insist on using a EL34 tube, the JJ E34L would have been a much better choice because it has a big low end that close to a 6L6 and overall much more aggressive. With regular EL34's, say goodbye to most of the low end on your amp. I hate them! And STOP saying amps are "Self Biasing". There is no such thing. If an amp is not bias adjustable like all Mesa amps, they're called FIXED bias amps, it doesn't mean it's self biasing. You can still run the risk of running tubes that are too cold or too hot depending on the grade of the tubes
Some modern amps can set bias automatically - Fender Supersonic Twin for example - than you can manually bump it a little bit above or below. This is very convenient thing - I believe it can bias every tube individually - so you can use 4 random 6L6 - no need to be measured similar (paired) There is a little automatic meter computer - that measures every tube and sets it properly.. have a manual fine tune to -- best amp ever. In class A Amps you don't set the bias - fixed and also all tubes are working the whole signal (least efficient but good sound - max 30W on 4 EL34s). But other than that its very important do do it on AB class (most amps) - every time the powertubes are replaced.
Sure but that's due to the amp's circuit, not the power tubes. With your EL34's your amp is compressing very early on as soon as you crank the amp to gig level. I'm sure it sounds great. All things being equal, an amp running EL34 tubes will produce less low end than the same amp with 6L6 tubes
Yeah but you can't bias the amp any way. There is no bias adjustment. I'm sure if you have a tube measuring device, you can use any brand of tube, as long as it matches the same rating (not sure what units they measure though)
Endezeichen Grimm Very interesting!!! So it's definitely safe to say that we can put mesa branded tubes without worrying about biasing the amp (since there is no bias adjustement)
Yeah, this is printed in the user manual. You can find the user manuals on their website. So as long as you buy the correct Mesa tubes, you can just change the tubes yourself without needing to take it to the repair shop and pay the guy to do any biasing.
Yeah except, you can call all that self-biasing, more like running everything Stone cold...really need to get plate dissipation upwards into some more appropriate levels, it's going to sound a lot better, at the expense of life/service though, just part of it..
For anybody wondering: When somebody speaks about having Matched Tubes, it means that these tubes were tested to give about the same current when regulated at the same bias voltage.
Without that, it could cause one of them to conduct more current than the other, thus making it run hotter, and end up burning out much earlier than the first one.
Thanks for not saying "Hello Boy's and Girl's".
I saw the "Truth about tube's" video where you guy's remarked that you should use a black sharpie to number your amplifiers power tubes if you remove them for any reason, so that you could return them into the same socket. Good work.
I know my Ampeg Classic 300 watt tube bass amp had the same trouble shooting LED lights on the rear of the amp as well. This was many years ago. They still make that amp.
I'm learning to respect your work T.K. (Lou) see I have learned your first name now.
I had a JCM900 years ago and your Bugera 1960 reminds me a little of that amp. I sold the full stack including two cabs loaded with Celestion Vintage 30's, because I was loosing my hearing playing so loud. I'm using 5W tube amps, 2 at a time with 3 x 12 speakers. Plenty loud but just not insanely Baseball Stadium filling loud. Still I always look at the Bugera amps and who knows one day if I forget about hearing loss issues I may purchase one and a full stack of 2 cabs with 4 x 12 speakers each.
Pete
JJ's Excellent choice. I have JJ preamp tubes in my Jet City Combo. Made it sound waaaay better.
Just ordered some, had some loud hum from the amp, realized it's a preamp tube. Your comment hit me in the feel.goods
I would suggest that you pull the tube out not by the glass itself but grab the bacolite brown ring with your fingers and tease them out with that.You can do damage pulling the glass.
I was always wondered what could happen if you remove a vacuum tube while the unit is powered on and working?
This may sound like a dumb question, but the answer can actually tech us alot about the importance of the tube in the system while is in use...
how do you know when to change your power tubes and not your preamp tubes? what's the difference?
Thanks TTK. Bugera is such a great company and always thinking. Self biasing = less $ for maint. since you don't need to pay a tech. Its also cheaper because you don't need matching tubes which cost more. Great job.
So many considerations for the hands location, shocks, hand oils on the glass...Just. Wear. Gloves. lol
I have a pair with the rubber coating that I keep clean to use for this stuff.
I also wipe down the tubes one final time when I'm done.
...What was the point of putting the old valves in order and numbering them??
You can also still get that tube, its a 12ax7 LPS Sovtek, or Groove Tube Russian 3, it never went anywhere, other that it has a high failure rating with current production.
about the mesa biasing. mesa amps are fixed biased, but it is an unchangeable bias(fixed resistor in place of pot). mesa tubes are all done to mesa spec and all have the same bias setting. they do this so you have to buy mesa tubes, and so some people dont screw up the biasing when buying different brand tubes. this mostly sucks for people looking for affordable options, or like tweeking sounds.
Can you only change the power tube with infinium technology or also the pre amp tube I have a 333xl infinium it's a beast by the way
When burning in new tubes, do you turn the stand by to “on” while the amp burns them in, or do you leave the stand by off?
Yep that's why said look for NOS they were very consistent. Thx for letting the cat out of the bag for those who think GT & Mesa, Fender, EHX...rebrand tubes. The EPA does not allow tubes to made in the US cause Mercury is used in the process of manf. Vacuum tubes. Euro Tubes is THE place to get JJ Tesla , Bob test them all you can even get a matched 12AX7 single for the Phase inverter Tube used in a push pull amp. They work great for duel Tube Compressors Mic Pre Amp's. JJ Tesla's #2 Sovtek#1
I have a Fender Quad amp that I shipped and in the process the 4 tubes were removed and packaged safely but they were not marked so I have 4 (presumably working) tubes. with Tubes that are at least from the early 90's.. so what's the biasing? I have successfully put all 4 tubes back in.. but this thing hasn't been turned on in many years but it has been in a dry safe place.. is it safe to turn on? or do i have to do this biasing to protect it? or maybe not needed.. but given its era.. i don't know.
How much pressure is required to replace a preamp tube - I tried wiggling in the new tube while applying gentle but firm pressure but it just doesn’t seem to go in - do I need to press in really hard ? Just doesn’t feel right cuz all the videos I see of people replacing tubes - it seems to be very little effort -
sound advice really i just replaced on my bugera 6260 infinium so your example basically spelled out what i needed to know thanks!
Should I rebias if I am putting the same kind of tubes back in?
Mesa use's Sovtek tubes. The 12ax7spl is The best Pre Amp tube ever made. Mesa did use those but it was PV that worked with Sovetek to design the Spiral filament e.g. SPL @ the end of the 12AX7 SPL, low noise highest gain. The 6L6 WXT+ is THE Best 6L6 also by Sovtek The NOS from mid 90's is what to look for.
What about the 1990 Non Infinium? That amps comes with cheapo 5881. But I am measuring 475 volts on the plates, well above the 5881 specs. So does that amp really need 6L6GCs?
so the original 1990 does need to be biased? I was watching another video where a guy had a 1990 but it had this bias switch in the back and he hooked to the amp and had to manually set the level. I am looking into one of these because I can't afford a JCM 900. I hear this is the most common and unavoidable problem with these amps (power tubes). If the Infinium is easier but still sounds the same then I think you have helped me make my choice. Thanks TTK and God bless.
I'm just saying they have a Mesa brand on them. Probably are made overseas but they are tested rigidly at the Mesa factory. If you replace your stock Mesa tubes with EL-34 Mesa's let's say there's no need to re-bias.
How would I modify a Precision Electronics S35 to a 2 channel (clean and quiet (high capability for natural and pinch harmonics) high gain metal distrortion/versatile) guitar amp with foot switch selected channels? I hate his and noise. Thanks.
Hey TK how bout a 6L6 / KT88 set up in a Push pull 100 watt amp the 6L6's in the two center & the KT88's one on either side of the 6L6's i.e. #1-KT88, #2-6L6, #3-6L6, #4-KT88 , I'd like to see you do a Video on that.
The four tubes you took out would of had to be matched. So, why did you mark them? It does not matter which order you put them back in. Also, touching these tubes with your bare hands????
Biggerbyte the bare hand tube thing is a myth
I have Bugera V5, and I wonder if I upgrade the tubes to different makes, would it produce different sound based on the different tube make?
Second, my reverb dial on the amp is not responding. I mean I cant really hear any reverberation. Is there anything I may try to replace here? It is already out of warranty and it has been like this since I bought it.
thanks for helping out.
I bought a Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe pedal hoping to get the brown sound out of my Bugera 6262 Infinium, I am going through a carvin legacy 4x12 cab with vintage 30’s.
I'm not getting the sound I'd hope for. The Bugera has 6L6’s in it. The pinnacle deluxe improved the sound of the Bugera greatly. Two questions , Does the 6262 need to be biased ? and will I be able to get the brown sound out of the 6262 with EL34's tubes ??
Hey, is it possible to put let's say two different tubes (e.g. EL84 and ECC83) in one amp? Or would the amp have problems with that?
And could you do a second video with the bios stuff? Is there a button on some amps or how does that work?
My 1971 Marshall JMP heats up has sound and then dies. Any suggestions? How do I test the tubes to tell if they are shot?
You can hear it in your sound if they are completely shot. Your sound will be completely flat, punchy and powerless.
Hey tone king you have any used tubes you wanna get rid of?
I have a Bugera V22 I cant just buy some tubes on ebay and put them on ?
In your intro, You forgot to say: "Hello Boys and Girls"...LOL
+OTCRock4one Nooooo please, don't reinforce that bad intro.
exactly
Would you know if I need to bias a Krankenstein plus 120w head?
Nice Video! But I owned lots of Mesa/Boogies over the last 22 years. Other than the simul class models. You should take them to a tech for a bias jobs as 90 percent of them run so cold with mesa tubes, and you can do danger to the amp using non mesa tubes if they pull to much current. Simul class models, well I like them but the power section is pretty screwy to get running perfect.
Power tubes from big 120w heads are delicate enough to break by trying to pull em? What kinda dodgy cheapies you using? Glass on those things is massive, its like calling a latte coffee mug delicate
I've broken power tubes before while trying to take them out. Not all amps have the base exposed when seated.
Have you considered a new V1 preamp tube as it is most important preamp tube for gain sounds?
How do i know a tube went bad? all of mine seem to be at a consistent color except one seems to be duller (not sure if thats a variable to the issue). Im getting a bunch of crackling when playing certain notes and keeps going in and out. I have a Fender Twin amp 100 watt all tube. Sounds great but not sure if all the tubes are A-OK but them seem to all be working and in good cosmetic condition
hey ttk i have a question ( maybe a silly one) im getting the bugera 6262 infinium head and i was wondering how exactly does it work=?
i mean i put some tubes in and just need to switch it on and thats it? or do i need to wait or do anything else before using the amp with new tubes?
Another excellent tutorial (as usual). Quick question. I have a Bugera V55, I really love it. However, the lead channel can lose it's warmth, especially on the cathode mode. Thus, I was thinking about changing out the tubes (6L6s). Should I take it to the shop to get it biased? The tubes I wish to use come in a matched set. Also Have you had the chance to listen to compare tonal dynamics when using the yellow jacket adapter that allows you to change from 6L6s to EL34s? If so what did you think?
Can you take 2 6L6's out of a 4 6L6 bugera infinium without worries (making the amp produce 60w instead of 100)
+Jean-François Joubert Yes.
i would check a forum if i were you
@@ianschafstall5930 I did it and it worked fine. Take the two middle ones out, anyway that's what I did. Worked on my Bugera
Tonight I put brand new JJ power tubes in my Bugera 1990. After I installed all 4 it said that tube number 3 needs replaced even though it’s a brand new tube. Does anyone know what the problem is? Thanks
Im running through a marshall Ma50h, was playing and all of a sudden there was a pop and no more sound was coming out, all the lights are still coming on fine, i've changed the power tubes and still nothing, is this a fuse problem, or the pre amp tubes? any feedback is much appreciated!!!!!!!
I'm confused, if all these people who are making negative comments already know how to replace tubes, why are you watching the video????? Get a life!!!!
@hawg427 so you only use Mesa tubes in your Mesa? Cause you can use different tubes without biasing them!
hey I have a question and its an emergency. I have an early 80's Twin and the power tubes are 6L6GC's with 6 prongs. I wanna get new tubes for it but every time I look for the 6L6GC's they only have 3 prongs,they're only a few with 6 prongs but im afraid to buy them and it ends up fucking up the amp. Apparently the tubes I have are Fender Special Design Slyvania tubes. What should I do?! Pls help
Go to amplified parts.com I'm sure they have the correct tubes you need.
thnx King for this review can you make one about preamp tubes ??
What about those three ECC83 slots? Can you run those as well?
a 6L6 has a Bigger tone Fender Twins...use them cause the Tone is awesome, on the Flip The 5150 Amp use's 6L6's , now EL34 is more Midrange toppy sounding it don't have the same Bottom of a 6L6 , EL34 is The Marshall tone. So it's a matter of taste now FYI 6v6 is the little brother of the 6L6, & the EL84 is the little brother of the EL34. IMO 6L6 is The one for me. 5150 is THE Amp for High Gain & IF you understand a 5150 is like a Fully Blown HEMI 6 is 10,if you see some one DIME a 5150 U don't
I've been told long ago to not touch the tubes with your fingers due to the oils and or stuff on your fingers. That can cause extra heat around the touched area. Have you ever heard of this?
bassplayersayer I have, and I don't think it affects it so bad just touching and putting it in, but I think if you like grab it like a base ball or something or really get your oils on it, I would.
OK, thanks, I usually wear rubber gloves when changing tubes, It might not make a differance like you say, If you grab them with your whole hand. Rock On.!!!!
+ bassplayersayer sí in lights of cars
That's only with halogen glass.
I have a VK -100 it won't light up i.e...come on, it worked the other day, I guess that's a power issue. what tubes do I replace, and where do I get the tubes, I just bought this, no experience yet, I am an electrician, so I should be able to fix this. tutorial perhaps, I think it's a matter of replacing the power tub or tubes. when I was 17
I worked in a TV shop, we tested tubes and replaced them. that was TV this can't be too much different.
I got an old Ampeg guitar amp, i want to change his tubes to new ones ( Sovotek or Mesa Boogie) what should I do for a new an good sound ?
can u use only 2 tubes in the power amp section?
what was the point in labeling the old tubes, 1 thru 4? Do the new tubes go in a certain order? If so, how do you determine which new power tube goes where?
+stringbender11672 you dont if there matched it doesnt matter
you can mix different tubes and they do not have to be matched as per bugera.
+stringbender11672 You're right. If the power tubes are matched, there is absolutely ZERO reason to number them or any need to put them in any particular order
Bugera really has something with this. The amp is so quiet with that tracking > no slight hum developing. Put in some old 5 year 6l6 tubes from a bogner that did not have any high power usage really. They sound perfect. The overdrive on the bugera t50 was a bit into fuzz land to me, so I replaced two of the four 12ax7 with 12at7. Now perfect.
12at is not usually a good preamp tube
Hey bro, nice vid!! I have a 6262 Bugera without the infinium technology (unfortunately). I've had good luck so far and havent had the need of changing my tubes but I don't know if one tube is bad I have to replace them all.
Greetings.
Any suggestion on how to upgrade/update a BlackStar Serie One combo 2x12?
Are there any set of tubes that can make it sound better?
Thanks for your advice.
Lucio
Lucio Costa yes but never put say kt88s in an amp that cant handle that power you can get a brand new set of tubes for any amp just find what tubes the blackstar uses and find which tubes work interchangeably
Hey tK!,I own the bugera 1960 and the bvv3000.i just replaced the tubes in my 1960 got the jj KT77 and i have extra el34's. one of the tubes went up in my bvv3000(that got retubed only 5 months ago)would it be a bad idea to replace it with one of my old el34's from my 1960 as a tempoary fix,thanks!
how do you get to the tubes how do you take the cover off to get to the tubes?
How do you know when the tubes needs to be changed, if you don't have any indicator on the amp?
I don't think KT88's will fit in that head. I could be wrong, but the space between the sockets look to close.
Can someone help me? I recently changed all 4 Power tubes and 4 preamp tubes. I hooked them up properly, turn it on and started playing and 15 min later, BOOM! the whole amp shot down and it didn't turn on. One tube broke/burned and i think the fuse went also. I didn't use gloves, just bare skin. Im going to change that one tube. Any suggestions what i can do or coments on what i did wrong? I own a Bugera 333XL Infinium, fixed bias. Thank you.
Can u explain what bias or whatever it is please ?
alright, thanks for the lesson in tubes :)
didn't know that the EL34 and EL84 are brothers, always thought they are more different
i only know 5150 Amps from Jorn, i saw a live concert where the guitarrist hade one, sounded actually really nice
but anyway, there's still my question if you could take two different types and mix them, as far as i know it's possible with modern H&K Amps because of there TSC you can mix 6L6 and EL34 however you like it, but is that also possible with normal amps?
Great video :-) I wish all amps were made with this feature. You don't have to re-bias my Mesa as long as you replace the tube with a Mesa Brand tube. I guess they do that so you'll buy Mesa tubes. LOL
That you would ask TK such a insanely specific, nerded out question, and then not understand why I'm name-calling, means I've failed as a father.
I would like to ask you something !
I've got a bugera v22 and I'm about to change the power tubes ..
if I put a matched pair , do i have to bias them ?
You also need to bias the tubes, if you put the same type( EL84) as factory ?
There is no need for biasing.. Since it is self bias. At least the new bugera v22 (infinium). The 1st version (red speaker) I'm not sure about it!
Excellent video! Thank you!
if one tube is damaged, Do you have to replace all tubes?
+lml1501 Yes; it is suggested, otherwise you may cause damage to your amp or tubes.
Why is it suggested? If it's exactly the same tube (just not damaged, of course), why would that affect my amp or (other) tubes. Assuming that by the time I replaced it, I biased it. I've been looking for this answer everywhere. Can you help me?
Yes and no. Depends weather pre amp or power amp.
You know if the Diamond Phantom does
how do you know what to set your bias for the JJ 6l6s
No problem touching vacuum tubes. Not the same as halogens.
The old SPAX7's were Sovtek, in the early 2000's boogie were back to some Chinese, then about 7 years ago started relabeling JJ !2AX7's. The current power tube that offer are all Chinese, and OK for that matter. The problem is in a Class AB where you want 60 percent plate dissipation, with not lower than 50%. I have seen 90 percent of Mesa's run way under that. I know I was a dealer and authorized service center before I got out of the business in 2008. Most mesa amps sound better re biased.
With the infinium could I use 2 el34's a 6l6 and a 5881 together ?
That would be cool too. whats with the name calling?
you da man tone king thanks....just put some jj 6l6 in my shitty valveking lol
No need to rebias correct in the fact they are running safe, how ever I just measured some Mesa (Chinese) 6L6's in my Mark III, they were running below 50% plate dissipation idle very cold. Sure its safe but they don't sound good, and your are losing power on top of it. I switched back to the JJ's that are a higher current pull, and am back to about 61 percent plate dissipation. You all should invest in an oscilloscope, tone generator, and dummy load. To see the difference on the stuff.
Shouldn't you grab the tubes by their base?
No
On some amps, like the T50, the base is not exposed.
arent ya not supposed to hold tubes bare handed?
I read somewhere that its better to wear a sock around your hand when handling them.
does it matter in what order you put them in?
+IGarrettI yes, there is usually a diagram for each amp explaining this
what? not it doesn't matter what order you put them in. Just make sure they're solid and you're good to go.
I have not. Could you give more info?
“Always have the towel”
Why?
How much for them JJ’s dude
The difference between a 6L6 and EL34 (amongst other things) is plate draw and voltage. EL34's need a higher input gain. this is what bias is all about.
Setting bias on a normal amp is the medium voltage between the 4 tubes. On a "Normal" amp, setting the medium between EL34 and 6L6 will mean EL's runs too hot and 6L6 too cold.
I think the HK and "MAYBE" the infiniums adjust the voltage per each tube, rather than across the entire plate.
could you put a GZ34 in a bugera infinium?
yeah, i'm sorry, it was just the first thing that came to my mind :D should have overlooked the comment
so let's say EL34 and 6L6 (better?)
Is JJ owned by Fender?
An ECC83 is the British = of a 12ax7
anyone know if an engl invader is self biasing?
good informative video!
There is no such thing as self biasing , it's called Cold bias, you do want Matched Tubes especially if it's a "self biasing" i.e. cold bias.
If you don't do it the way he says, hell break your f-ing knee caps
What dimple??
The power tubes should also not be taken from the glass capsule to remove them from its socket. It could break. They should be taken from the base of the tube. Upgrade????? You just replaced them...
Love this video
you're not supposed to touch tubes with your bare hands, also it's not a good idea to write on them,… you could get the tubes to get warmer on the places you touched the glass and where you put the mark with the pen,.. cos of residue you left there with greasy fingers or pen…. just my 2 cents
If you absolutely insist on using a EL34 tube, the JJ E34L would have been a much better choice because it has a big low end that close to a 6L6 and overall much more aggressive. With regular EL34's, say goodbye to most of the low end on your amp. I hate them! And STOP saying amps are "Self Biasing". There is no such thing. If an amp is not bias adjustable like all Mesa amps, they're called FIXED bias amps, it doesn't mean it's self biasing. You can still run the risk of running tubes that are too cold or too hot depending on the grade of the tubes
duh.
HAHAHA ok, I can deal with that ;)
Some modern amps can set bias automatically - Fender Supersonic Twin
for example - than you can manually bump it a little bit above or below.
This is very convenient thing - I believe it can bias every tube individually - so you can use 4 random 6L6 - no need to be measured similar (paired)
There is a little automatic meter computer - that measures every tube and sets it properly.. have a manual fine tune to -- best amp ever.
In class A Amps you don't set the bias - fixed and also all tubes are working the whole signal (least efficient but good sound - max 30W on 4 EL34s). But other than that its very important do do it on AB class (most amps) - every time the powertubes are replaced.
Moshe Alvarez my hughes and kettner triamp mk2 has crazy bottom end and runs 4 el34s so
Sure but that's due to the amp's circuit, not the power tubes. With your EL34's your amp is compressing very early on as soon as you crank the amp to gig level. I'm sure it sounds great. All things being equal, an amp running EL34 tubes will produce less low end than the same amp with 6L6 tubes
When I first saw "power tubes" I saw it as "pubes".
Mesa's are not self biasing. They are fixed bias....
Fixed bias means that you can buy the same mesa labeled tubes and put them in without the need to bias them, right?
Yeah but you can't bias the amp any way. There is no bias adjustment.
I'm sure if you have a tube measuring device, you can use any brand of tube, as long as it matches the same rating (not sure what units they measure though)
Endezeichen Grimm
Very interesting!!! So it's definitely safe to say that we can put mesa branded tubes without worrying about biasing the amp (since there is no bias adjustement)
Yeah, this is printed in the user manual. You can find the user manuals on their website.
So as long as you buy the correct Mesa tubes, you can just change the tubes yourself without needing to take it to the repair shop and pay the guy to do any biasing.
Yeah except, you can call all that self-biasing, more like running everything Stone cold...really need to get plate dissipation upwards into some more appropriate levels, it's going to sound a lot better, at the expense of life/service though, just part of it..
dont.shek.too.much.valve.the.center.pol.wwill.broken.
You just said there is no such thing as self bias. Its called cathode bias