OffsetGuitars.com

Hi All,

I'v been playng tube amps for the past 12 years or so. All were 6L6 amps (100W/50W/35W) and I had an occasional EL84 Amp (Old MIJ Bassamp 50W) which was a kind of hard to AB with the 6L6 due the fact it was a Bass amp.

Thing is I got two old Fender amps (both 60ties) and both have the 6L6 power tubes. I'm thinking of trying something differnt, so EL34 or EL84?
So how do they compare, soundwise?

Thanks.

I've always tought 6L6=best clean and EL34= only crunch, but since my Hot Rod Deluxe has been modded for accepting EL34s (it originally has 6V6 btw) I've totally changed my ideas!
When biased for clean sounds the EL34 could really sing, they sound smoother and a bit more compressed-->less twang.

You could also try some Yellowjackets in a 6L6.  Easy easy.  Just drop them in. 

(I did, then went back to stock). 

You could also try some Yellowjackets in a 6L6.  Easy easy.  Just drop them in. 

(I did, then went back to stock). 

Hmmm, could you tell me what youdidn't like about them? I like 6L6 power tubes, but I'm curious how they compare with EL34.

I just expected it to sound more different, somehow.  Too high expectations (ooh!  i'll have a vox instead of my fender!).  It broke up more, but it just didn't quite "do it" for me. 

I think, however, the el84s in there were a bit worn, too, so that may have made it sound less than ideal. 

For the price (a pair with tubes is around $100 here) it is a worthwhile experiment.  Also good to have on hand as an extra set of tubes (no biasing necessary). 

Note, however, that there are a few models and most might not fit in a fender head.  (the short ones are more, I think). 

Thanks, I might get a EL34 or EL84 Tube amp. (kind of a trade actually. I have to build a Cab for someone and in return I get an old EL34 or EL84 amp. Guess it about 50 watts, ince it only uses 2 Power tubes.)
Looking forward to it

There is a Dutch manufactuer called Koch that make amps which can handle mutiple types of power tubes being used at once. For example: they make a 100 watt head that can have 2 6l6 tubes and 2 el34 in the power amp. I would like to try that one out because I like both types of tubes and I dont feel like lugging 2 amps to each venue... :-\
(i'm in no way affiliated to this company)

I heard of them. But they are too expensive for my taste 

But the idea is great though....
Seams I'm getting a 50W vintage EL amp, so I'll see from there. Although there will be some work involved in order to make it work....

Ever considered this? I haven't but I am a bit curious....l