Author Topic: New valves for Engl Thunder 50 + Amp tech in Corby/Kettering (Read 3930 times)

BigK · « **on:** June 08, 2008, 08:20:09 PM »

Hi I'm looking to be getting my Engl thunder re-valved in the near future, but have no idea what valves to get.

The Amp has 3 Ecc83 in the preamp and an ecc 83 and 2 5881's in the poweramp (according to the website). Ideally I would like quite high-gain pre-amp valves and for all of the valves to be quite dark sounding as the engl is quite a bright amp. Any suggestions?

I primarily play hard rock and metal although I do like a good clean sound but the overdrive has the priority.

Also does anyone know of any amp tech's nearby to the corby/kettering area that would be able to replace/bias the valves for me ( I would try it myself but I think it would be best to get it done professionally).

also on a side note, if I buy a match quad of power valves and used two now and keep the other two for further down the line would I need to get the amp biased again?

Thanks alot Kieran

QS-Nalle · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2008, 08:51:19 PM »

for a slightly darker sound, go for the JJ-Electronic ones, she difference is not huge but slightly more rounded of highs...... tung-sol is also good.

hamfist · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2008, 09:45:38 PM »

Yes, JJ ECC83S are a relatively darker sounding pre-amp tube. Don't know much about 5881's

But definately a good idea to buy a matched quad of power tubes, then you won't need to get the amp biased when you put the second pair in, at a later date.

_tom_ · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2008, 09:47:10 PM »

I was recommended to try this guy in Corby called Alan Mitchell by Patrick Reed music. His number is 07960964471, just say you were recommended to him by someone at Patrick Reed in Kettering I guess. I havent been able to get through to him yet but maybe you'll have better luck.

BigK · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2008, 11:34:08 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

I was recommended to try this guy in Corby called Alan Mitchell by Patrick Reed music. His number is 07960964471, just say you were recommended to him by someone at Patrick Reed in Kettering I guess. I havent been able to get through to him yet but maybe you'll have better luck.

Cool thanks for that I give him a try when I've bought the valves.

JJ's sound good, any idea on the power valves? Am I right in saying that 6l6's will fit?

hamfist · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2008, 07:18:04 AM »

Quote from: JackBauer

Am I right in saying that 6l6's will fit?

6L6GC's should be fine. Just had a little read around, and have found quite a few recommendations for the Tung Sol 5881. If you're going for a 6L6, the Svetlana winged-C is very good !

BigK · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2008, 08:05:17 AM »

Quote from: hamfist

Quote from: JackBauer
Am I right in saying that 6l6's will fit?

6L6GC's should be fine. Just had a little read around, and have found quite a few recommendations for the Tung Sol 5881. If you're going for a 6L6, the Svetlana winged-C is very good !

Cool. Is it worth getting a gold pin version of the JJ for the V1 position? does it actually make any difference or is it just clever marketing?

Sorry about all the noob questions its my first valve amp.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2008, 10:11:15 AM »

Try some Groove Tube GE 6L6GCs, they are repros of the famous GE tube and are very nicely made.

The JJ 6L6GC is very well made too, but I don't think it sounds like a classic 6L6 - it's more like a 6CA7 imo (i.e. halfway between a 6L6 and EL34 in tone)

As for ECC83s, you really can't go far wrong with the EH-branded ones imo - I've found them to sound pretty nice when I've fitted them in people's amps (and I'm used to NOS Mullards in my own gear).