Not sure if anyone else has had this experience, but I purchased a new Mk V head back in March, and although I tried my best with several sets of Dimarzio pickups, I could never get the overdriven sounds of the 6L6 tubes to sound any good. I loved the cleans, but the OD had a fizz and thinness that I could not dial out - even using the CL/LF combo.
Well, after installing the HD bridge and Emerald neck a few weeks back (and playing the finish off my guitar because of it) I noticed my old EL34s begining to give signs of failing. I decided to install the 6L6s for another try while waiting for a new set of 34s to come in, and the difference with these tubes having the BKPs installed is huge. The irritating fizz is gone and replaced by a nice sizzle. The driven leads are glassy and vocal, even with high gain, and the cleans are even better than they were before.
I knew that pickups would have an effect on the articulation and such of the guitar as heard through the amp, but had no idea that they could actually tame and improve the interaction with different tube types so much. I think I may stick with the 6L6s for awhile, which is great, as I have two backup sets of them lying around, ha.
Anyone else here have this happen with tubes/amps that just didn't get along with your guitar prior to your BKPs (or other pups)?
