Valve/tube choice questions

[Doctor X]

Hi all!  I am thinking about changing the power amp valves on my Mesa Lonestar Classic.  It comes with 6L6's stock, but reading the manual they can be changed for EL34's, EL84's or 6V6's.  So, I thought I would try out a different type just to see what it sounds like, but have no knowledge of valves at all and so no idea what difference the valve types would have on the tone of my amp.

Can anyone offer any hints at what I could expect of the different valve types?  Are some lower power than others etc?  Any info will be much appreciated!

[Twinfan]

EL84s - less power and very 'middy'
EL34s - big power and 'biting'
6V6s - less power and very 'crunchy'

That's the basics I've found!

[dave_mc]

how do you change it for el84s? they're 9-pin, aren't they?

[Dazza1004]

have a poke around on the Boogie Forum

http://forum.grailtone.com/

It's pretty friendly, I learnt a lot when I got my stiletto.

Tubes do make a difference but not as much as a speaker, maybe worth keeping in mind

[Doctor X]

how do you change it for el84s? they're 9-pin, aren't they?

Apparently you can buy something called a 'Yellow Jacket' that is an adapter of some sort.  This be them: http://www.thdelectronics.com/product_page_yellowjacket.html

Cheers for the info Twinfan.  I quite like the thought of the less powerful and crunchy 6v6 (plus not as expensive as the el84 and yellow jackets).  Do you know if they have a reputation as having a good clean sound too?

[indysmith]

6V6s sound awesome for cleans! You'll find them in the Fender Champ for example.

[Doctor X]

Cool!  Then 6v6 it shall be!

Cheers for that link Dazza.  There's some guys raving about using 2 6v6's and 2 EL84's together!  Might have to give that a go some day.

[Twinfan]

Leo Fender used 6V6s in his early small valve combos.  They do good cleans  ;)

Enjoy!