Revalving my amp

[_tom_]

My amp has been sounding quite lacklustre for a while (seems "harder" to play, with less gain and power, just sounds a bit flat and lifeless without a boost) so I think it may be time for a revalve - plus I'm pretty sure the power ones are about 5 years old! It's a Laney GH50L. Currently got Svetlana Winged C EL34s (think they're these ones) and JJ 12AX7s, and I'm pretty happy with the sound when they're all working fine. Wondering if there's anything else that's new which I should look at as I've been quite out of touch with guitar stuff for a while now?

Oh and if I replace my old matched pair (also bought from watford valves) with a new matched pair could I get away without re-biasing?

Cheers :)

[Twinfan]

If you can get the numbers off the valves (or the boxes if you still have them) and get exact replacements from Watford Valves you won't need a re-bias.  Your pre-amp valves should be fine.

I'd get a fresh set of Svetlana =C= EL34s  :)

[_tom_]

Ah nice I do still have the boxes so I'll give Watford Valves a call soon :) Would the preamp ones not be the ones causing the lack of gain/life without a boost in front then?

[Elliot]

'flat and lifeless' sounds to me like power amp valves to me but replacing the V1 pre-amp valve will probably be all you need if you want to reinvigorate the pre-amp tone.

[Twinfan]

Yep, what Elliot said  :)

The Tung-Sol ECC-83s are nice if you want some more sparkle.

[Brow]

I'd also recommend getting them from Hot Rox instead of Watford Valves.

I've dealt with Hot Rox a fair few times and those I know that have used Watford Valves have told me nothing but bad reports.

[_tom_]

I've used both and were pretty similar, though Watford were a bit slower I think. Can't remember, its been so long since I bought anything guitar related other than strings! Have to say that not having to get the amp re-biased if I give Watford the numbers on my valves is very attractive as it's an extra expense to get it biased (can't/have no real interest in doing it myself).

[Twinfan]

But the numbering system may well be different, if Tom wants to avoid a re-bias.

I get my valves from Hot-Rox or Karltone:

www.karltone.co.uk

www.hotroxuk.com

[HTH AMPS]

I prefer Hotrox too, have done for a number of years.

[Toe-Knee]

I've used both and were pretty similar, though Watford were a bit slower I think. Can't remember, its been so long since I bought anything guitar related other than strings! Have to say that not having to get the amp re-biased if I give Watford the numbers on my valves is very attractive as it's an extra expense to get it biased (can't/have no real interest in doing it myself).

Biasing is ridiculously easy. More so than changing strings.

I taught Brow how to do it over the phone the other day its that simple.

Regarding the various places to get valves. In my experience even if you get the valves from Watford that means nothing. I've had matched "pairs" from them on a number of occasions that they state are matched within 1-2mv of each other than have a 13mv difference. Just a little something to consider.

[richard]

My experience when buying new output valves a years or so ago:

Hotrox - friendly, interested, helpful, nothing too much trouble.

Watford - arrogant, rude, stupid,  the worst phone conversation I've ever had with a company I was prepared to buy from.

[witeter]

I get mine from Karltone - hes is such a nice guy and a gentleman, has all the time in the world to talk you through options if needbe and give you advice. He even offered to help me rebias my amp by talking me through the steps on the phone-now how many sellers would do that!

[Frank]

Just remembered someone's got some Tungsols for sale in Seconds Out, knockdown price for practically new tubes.

[HTH AMPS]

I've used both and were pretty similar, though Watford were a bit slower I think. Can't remember, its been so long since I bought anything guitar related other than strings! Have to say that not having to get the amp re-biased if I give Watford the numbers on my valves is very attractive as it's an extra expense to get it biased (can't/have no real interest in doing it myself).

Biasing is ridiculously easy. More so than changing strings.

I taught Brow how to do it over the phone the other day its that simple.

Regarding the various places to get valves. In my experience even if you get the valves from Watford that means nothing. I've had matched "pairs" from them on a number of occasions that they state are matched within 1-2mv of each other that have a 13mv difference. Just a little something to consider.

^ +1

[_tom_]

Ok so a bias at the place I took it to before costs about £35.. would that be better spent on a Bias Rite (not sure I want to poke around a live amp with a multimeter)? tbh I am still wary of messing around inside an amp but I guess if it's easy to do..