So mad right now...

[Bainzy]

I'm currently running JJ E34L's in my Marshall, and decide I want to try the standard JJ EL34 to see what that's like.

I buy a quad of "JJ EL34's" on ebay, which specifically show in the item picture and describe in the text the EL34's - not the E34L. You could easily make out 'EL34' on the glass in the picture. Before purchasing I make it clear that I'm after the EL34 variant, no complaints from the seller so I assume it's ok. After waiting a week for the tubes to be actually shipped, I get a quad of E34L's at my doorstep.

Email the seller:

The valves arrived today, but unfortunately you've shipped the wrong type - these are JJ E34L's, not the JJ EL34 which I ordered. I wouldn't normally be bothered but I specifically tried to order the EL34 version for it's specific sound qualities. Please advise on how I can get the correct valves instead. regards, Richard

Reply:

Hi There

Thanx for your message but the E34L is EL34 by JJ. There is no difference in sound quality because this is what JJ sell as EL34. Unfortunately we do not have the vintage version as these are brand new but if you would like to return them I will refund your money!!

thanx again

I really don't know what to do - I'm assuming the refund means I have to eat £2.50 postage cost to return them, because the seller doesn't actually know what he's selling. So all I can do instead is either sell them on (probably at a loss) or stick with them, when I've already got a brand new quad of them in my amp. All I wanted was something different....

[TwilightOdyssey]

Eat the postage, return the valves, forward his reply to JJ, and then leave appropriate feedback!

[Searcher]

Send him to the JJ site where Bob specifies between the two types of valves.  He might yet come around and released he stuffed up.  At least he offered a refund.  You might be able to get all your money back yet.

[Bainzy]

I suppose, but I'd rather just have what I ordered than a refund  :(

I've forwarded his reply to JJ and asked them if there's anything they could do (eg. swap the valves), so I'll wait to see what they say before doing anything else...

[HTH AMPS]

file a 'not as described' claim with ebay.  JJ make an EL34 AND a E34L, they are not the same and are spec'd as such.  They DO sound different too.

Bainzy, how many JJ EL34s are you after - I may have some in my valve box you could borrow to try out.

 :twisted:

[steve]

Bad luck, and like everyone said there are 2 different JJ el34's. I guess the seller didnt count on selling these to someone who knows their stuff.

[Bainzy]

file a 'not as described' claim with ebay.  JJ make an EL34 AND a E34L, they are not the same and are spec'd as such.  They DO sound different too.

That's why I bought them - the E34L's I'm running now don't break up as much as I'd like, so I bought the EL34's from him to try something with less headroom. Now I'm stuck with 8 E34L's, lol.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm after some long term to keep - I've heard the EL34's with an amp that's built to the same spec as mine is right now, same speakers etc, and it sounded far better for my taste. Plus, the E34L's will still come in handy as a backup set at gigs - I've got an external bias adjust now on the amp so if any of em fail I can get out the DMM and bias them up between songs  8)

[FELINEGUITARS]

I can get out the DMM and bias them up between songs  8)

As we all do!!

Bainzy - you are a very clever guy!
Kudos to you....

[JamesHealey]

ill buy 2 of them off you if you want? Ill pick em up from you. If that helps

[CaffeineJunkie]

if any of em fail I can get out the DMM and bias them up between songs  8)

wtf???? i take longer than that to take screws out of things...