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Author Topic: JCM900 Help  (Read 5962 times)

gorath23

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JCM900 Help
« on: January 03, 2007, 02:21:26 PM »
Hey guys. I posted on here a while ago regarding a Laney LC30-II which I wanted to use for metal, anyway I couldn't convince myself so I didn't go for it. I came across a good deal for a JCM900 4502 50w combo and snapped it up. I kept hearing about this amp wherever I went (good/ bad its gotta be better than my Marshall Avt100). Basically it needs a re-valve (3x 12ax7 + 2x el34). I'm looking for a late 80's/ early 90's metal tone. Sorta early death metal-ish. I quite like a bright and cutting tone. Can anyone recommend which tubes to buy? I've been looking at Sovtek/ Electro-Harmonix 12ax7's as well as JJ's. Not sure about the power tubes.  Thanks!

Twinfan

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« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2007, 02:57:13 PM »
Electro Harmonix EEC83s have a good amount of bite, so they'd get my vote.  Their EL34s got a good review on the Watford Valves website too, and that's what I would buy.

You could always ring Watford Valves, tell them what you want, and see what they recommend?

gorath23

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« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2007, 03:15:49 PM »
Hey thanks. Yes I think I'll go for the 12ax7eh in the preamp, as this sounds perfect but I'm not sure about the power tubes, I'll probably go for the Electro-Harmonix, but the JJ/Tesla EL34L also looks good.  Also can I run all the same tubes in the preamp, because the 12ax7eh also comes in a 'drive-tested' version which is perfect for the 1st position??? what does this mean? Can I get one of those and 2 regular 12ax7eh's?

Twinfan

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« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2007, 03:21:03 PM »
You can get all regular ones, or mix.  The V1 position is the most critical for tone so you could put a higher tolerance/spec one in there.  You're choice.  They usually cost around twice the price of a "regular" one.

For the output valves, I'd go to a reputable dealer and get a matched pair of your choice.

gorath23

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« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2007, 03:32:45 PM »
Thanks for your help. I'll stick with Sovtek/EH's in both pre- and power amp. The reviews are excellent for both. Just got to find a local place that can fit them for me!

JamesHealey

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« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2007, 07:06:16 PM »
from my experience u'd be best..

1 EH Gold 12xa7 in the first pre-amp slot (adds presence)
JJ/Tesla 12ax7's in the rest

and a JJ/Tesla EL34L's which have much more depth that most EL34's and great harmonics, they dont overdrive as easy as other EL34's but they're deffinatly amazing for metal.

gorath23

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« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2007, 10:22:04 AM »
Hmm, its seems like there's a fair case for both. Meaning I'll probably be happy with either?!  Hopefully be getting them done in the next week or so, I'll let you know what I choose and how they sound.

Twinfan

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« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2007, 10:47:24 AM »
Yup - it's all down to taste and personal preference.  Any of the branded tubes will be good.  I never buy the cheapest most basic tubes as they always lack clarity and depth of tone.

fps_dean

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« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2007, 03:08:54 AM »
I would highly suggest RFT ECC83s for the preamp if you can find them.  They cost a bit but preamp tubes last a very long time and you will have them for a while.  If they are more than $40usd a pop, then you may want to consider buying new preamp tubes instead of NOS (new old stock).

If you are forced to go with a new tube, I imagine you would like the Electro Harmonix 12AX7s for the tone you are after - they have the best balance between gain and full sound than the competition.  They have more gain than JJs, but not quite as much gain as certain Sovteks or Chinese tubes, and probably fuller sounding than anything else out there and they have always sounded great in Marshalls.

For the power section, you could go with either 5881 or EL34s.

If you want to stick with EL34s, I would probably go with the new Mullard EL34s without knowing specifically what metal tone you are after.  If you want a more typical Marshall metal tone, then go with SED "Winged C" EL34s (NOT SVETLANA, they are not the same).  The main difference is the SED EL34s have more mids.

If you go with 5881/6L6s, the best 6L6 on the market currently is the one 6L6 that Groove Tubes makes (and not rebrands).  If you cannot find those (or they are ridiculously expensive which they can be) then go with the SED "Winged C" 6L6s.  The tonal differences are not too big but the Groove Tubes made tubes will last longer.

Something that is very important though - be sure to have the amp properly biased by a tech.  JCM 900s came biased way too cold from the factory and the sound lacks, but when properly biased they can sound great!

The other thing that you should have a tech do when you have the amp in is replace the heater with a heater with feet.  After extended periods of use, the stock heater which rests against the board will generate a lot of heat and eventually burn right through the board and short.
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Tricalibur

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« Reply #9 on: January 05, 2007, 03:43:55 PM »
Well if your looking to 'brighten' your tone the Id say go for whatever valve they suggested but If you just want an overall increase in the 'quality' of your tone go vintage. Vintage Mullards. Thats what Ive got and they realy sound great and plus its kinda cool to be able to say your amp has 40 year old tubes in it :D. Of course this is just me and you may like newer tubes better anyways.
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HTH AMPS

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« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2007, 06:18:19 PM »
for the tone you're after I'd say 6L6s are more 'metal' - they have that phat bass end, not as much mids as EL34s but have a snappier top end.

for something a bit pokier than an EL34 and approaching a 6L6 you might like Electro Harmonic 6CA7s too - I like them alot and EVH is famous for using them in his old Marshalls.

 :twisted:

gorath23

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« Reply #11 on: January 05, 2007, 08:47:34 PM »
Cheers for the responses. I guess I'm probably going to play it safe and go with the Electro Harmonix as I don't really know what I'm buying. I thought that the amp had to be modified to take 5881'a (plus I've heard that EL34's are the preferred tube!!). I'm thinking that as long as I get something fairly decent then I can use that as a starting point to work out what works and doesn't work. The 6CA7's how are they different from regular EL34's?

HTH AMPS

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« Reply #12 on: January 05, 2007, 09:11:19 PM »
6CA7s are the US variant of EL34s - they've got a bit more headroom and are 'crisper', i.e. don't compress as much (good for metal).

EVH used 'em in his plexi - compare his tone to ANY other player using a plexi and that will tell you alot.

 :twisted:

fps_dean

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« Reply #13 on: January 06, 2007, 05:31:45 AM »
Quote from: Tricalibur
Well if your looking to 'brighten' your tone the Id say go for whatever valve they suggested but If you just want an overall increase in the 'quality' of your tone go vintage. Vintage Mullards. Thats what Ive got and they realy sound great and plus its kinda cool to be able to say your amp has 40 year old tubes in it :D. Of course this is just me and you may like newer tubes better anyways.


Vintage Mullards cost a fortune though... even for their preamp tubes.
Real men turn their volume to 11!

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