vintageHIWATTconvention.com

I just retubed my '78 DR103 with Siemens EL34 and some Mullard ECC83 that I had. It does seem to be quite well balanced and clear. It's so amazing just how right those guys got these amp and tube designs. For good tone to be appreciated 30,40, and 50 years later is most impressive.

I am a bit curious what tubes were in the examples at the convention last year. Any of you guys getting good results with modern production tubes?

My amps that Mark was using have GT EL34M's in them. I have had good luck with them. But I don't gig, so I don't know how long they last with repeated hard use.

JR wrote: I am a bit curious what tubes were in the examples at the convention last year. Any of you guys getting good results with modern production tubes?

We didn't do a "Tube Tasting" session last year. That might be a good topic for VHC IV.

I have had good results with JJ E34L (as opposed to their EL34) in Hiwatt amps. Fairly neutral in tone, fairly reliable (if they don't die right away). That said, there are better sounding modern production tubes available. As noted, Dr.Hiwatt likes the GT Mullard clones. Winged =C= 's are good sounding, too. Some also report liking the Shuguang EL34's.

Can't personally speak to the longevity of any of those. Hopefully, others will.

Dave

OldSchoolDave wrote: JJ ... Fairly neutral in tone, fairly reliable (if they don't die right away).

I've had the same experience with JJs, mostly good with the occasional DOA dud.

The GTs Doc likes are pretty good.

I still like the SED brown base =C= tubes in Hiwatts a lot.

The Shuguangs are really good in Marshalls, not sure I like them as much in Hiwatts.

--mark