Grateful Dead Music Forum

I have a Presonus Blue Tube preamp sitting around, and want to use one side to add a little 60's Phil grind, and the other for a little John Kahn warmth - and if it could emphasize those high frequencies that were such a big part of his sound, that'd be a bonus.

What tubes would you use for each of these sounds?

Not sure about how they each address your specific sounds, but for high quality in my exp, in this order(ymmv): Tung-Sol, RCA, GE, Sylvania or Philips-ECG. I believe Wickersham, Healy, etc mostly used Sylvania bought in huge lots at military surplus auctions.

+1 on the RCAs in the 12ax7 spots. They are so musical. They're kind of expensive but I've been finding some that were used in organs that are the same basic tube but a lot cheaper. These preamp tubes have had more to do with improving my tone that just about anything else.

Peace,

Gil

I saw some of those organ ones in searching around.

I really like the reviews of the Tung-Sols. Where do you all like to buy your tubes?

Healy once mentioned to me that he really liked the old, original Tung-Sols... among others too.

Brad

The the older vintage preamp tubes sound great, but I have always felt that Tung-sols just blows away the rest. With some old T.A.D.'s 6L6's in the power amp

I have been buying from this company and they are professional and informative about whatever sound you are looking for. I mentioned Garcia, and they said sure I know what you are looking for. They are called SRS and they have pre matched Tung Sol NOS reissues 6l6 gc for about $15 a tube. JJ tesla power tubes, expensive phillips and mullards, just about anything, plus preamp tubes. I always haggle with them, they seem to enjoy it. Hope that helps!!

JonnyBoy wrote:I have been buying from this company and they are professional and informative about whatever sound you are looking for. I mentioned Garcia, and they said sure I know what you are looking for. They are called SRS and they have pre matched Tung Sol NOS reissues 6l6 gc for about $15 a tube. JJ tesla power tubes, expensive phillips and mullards, just about anything, plus preamp tubes. I always haggle with them, they seem to enjoy it. Hope that helps!!

Man!, I always forget to post the links, Sorry
http://shop.ebay.com/srs-webstore/m.htm ... ksid=p4340

tigerstrat wrote:I believe Wickersham, Healy, etc mostly used Sylvania bought in huge lots at military surplus auctions.

That's one great thing about living next to a huge military base in SF. They must have loved those long hairs showing up to the auctions! Jerry probably wasn't even allowed on base!! I would guess the military doesn't use tubes anymore, maybe they still do on certain items that have endured the test of time. It wouldn't hurt to check to see if they have a case of 1000 laying around for 10 cents a piece.