Need help with NOS Tubes

[theactor19]

Hey Guys,

So I recently got a Vox AC15C2, which is loaded with 2 Celestion Greenbacks. It has 2 EL-84s, and 3 12AX7s.

It sounds great, but modern, so I want to put in NOS tubes.

Essentially I am aiming for the late '60s tone a la Hendrix, Cream, and The Beatles. Warm mid range and very creamy overdrive when the amp is pushed.

I know its not a Marshall Superlead, but with the greenbacks, I think I can get close to a good hendrix tone. I love his Berkeley tone, along with Winterland, Albert Hall. Lots of 1970 live hendrix stuff.

Anyway, I'm a newbie when it comes to tubes and amp modding and all that. So I need some help on what I should look for, prices, where to buy, with the tone that I have in mind.

Thanks!

[demonufo]

I don't think NOS tubes are going to be anything like as dramatic a change as you are hoping for here.
And anything running on EL84's isn't really going to get you into the ball park for Cream/Hendrix, and won't really give you the headroom, or punch required, and the tonal bias is all wrong.

The best EL84's you can hope to fit would be Tesla Hexplates, if you can find them. Failing that, you want to look for Telam or Polam tubes. Tungsram would be the next one down the chain for me.

You might find things clear up a little bit by putting a Sylvania 12ax7 in V1, and possibly in V3. Apart from that, I have nothing, since I don't really think this amp is going to give you the results you require, whatever tubes are fitted.

[theactor19]

I don't think NOS tubes are going to be anything like as dramatic a change as you are hoping for here.
And anything running on EL84's isn't really going to get you into the ball park for Cream/Hendrix, and won't really give you the headroom, or punch required, and the tonal bias is all wrong.

The best EL84's you can hope to fit would be Tesla Hexplates, if you can find them. Failing that, you want to look for Telam or Polam tubes. Tungsram would be the next one down the chain for me.

You might find things clear up a little bit by putting a Sylvania 12ax7 in V1, and possibly in V3. Apart from that, I have nothing, since I don't really think this amp is going to give you the results you require, whatever tubes are fitted.

Can you explain your choices and how each tube you recommended will shape my desired tone? I was looking into Nos Tesla EL84 purely because they are much better priced than other nos tubes.

I realize having a Vox will not get me spot on with Hendrix/Cream, but if I can get close to that 60s tone, warm, creamy overdrive, sparkling cleans, thats the goal.

thanks

[Tone Slinger]

Did you say that your ac15 is a reissue ? If it is,I'd say to scrap the idea of getting old tubes. Buy up several new/current made 12ax7's and el-84's. Give them all a good workout. At the same time,I agree that a 15 watt vox just wont cut it for real deal Hendrix tone in the long run (you will realize this when you encounter a nice 50 or 100 watt Marshall or clone) I would try and sell it, and get yourself a triode Electronics 1987 or 1959 kit,or possibly a Ceriatone kit. Tops would be to get your stuff from Valvestorm. Minus the headbox, you could do this for $400 to $500 bucks.

[theactor19]

Did you say that your ac15 is a reissue ? If it is,I'd say to scrap the idea of getting old tubes. Buy up several new/current made 12ax7's and el-84's. Give them all a good workout. At the same time,I agree that a 15 watt vox just wont cut it for real deal Hendrix tone in the long run (you will realize this when you encounter a nice 50 or 100 watt Marshall or clone) I would try and sell it, and get yourself a triode Electronics 1987 or 1959 kit,or possibly a Ceriatone kit. Tops would be to get your stuff from Valvestorm. Minus the headbox, you could do this for $400 to $500 bucks.

Yes it is a reissue and I have to respectfully disagree with you. I just put a 1966 12AX7 Mullard Short Plate into V1 of my Vox and there was a huge huge improvement. The tone is much warmer, with excellent mid-range, and more musical, and responds more to my playing. Also the amp sounds a lot more vintage now.. it really can cop some of those early Beatle tones.

I agree, getting a plexi sound out of a Vox won't happen, but you should hear what I am hearing.. it is pretty close.. and a great alternative for someone who doesn't require 100 watt stacks at their gigs. When I start playing much bigger shows, I'll invest in a superlead.

[Tone Slinger]

Before you throw in the towel, concerning old vs. new tubes in old vs. new amps, I'd say try some new tubes (not just the ones that came in your amp). Get some EH(several choices here), Shuguang and JJ 12ax7's. You can get these for $10 to $15 bucks each.

[jcs]

Hell you can buy tested very strong USA ANOS pulls for $20-30.