Finally got around to using one of two IEC Mullard 12AX7As I scored for $30 a few months ago, and damn!!!!!
With the 1959 build still moving slow (don't ask!!!!....arrrggggghh!!!!), I decided to try one in my Hughes & Kettner in V1 along with a very high testing matched Sylvania in the PI-V3 slot .
Fun to get into.....that amp head: 8 screws, remove the reverb tank and 8 allen wrench bolts later I could finally get to the pre's....lol)
Was very afraid that there were so many bells & whistles on the amp that I wouldn't hear much of a difference (basically 4 channels, variable efx loop, MIDI kitchen-sink/window wash switching unit optional, etc.) .....man was I ever wrong!!!!!!
I'm completely blown away!!!!!!
The harsh treble's gone, the mids are tons more articulate (and I didn't really even realize there were harsh trebs or scooped/muddy mids until now).
I ran the crunch channel with the old LP toggle in the middle w/ the neck P'up vol. backed off a little at the gig this weekend and got one of the sweetest Black Crows-esque tonalities I've ever heard!!!!!
Would love to try out the Amperex I bought from Tube Tramp in there, but I'm making myself save that and the other mule for the 1959....
First NOS tube experience here.....and I'm absolutely convinced!!!!!
