Tube issue with new AFD100

[sv777]

Just posting this in case anyone else has a problem. Took my AFD to studio to track some tunes the other night..used a JCM900 cab there. My first time really opening the power section / volume up.

Just could not get enough sustain or gain even on AFD mode. Weird because at home volumes I had almost too much gain.

It didnt sound bad...just more like Malcom Young even with gain almost all the way up. engineer thinks I just need a tubescreamer and I know it doesnt need any boost but I could not solo as strings werent singing for me. At this point, kind of feels like one of those dreams where you find yourself at school or work with no clothes on...but I digress.

Dropped power way down and master up and pushed through session.

Got home decided to recheck it and it was DOA...everything lit up ...no power tube problems... just zero volume.

Did a pre amp tube swap with a spare I had and turns out PI position was bad. Seems back to normal at home volumes with a GT 12ax7M there. Curious to open up volume again see how it is when cranked. Ill keep you posted.

Anyone try Tungsol in V1 or have sucess or fail with different tube trials?

[Slashwannabe1]

Did you say JCM 900 cab?

I found my Vintage Modern to piss out with gain when using the JCM 900 cab as well...the G12T-75 Speakers are . Seems like when I used one as if I had lost 25% of my gain & sustain. I tried two of the JCM 900 cabs and I hate them total crap for what I do which is Slash inspired amplifier tones and I'd assume you'd be in the same boat as me since you have an AFD100 in chasing a little of that Slash tone. The 900 cab isn't going to do it for you, those are better for doing Jazz or cleaner shit certainly not optimum for Rock n Roll unless the amp pushing it is also being boosted by a tube screamer or something else.

Funny when I tried a 900 cab at my friends house I was worried my tubes had shit the bed until I got home later that night and tried my cab and all was well so I knew the 900 cab was bogus.

As for the second half of your question it sounds as if your pre amp tube was the problem but even without that problem a JCM 900 cab is going to sound like shit with a Vintage Modern & AFD100 and honestly most amps I've had pushing one.

[sv777]

I have to agree the 75s dont sound good . I bet were part of the problem. I have a Mesa Rect 4x12 at home with V30s and amp really sings through it....lesson learned.

[Slashwannabe1]

I have to agree the 75s dont sound good . I bet were part of the problem. I have a Mesa Rect 4x12 at home with V30s and amp really sings through it....lesson learned.

To be honest I think thats why a lot of people hated the JCM 900 line until the SLX JCM 900, because it was the only amp with enough gain to save some face on that shitty 75 loaded cab.

V30s are an awesome choice as is a 100 watt Greenback 4x12 cab.

Some people like the 75s, like the dude from the Chilli Peppers who uses his Silver Jubilee with it but I find them to be bland and that cab is probably why I never even realized he used a great amp like his Jubilee cuz his tone was always to me bland. But again there its cleaner stuff not a lot of gain required so the 75s fit the bill. I personally don't even like them for cleans

[surfnorthwest]

The new TungSols are my favorite new production preamp tube, they have more distortion then a GT IMO. Buy one from a reputable tube dealer and just have it tested for low noise. A lot of guys like the high gain JJ tubes which would also be an option, I am not a JJ fan. Put a Tung Sol in V1 and V4 and see how it is.

[Slashwannabe1]

The new TungSols are my favorite new production preamp tube, they have more distortion then a GT IMO. Buy one from a reputable tube dealer and just have it tested for low noise. A lot of guys like the high gain JJ tubes which would also be an option, I am not a JJ fan. Put a Tung Sol in V1 and V4 and see how it is.

I'm using a quad of JJs in my pre amp right now...how would you compare their gain to the TungSols? in other words is it more or less? or comparable?

So far I like my JJs in there, but thats only because the old Marshall ones shit the bed and anything would probably sound better than a blown tube.

[kissfanps]

Ah. Something I know about. The JJs will definitely darken up your tone. At least in the vm. I haven't experimented withe the afd yet. It sounded like a blanket over the cab. The stock Chinese have much more of a bite. They work very will in higher gain settings. The tungsols are kind of the best of both worlds. They have that bite and snarl of the chinese but also retain the great warmth of some of the older higher end tubes (ie mullards...but obviously they aren't mullards). The tungsols are great tubes but I enjoy the stock tubes. Steve did a great job selecting them..

[Slashwannabe1]

Ah. Something I know about. The JJs will definitely darken up your tone. At least in the vm. I haven't experimented withe the afd yet. It sounded like a blanket over the cab. The stock Chinese have much more of a bite. They work very will in higher gain settings. The tungsols are kind of the best of both worlds. They have that bite and snarl of the chinese but also retain the great warmth of some of the older higher end tubes (ie mullards...but obviously they aren't mullards). The tungsols are great tubes but I enjoy the stock tubes. Steve did a great job selecting them..

Now when you say bite & snarl, could you attribute it to the kind of bite & snarl the AFD100 has? that nice highend Mid range crunch?

I personally would love just a little more snarl & bite over what I have with the quartet of JJs I have now. I Think a little #34 mode is what I'm after lol but with KT66s! and not being $2000+ in debt.

[kissfanps]

i dont think you can change the vm to an afd with just tubes. sorry bud.

but i think you will like the chinese tubes better than the jj's. kepp the jj in v1 though.

[Slashwannabe1]

i dont think you can change the vm to an afd with just tubes. sorry bud.

but i think you will like the chinese tubes better than the jj's. kepp the jj in v1 though.

I know :) But I was comparing the fact of more bite & snarl...little more high end.

[sv777]

I just put a Tung sol in v1 jj.in v2 and sovtek lps in pi.position..left everything else stock.
Sounds great...nice crunch..not too dark..not too bright...singing sustain is there and 34 isn't too thin esp with gain pegged. Not a dramatic difference because this I think this amp generates alot of its gain from power tube saturation esp with lower power settings.

Eventually Ill try el34 as I like it a little squishy..6550 a touch less forgiving