ADA Preamps > MP-1 Classic
My Classic is actin' up
Dante:
Okay fellers,
I spun all my cables, got nothing (thank GOD). I went to one of the patches that was sounding crappy at the gig, turned the gains down a bit until I could replicate what I heard there, and saved that patch.
Then, I opened up the Classic, there were the GrooveTube 12ax7r2 tubes in there. Stay away from these toobs...far away.
I swapped them for a Chinese National and a JAN Phillips 5751 and the tone sounded immediately better. Digging around in my toob box, I found the stock no-name tubes that came in my Classic. Just 12AX7 in red letters, no branding at all.
They sound marvelous, I have no idea how old they are, but the National and the JAN are brand new and these old tubes sound way better
Harley Hexxe:
Hey Dante,
It sounds like you found the problem, at least I hope that was it. That's really a shame though about the R-2's.
I remember in the old Forum, I posted a full review of those tubes in the Classic because I loved how they enhanced the low mids and bass response in my Classics, without making the top end too crisp or brittle. Ever since FMIC bought out Groove Tubes, The whole product line has suffered IMHO. It appears they only focus on the tubes they want for the Fender line and associated brands, and let the QC on the rest of the line go to pot. Like you, the last go around I had with the R-2's didn't fare well for too long either, as they were short-lived, and gave similar results to my amp systems as well.
So, the quest goes on for the right tube for the Classic. While I love how the Mullard RI's respond in the MP-2, I'm not sure I would like them in the Classic. The Mullards enhance the upper midrange frequencies as well as the low end, and that's something I don't need in the Classic. That preamp seems to be closer to a Marshall Plexi type tone than anything else, and like a Marshall, it needs help with the low end. I think if I get on the horn with Doug, at Doug's Tubes, I might be able to find what I'm looking for in his stock. ( He likes all of us at the Depot BTW :) )
I'm glad you got the problem out of the way. Now you can strap on your fake beard, and go do the Tube Steak Boogie all night long :thumb-up:
Harley 8)
Dante:
I just got done playing a bit (without my beard) and I gotta tell ya, the stock tubes sound sofa king awesome.
Kim:
--- Quote from: Dante on October 04, 2016, 02:52:12 PM ---I just got done playing a bit (without my beard) and I gotta tell ya, the stock tubes sound sofa king awesome.
--- End quote ---
Those unbranded tubes that seem to come stock in MP-1s were the best, IMO. Sure, one could tube roll some other cool stuff, but straight outta da box the MP-1 seemed to already have the best tubes right in.
Harley Hexxe:
--- Quote from: Dante on October 04, 2016, 02:52:12 PM ---I just got done playing a bit (without my beard) and I gotta tell ya, the stock tubes sound sofa king awesome.
--- End quote ---
I remember the tone well, and remember thinking back then, it would sound better with a bit more bottom end. Since no one knows exactly what the original tubes were, what would you suggest would be a good place to look for replacements when all the original tubes are gone?
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