Hi Myles
I have a Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12...60w 3-channel. I've been playing it with the factory tubes and have been pretty happy with it. The 6L6's in th epower section were groove tubes with "Fender" also painted on them. They also had the "B" notation...whatever that means.
Anyway...the amp received a nasty blow this weekend which broke off the protective panel on the back (which was not reinforced to the body in any way) and broke the 6L6 power tubess off at the base. I got all the pieces out and replaced them with a pair of Sovteks that I bought from a salesman who knew even less about them than I do.
For example, I asked him in all earnestness (based on my limited knowledge) "are these tubes matched?" to which he held them up to the light and said "Sure...look at 'em. They're the same."
Anyway...the amp cranked back up and volumes sound relatively comparable but one thing I noticed was that on my rhythm channel (the first level distortion) I now had to turn it up to, say, 6 in order to get a comparable tone that I used to get on 4. I thought this strange because I figured the 12ax7's were responsible for the distortion levels. Does this sound like a likely scenario or am I imagining it? Why would that happen?
Also, as long as I'm replacing bitz on the amp, what tubes have you found most agreeable with the DeVille? I usually prefer a full boomy clean and a light/mid distorted rhythm channel. I don't use the lead channel much unless I want lots of sustain for short bursts. I mostly play classic-style hard rock with a Strat, and I really have enjoyed the growly sound of the DeVille so far.
Thanks!
