Stanimal

Thanks Myles. Under bias would be a lower number at the test point than a higher number? You 'da man! Stan

Hi Myles, Thanks again for you help getting the SAG-12AX7-M MPI for my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I now have the GT 12AX7-M in V1 and V2, and the MPI in V3. The amp sounds great - warm, fuzzy, articulate, and the More Drive channel is actually useful now, although I mostly use pedals for OD and distortion. Never one to be satisfied, I am now wondering about the optimal bias setting for my power tubes. I put a set of GT 6L6C's with a hardness rating of 4 in to replace the original issue GT 6L6B red label. I lost a little clean headroom, which is OK. Is there a 'best' bias setting for these tubes to have them performing at their optimum, and if so, what is it? I have a digital multimeter, so I can use that and the bias test point. I think Fender factory recommend is 60ma at the bias test point, while some say 68 or higher is best. I don't really want to chance burning up my tubes by constantly changing the bias setting. Can you advise me on this? Thanks Stan

Cool. Thanks again Myles!

Myles, I went ahead and ordered a SAG-12AX7-MPI from the GT web site, to be used as the phase inverter (V3) in my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. Will I need to rebias my power tubes when the MPI goes in???? Thanks Again! Stan

OK. I think I'll keep looking for a balanced tube for my phase inverter. Thank you.

Myles - Just to follow up, our friends at Guitar Center did not have any of the SAG/MPI tubes. I ended up getting a GT-12AX7C. I was surprised by the Silver Series designation and the grey silk screening on the tube. I was expecting Red paint like all my other GT's and Gold Series packaging. I hope it ends up being a good tube. On the plus side, it was only $8.99. Thanks again! Stan

Thank you Myles. I'll go to Guitar Center today and see if they have any matched 12AX7's. (I've got a gift card there that I need to use up). Stan

Hello Myles, I use a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp. I recently bought a GT 12AX7M preamp tube and tried it out in each position (V1, V2, V3). I liked the different tones I got when it was in V1 and V2, so I bought another one! Now my amp has the GT 12AX7 M in V1 and V2, and an EH 12AX7 in V3. Sounds really good with my Vintage Noiseless loaded Strat. I'm curious about the V3 tube now. Can you advise me on a good tube choice for V3 (I think it is the phase inverter?) for best amp performance and tone? I'm not opposed to buying and trying several different tubes, but I don't know where to start. Thanks!