EL-34 tube shootout ... Electro Harmonix versus JJ EL-34

[myles_rose]

Tests were completed on the differences between the EL-34 tubes offered by Electro Harmonix and JJ Electronics.

 

The are considerably different tubes.

 

The results are posted on our website ... just go to the EL-34 link on the main page, and then onto the report dated 3/16/02 for the test results.

 

There is an older link on the results from earlier tests where the Electro Harmonix tube was run through its paces, as well as a text report on that particular tube.

 

Within the text report, there is some information on matching in general, and how various vendors compare in their methods and practices of matching output tubes. This is possibly intesting information to some of you out there if your tone is important.

 

If you have any personal thoughts on either of these tubes, maybe leave a reply here.

 

Regards,

[Barr Plexico]

Myles -

 

Thanks for the information - based on prior advice from you, I have since re-tubed my Fender Champ 12, and Fender Pro Junior, and the difference was not inconsequential. To be honest - before I met you at one of your clinics - I never gave tubes a second thought - silly me.

 

Your postings are much appreciated.

 

-- Barr

[myles_rose]

Originally posted by Barr Plexico:

Myles -

 

Thanks for the information - based on prior advice from you, I have since re-tubed my Fender Champ 12, and Fender Pro Junior, and the difference was not inconsequential. To be honest - before I met you at one of your clinics - I never gave tubes a second thought - silly me.

 

Your postings are much appreciated.

 

-- Barr

Barr,

 

Thanks for the "thanks".

 

I have a lot more information interchange on this subject so far over at the amp forum on Harmony Central ... its a bit more busy over there sometimes. You may want to glance over there on this same subject.

 

I will keep posting.

 

Hang onto your Champ 12 .... there are a lot of tricks that can be done with that amp without doing any changes to the original design that make it a wonder for recording. Actually, you can also use that amp is a live venue too, if you are as limited in your playing style as I am! I use a 5-10 watt amp these days 80+% of the time in live situations. I play mostly blues, so I have the amp at one setting, and basically use my guitar volume control and touch, as my "effects". Its pretty easy to do when you are as stuck in one style as I am ... actually two styles .... blues and 1965-1969 San Francisco acid rock ....

 

I mic the amp (a single open back 12" speaker) with a cheap mic, run into a cheap mixer with its own effects loop with a touch of reverb at times, and then into the house system in bigger places if needed.

 

Your champ is a great amp.

 

Your Pro Jr. is also a real fun amp and will be something you'll have for a lot of years.

 

Myles