GB Shuttle 6.0 Tube Swap - done it/do it?

6810 · #1 08-21-2008, 08:04 AM

Ok, so I've read it a few times around here.

People swapping out the tube in the GB 6.0 pre-amp.

So who has actually done it/intends to do it?

I'm interested as to whether this would make any difference in sound?

SO, would it?

If so, how? How has your tone changed?

What are the basic properties/advantages/disadvantages of some other others for the specific purpose of swapping the pre in the 6.0?

1kinal · #2 08-21-2008, 11:26 AM

I did replaced the tube in my 6.0 with a JJ/Tesla ECC83S.

While I didn't really tried the before/after, I hear the tube swap as totally positive. It may be in my mind, but I feel the sound to be more even, with better string-to-string balance. And that's at low volume in my appartment. I'll get a better idea on the gig Saturday.

I'd recommend to do it. It doesn't cost a lot ($10), takes about 5 minutes and can improve an already wonderful sounding amp.

I've had my Shuttle since 5 months and continue to be amazed by this product. It's loud enough for most of my gigs and while the weight is great, the most important factor for me is the sound. It does sound great, no matter the weight.

6810 · #3 08-21-2008, 04:15 PM

Hey, thanks for that.

What about anyone else?

eshears · #4 08-25-2008, 10:42 AM

I just put in a JJ ECC83S as well. Keep in mind that I don't have a cab right now, so my observations are through headphones. I had the EQ flat, filters off, and set the Gain so that the Input LED lit up when I dug in a bit. Here are my observations after the swap:

I seemed to have more clean gain. Playing with the same attack as before, the Input LED was not lighting up. When I really, really dug in hard, the Input LED was just barely winking.
I turned up the Gain a couple of clicks so that the Input LED was blinking the same as before the tube swap. When I dug in enough for it to light up, I thought that the lower strings sounded a bit clearer and there was better string-to-string balance.
When I cranked the Gain, the overdrive was a touch smoother IMO.

tallboybass · #5 09-11-2008, 09:27 PM

Hi, dragging this one out again to see if any more folks have tried swapping tubes on this little beast.

The Diaper Geni · #6 09-18-2008, 07:37 AM

Just got a couple of tubes in the mail yeterday. I tried the JJ CC803s and JJ ECC83s.

Couple of things to keep in mind:
--I was skeptical of any big differences in tone due to a tube swap.
--I don't consider myself to have "sensitive" ears.
--Generally I prefer a clean, clear, slightly compressed tone.
--Been playing a Skyline Scheff with Barts, and the Shuttle is going through two Bag End S15-D's.

Keeping all this in mind, I was surprised by the difference in tone produced by the tube swap. Both the JJ's had a more even sound from top to bottom.

Bigger bottom and less upper mids/treble. The bottom is especially nice: Full and round and more three-dimensional. I think the type of bottom that will be present in a live mix but not be muddy.

The JJ's also had less tube "breakup" (for lack of a better term) as the Gain was cranked. Or, maybe the breakup was more subtle? Not sure.

I settled on the ECC83s. Just slightly more "full" sounding than the CC803s with my rig.

Of course, IMHO/IMO/etc applies. And will the "big diffs" I hear in my basement be present on the bandstand? Only time will tell.

But for, what: $10-$15 a tube? I think it's worth the swap. And hey, let's face it. New stuff is fun!!

muse · #7 09-18-2008, 08:59 AM

+1.
I can't proove it did something but I feel like it did a lot.
I would probably call the new sound smoother, and more
polished. (JJ ecc83s).

The Diaper Geni · #8 09-18-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muse

+1.
I can't proove it did something but I feel like it did a lot.
I would probably call the new sound smoother, and more
polished. (JJ ecc83s).

That pretty much sums it up for me, too. Good choice of words!

MikeBass · #9 09-18-2008, 09:40 AM

I gotta stay out of this place and stop listening to you guys.....
Picking up a ECC83S today and gonna swap out the stock tube.

Leaving tomorrow for a few gigs in the S. East (W.Virgina area), so I'll let you guys know what I find between the two.

Basically it's a 12AX7 that runs hotter from what our local tube guru (Bruce Egnater) tells me.

Going to get one for the 12AX7 in my GT tube DI as well. See what that does.

Gotta stay out of here.......

tallboybass · #10 09-18-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muse

+1.
I can't proove it did something but I feel like it did a lot.
I would probably call the new sound smoother, and more
polished. (JJ ecc83s).

Well, I've got one of these laying around from a WalkAbout tube swap that never happened, as well as a Tungsol and an E-H 12AX7. Heck, I'm not even sure I want to change the sound of the amp....but boredom does creep in.

MichaelVee · #11 09-18-2008, 11:04 AM

I might try this also. Is there anybody that sells the JJ ECC83s with free or reasonably cheap shipping?

I want to order one from Butch Ammons, but his only shipping method is USPS Priority Mail for $5.80. I don't need anything else from Bayou Cables, and I hate to pay that much to mail a little bitty tube.

kaiser_sosea · #12 09-18-2008, 11:12 AM

i think thats a pretty good price from Butch, even with shipping. When I order power and pre tubes i use dougstubes.com
However, it's been a while so i'm not sure on their shipping

The Diaper Geni · #13 09-19-2008, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVee

I might try this also. Is there anybody that sells the JJ ECC83s with free or reasonably cheap shipping?

I want to order one from Butch Ammons, but his only shipping method is USPS Priority Mail for $5.80. I don't need anything else from Bayou Cables, and I hate to pay that much to mail a little bitty tube.

I got mine from Butch, but ordered some other stuff as well.

Oh, and MV: Glad I didn't sell the BE's!!

MikeBass · #14 09-19-2008, 08:31 PM

well I just did it.
From what I can tell it does make the sound little more "wide" if you will.
And it doesn't seem to break up as much either.

gregbackstrom · #15 09-19-2008, 08:41 PM

I did the JJ ECC83 too. I think the sound is a little hotter and a little fuller. It would be so much work to properly A/B two tubes in the same amp that I'm just giving you my "impression."

Greg

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6810

Ok, so I've read it a few times around here.

People swapping out the tube in the GB 6.0 pre-amp.

So who has actually done it/intends to do it?

I'm interested as to whether this would make any difference in sound?

SO, would it?

If so, how? How has your tone changed?

What are the basic properties/advantages/disadvantages of some other others for the specific purpose of swapping the pre in the 6.0?

**Ukiah Bass** · #16 09-23-2008, 06:24 PM

I installed a JJ ECC83s and immediately noticed the tone was more round, full and polished. I like it. I ordered the option of having it tested for noise and microphonics in addition to the standard high gain balanced test. Figured it wouldn't hurt on the DI signal for recording, even though that one has worked like a champ fo me. Total cost incl Fedex was $17.90 from tubedepot.com. This one's a no brainer. The swap took five minutes. Just be sure you've got a phillips screwdriver that exactly fits the tiny screws. If it's too small, you'll strip the heads. Don't know if it makes a difference, but I elected to handle the tubes with a handkerchief to avoid having fingers touch the glass.

Kenny Allyn · #17 09-23-2008, 06:50 PM

Very positive change ...

Went to a vintage Telefunken diamond bottom long plate and it really made the amp bloom!

... Try a swap you may like it

dean owens · #18 09-23-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ukiah Bass

I installed a JJ ECC83s ... Don't know if it makes a difference, but I elected to handle the tubes with a handkerchief to avoid having fingers touch the glass.

with tubes it doesn't matter. you can touch 'em all you want. just make sure they're not hot. they do burn - especially larger power tubes. the only thing to "worry" about with tubes is you shouldn't transport them hot. so normally with a tube amp you give it a few min off before you move it. but with only a preamp tube that doesn't get that hot and is relatively cheap to replace i wouldn't worry about that at all.

if you guys are noticing differences with the jj's you should check out some other tubes. nos rca's are some great sounding ax7's. you can also sub in 12at7 and 12ay7's and see how those go. they have less voltage gain and will change the character of the amp. have fun.

dean owens · #19 09-23-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny Allyn

Very positive change ...

Went to a vintage Telefunken diamond bottom long plate and it really made the amp bloom!

... Try a swap you may like it

if you send me that tube when (if) i get a shuttle i'll gladly confirm for the crowd what that tube does. and i won't even charge you for it

**Ukiah Bass** · #20 09-24-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny Allyn

Very positive change ...

Went to a vintage Telefunken diamond bottom long plate and it really made the amp bloom!

... Try a swap you may like it

For $700 bucks, it better bloom! The tube costs as much as the amp!

Seriously, what distinction will a $700 tube bring to the the table?