Tubes for Music Man HD-130

[ninepoundjammer]

Recently picked up a Music Man HD-130 and finally got it into an amp tech for a going over. He replaced a few caps and got it in good working order. It still had the original Sylvania 6CA7 tubes in it, which the tech recommended babying along as much as possible. But, with all the other issues cleared up, it was pretty obvious that the tubes were going microphonic. Didn't really happen when we tested it with guitar, but for sure on top of my bass cab.

Since I bought this to be a player, I decided it was time for a re-tube. He suggested going with JJ EL34 which he claims he's been putting in these things for years with no trouble. I'm curious what other bass players are putting into their Music Man amps, how they like them, and what kind of life span they're getting from them. My amp tech has never had anyone using a Music Man for bass, so all bets are sort-of off.

I've come across enough statements that there are no "real" 6CA7's being produced anymore to pretty much believe it. Bummer. Found one NOS source charging over $300 for a quartet. Not going to happen. The JJ's sound pretty good, though maybe a bit too punchy and aggressive in the mids where the Sylvanias were a bit smoother. I'll be sure to hang onto those Sylvanias. I've been looking into ways to decouple the amp from the cab vibrations. Now I'm wondering if I should've just stuck with the originals. Oh well, nothing a tube swap and bias can't remedy.

[blendermassacre]

EL34 / 6CA7 Tube Types

I truly love tube depot

[banikek]

I had mine retubed just a couple of years ago by the guys at Savage Audio. They put in JJ's. It sounds great and has held up fine. They did say that that are not as good as NOS tubes but they where better than nothing! If it sounds good to you then it is good.

[ninepoundjammer]

Originally Posted by blendermassacre

EL34 / 6CA7 Tube Types

I truly love tube depot

Yes, but from what I gather none of those new production tubes can really compare to the original tubes. Only thing in the ballpark might be the NOS Mullards or "Holland Made", but you're talking serious cash there. I'm not going to spend more on a set of tubes than I paid for the amp.

[ninepoundjammer]

Originally Posted by banikek

I had mine retubed just a couple of years ago by the guys at Savage Audio. They put in JJ's. It sounds great and has held up fine. They did say that that are not as good as NOS tubes but they where better than nothing! If it sounds good to you then it is good.

Good to hear. It doesn't look like there are really any great options unless you're willing to shell out several hundred for NOS.

[Energy]

JJs are good. go for the E34L - very good for bass. Or try the KT77, which lies somewhere between 6L6 and EL34, soundwise. JJ offers a 6CA7 as well.

[ninepoundjammer]

Originally Posted by Energy

JJs are good. go for the E34L - very good for bass. Or try the KT77, which lies somewhere between 6L6 and EL34, soundwise. JJ offers a 6CA7 as well.

Ooh. Those JJ 6CA7's are new. I didn't know about those. Could be interesting...

[countrybass007]

A buddy of mine uses Ruby Tubes EL34s, and it sounds real good.

[rumblethump]

I've been running mine with Electro Harmonix EL34EH for the past 5 years with great sucess. Although right now I'm looking for replacements. I'm thinking very seriously of trying these. 6CA7 Electro Hamonix Cryo Treated Matched Quad | eBay