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Dying Preamp Tubes?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Greyvagabond, Jun 24, 2008.

  1. Jun 24, 2008 #1
    Greyvagabond

    Greyvagabond

    Aug 17, 2007
    I recently bought an Ampeg SVT-100, a rare amp that is apparently a v5 retuned for Bass. It has three original GE 12ax7 preamp tubes, but I can't quite get enough gain out of them with my Squire VM P-bass. Do you think they are dying? I can literally peg the Pre-volume at 10, and there is the faintest hint of breakup, but I like a tad more. Anybody have any suggestions on some new, good 12ax7s? Maybe something higher-gain?
    Thanks!
    Mark
     
  2. Jun 24, 2008 #2
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I don't know...I doubt you'll get any more breakup out of new tubes. Actually, you would most likely get the same or less. And a 12AX7 with higher gain is no longer a 12AX7.
     
  3. Jun 25, 2008 #3
    Psycho Bass Guy

    Psycho Bass Guy Inactive

    Mar 9, 2000
    The hills of Tennessee
    That's not a tube issue. The amp needs work. The 12AX7 is about as high gain a tube as you can get.
     
  4. Jun 25, 2008 #4
    Bassmec

    Bassmec

    May 9, 2008
    Ipswich UK
    Proprietor Springvale Studios
    Mullard CV4004 are a direct higher gain equivalent but getting them is not easy as the tube hifi boys will kill for them which is odd cos they do dirty great as well.
    :ninja: