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Jule Amps Monique part 4

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#701
JimmyM said:
My tube guy in Orlando, who's an insane tube nut who knows everything there is to know about tubes nobody's ever heard of, says that rec tubes are the hardiest and rarely fail. That said, I had one fail on me in my Super Reverb a few years ago ;) But that's the only one I've ever had fail.
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It has been almost two years now since I ran through several bad bunches of Rectifier Tubes from JJ. The failure was always the same - the filaments burned out.

The nastiest part of the above failure was that they got through the 24 hour burn-in and failed for my customers within a week of playing. I shipped replacements around the world. I extended the burn-in time to 48 hours and found 30% to 40% failing. Not good. I did report this to my JJ distributor, but I have never heard that they have changed anything.

I moved to the EH EZ81. Out of hundreds I think only one has quit in the shop, and I may have cracked it myself. None, to my knowledge, of the EH EZ81 rectifiers have failed for my customers.

Had I my druthers, I would use EZ 80 instead of EZ 81 rectifiers in Monique. Alas, nobody makes them. All still available are NOS. There is a playing advantage to the EZ 80 even though it is subtle. It is not capable of putting out the current the EZ81 does, so the end result is a bit more flexible compliance to touch and transitions.

If you are capable of safely doing so, feel free to try other EZ 80 or EZ 81 rectifiers, including NOS. The lower current EZ 80 provides plenty of current for Monique. It should be a fun investigation, and it will in no way cause trouble for Monique.

While I am on the subject of tubes, I've seen some loose clamps inside the ceramic octal sockets used for the 6SL7 tubes in Monique. The tube can quit entirely or just make obnoxious noises when the socket is not holding the tube as it must.

The fix to the above is very easy. WITH NO POWER CORD ATTACHED. Remove both 6SL7 tubes by spreading the "bear trap" clamps. Stick a long pin down each of the eight holes in the socket between the metal clamp and the ceramic wall. This closes down (re-tensions) the clamp and all is good forever on. Don't close them up too much or you will have trouble getting the tube back in.

When the tubes are re-installed, make sure the "bear trap" clamps are touching the metal base or the metal tape wrapped around the base (in the case of Tung Sols). This completes a connection that shields the tubes from noise sources.
 
#702
JimmyM said:
My tube guy in Orlando, who's an insane tube nut who knows everything there is to know about tubes nobody's ever heard of, says that rec tubes are the hardiest and rarely fail. That said, I had one fail on me in my Super Reverb a few years ago ;) But that's the only one I've ever had fail.
Click to expand...

What does a Bass Man need a Super Reverb for? :D
 
#704
B'Boom said:
I have some questions about rectifier tubes 6CA4 / EZ81:

I have the opportunity to order one R.C.A and one Sylvania. I already have the real Mullard and the clone of Mullard (made in Japan in the 80s). Do you think that this purchase will be useful for me or it is better that I preserve my money?
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chadds said:
I rolled some Black plate JAN 1944 RCAs in Monique. The sound change was 3D. The original OEMs aren't bad. I know only an end user can fool with the possible inconsistencies of NOS tubes.

Now to the rectifier. I ended up going back to a brand new EH. Why? Noticeably tighter providing that serious punch that Monique can do. The old English one and the RCA had that sag that guitarists love. You may too if you play slow blues bass licks. Kick up the tempo and the old ones just act all slow. YMMV.
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I ended up with a NOS Mullard EZ81 branded as GE frome the famed Blackburn plant. I concur that the JJ sounds better... Tighter, punchier and more lively.

My V1 is a later era NOS RCA blackplate and my V2 is a 1940's blackplate JAN/NOS RCA that is a bit microphonic and grumbly when in V1, but works fine in V2.
 
#707
Three hours till my Monique is in my possession. It's finally cleared Customs, DHL have the address correct and got it to the right distribution outlet. For the last 5 days I been watching it sit in the distribution warehouse calling to me. Come and get me, come and get me.... Can I hold out for another three hours?
 
#709
basshack said:
Three hours till my Monique is in my possession. It's finally cleared Customs, DHL have the address correct and got it to the right distribution outlet. For the last 5 days I been watching it sit in the distribution warehouse calling to me. Come and get me, come and get me.... Can I hold out for another three hours?
Click to expand...

We can see the activity and lack thereof in the tracking information. Exasperating. Over the years it has become obvious that once it hits Customs, things can get very strange.

I am glad she will be with you soon.
 
#710
juledude said:
We can see the activity and lack thereof in the tracking information. Exasperating. Over the years it has become obvious that once it hits Customs, things can get very strange.

I am glad she will be with you soon.
Click to expand...

Lots of phone calls from me to DHL you don't see trying to get it unstuck. Don't they care that you've spent ages designing the perfect tube preamp and days building it with lots of care and attention so they can just sit it on a shelf "just in case" somebody in Customs changes their mind after I have paid the duties on it. I wonder whether I shouldn't of just jumped on a plane and come to see you in person and take it home as hand luggage. (Rant over)

But yes the DHL courier usually delivers stuff to our office in around 40 minutes time. Then it's off home to the practice room and :bassist::hyper:

I've been keeping your other Melbourne customer Michael up to date with my trials so that he doesn't get too excited too quickly. Funny how there are two of us, who live very close, decided on these units at a week apart without knowing each other was doing it.
 
#714
tombowlus said:
If we don't hear from him in an hour, someone call the Aussie equivalent of 9-1-1 and warn them of a possible cardiac arrest. :smug: :p :D
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:)

It was almost that. By the time I got down to the front the truck had gone and the only parcel was some parts on the front desk. Then I hear a giggle from the back of the office and one of the guys who knows I've been hanging out for the delivery has grabbed it and had hidden it under his desk.

Well like 99.99% of you with one of these little bundles of tubey joy I didn't want to go to bed last night or go to work today having left instruments unplayed through this amazing preamp. I don't think I can explain in the proper words how good this thing is. It certainly lives up to the hype that I've read here and I am so happy I came in early this morning so I could leave early and get some more time on it before heading out to dinner tonight with my Dad. Probably just an entree size meal then back home again. Tried everything but the Azola last night so it's getting a go this afternoon. Maybe Dad won't be hungry later, he won't miss me too much....

Jule, I've only spent half an evening with it but it's all that you promised and I love it. Thank you so much, I can't wait to gig with it.
 
#716
basshack said:
:)

It was almost that. By the time I got down to the front the truck had gone and the only parcel was some parts on the front desk. Then I hear a giggle from the back of the office and one of the guys who knows I've been hanging out for the delivery has grabbed it and had hidden it under his desk.

Well like 99.99% of you with one of these little bundles of tubey joy I didn't want to go to bed last night or go to work today having left instruments unplayed through this amazing preamp. I don't think I can explain in the proper words how good this thing is. It certainly lives up to the hype that I've read here and I am so happy I came in early this morning so I could leave early and get some more time on it before heading out to dinner tonight with my Dad. Probably just an entree size meal then back home again. Tried everything but the Azola last night so it's getting a go this afternoon. Maybe Dad won't be hungry later, he won't miss me too much....

Jule, I've only spent half an evening with it but it's all that you promised and I love it. Thank you so much, I can't wait to gig with it.
Click to expand...

I'm eager to hear of your experience with your Azola! Any chance you'll be posting clips? :)
 
#719
We all need to get together and figure out a proper response for your associate who hid her from you.

I am so very glad you are pleased. I think I'm going to stop building and wander around listening - after I've filled the orders.

basshack said:
:)

It was almost that. By the time I got down to the front the truck had gone and the only parcel was some parts on the front desk. Then I hear a giggle from the back of the office and one of the guys who knows I've been hanging out for the delivery has grabbed it and had hidden it under his desk.

Well like 99.99% of you with one of these little bundles of tubey joy I didn't want to go to bed last night or go to work today having left instruments unplayed through this amazing preamp. I don't think I can explain in the proper words how good this thing is. It certainly lives up to the hype that I've read here and I am so happy I came in early this morning so I could leave early and get some more time on it before heading out to dinner tonight with my Dad. Probably just an entree size meal then back home again. Tried everything but the Azola last night so it's getting a go this afternoon. Maybe Dad won't be hungry later, he won't miss me too much....

Jule, I've only spent half an evening with it but it's all that you promised and I love it. Thank you so much, I can't wait to gig with it.
Click to expand...
 
#720
Tomservo-Crow said:
Man this thread is not helping my GAS.
I want one of these so bad, and Jule being a local guy (I live in Scotts Valley) I want one even more to support the local little shop.
just gotta save up some scratch...
gonna be a while :-(
Click to expand...

Locals can gain admittance if they have a (warm) burrito from Tacos Moreno in hand.

Come on over and play. That costs nothing. :cool:
 
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