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Jule Amps Monique part 5

#2,122
image.jpeg
I'd like to see a version of Monique 700/1400 in a classic tolex enclosure. Maybe inspired by the Brenda K. model.
 
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#2,123
Recently bought a dovecage from the classifieds here on TB. When it landed at my door the tubes were done so, Jule makes sure I get replacements at no charge. I'm sure glad he did cause this thing is incredible. The tones are intense. I thought it would be a one trick kinda thing but this amp runs the gamut. The eq is so great, each band does exactly what you'ld want it to. And the sesnsativity-I love how it reacts with the eq.
I've used it on a few sessions now and the engineers are stunned at how good Monique sounds. I won't record without her now. Thank you Jule!!!
 
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#2,124
icebox said:
Recently bought a dovecage from the classifieds here on TB. When it landed at my door the tubes were done so, Jule makes sure I get replacements at no charge. I'm sure glad he did cause this thing is incredible. The tones are intense. I thought it would be a one trick kinda thing but this amp runs the gamut. The eq is so great, each band does exactly what you'ld want it to. And the sesnsativity-I love how it reacts with the eq.
I've used it on a few sessions now and the engineers are stunned at how good Monique sounds. I won't record without her now. Thank you Jule!!!
Click to expand...

Interested in how/why the tubes would be done. Usually preamp tubes don't have the same limited life of power tubes...
 
#2,125
Some tubes have G-Force ratings on their data sheets. In general, they are pretty tough. Sometimes, simply reseating the tubes after shipment can make a difference.

But things can happen such as broken internal welds. Some tubes have fine wires that run from the glass bottle and are soldered to the base pins. Those solder joints can be bad and cold weather can affect them. Where these wires pass through the glass, a leak can cause loss of vacuum. This is indicated by a while powdery look inside the bottle. These failures can occur due to temperature or rough handling during shipping.

The tubes may have been simply worn out. With a used amp, you never know how many hours they were in service.

Jule is clearly standing behind his product. By replacing the tubes, it eliminates the possibility that there is an issue with the amp. In general, if ever there is an issue with a tube amp, swapping out the tubes one at a time, starting at the first preamp is a good way to diagnose what is going on.
 
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#2,127
icebox said:
By done I mean microphonic. Probably broken in transit??... All good now though!
Click to expand...

If the grey mica insulators that touch the glass are damaged in transit, it could result in a microphonic tube. Attached is an image of a bad JJ tube, the mica does not even contact the glass in places. The Philips tube does not have this issue. Not 6SL7 tubes but you can see what I mean. Much easier in person though.


mica spacers good.jpg




mica spacers bad.gif
 
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#2,128
beans-on-toast said:
Some tubes have G-Force ratings on their data sheets. In general, they are pretty tough. Sometimes, simply reseating the tubes after shipment can make a difference.

But things can happen such as broken internal welds. Some tubes have fine wires that run from the glass bottle and are soldered to the base pins. Those solder joints can be bad and cold weather can affect them. Where these wires pass through the glass, a leak can cause loss of vacuum. This is indicated by a while powdery look inside the bottle. These failures can occur due to temperature or rough handling during shipping.

The tubes may have been simply worn out. With a used amp, you never know how many hours they were in service.

Jule is clearly standing behind his product. By replacing the tubes, it eliminates the possibility that there is an issue with the amp. In general, if ever there is an issue with a tube amp, swapping out the tubes one at a time, starting at the first preamp is a good way to diagnose what is going on.
Click to expand...

I generally see so many people getting new tube gear and investing in new tubes...whether they need it or not. I sort of think it's the 'start fresh' thing rather than any real need. Although I too obviously have suffered from mechanical failures over the years in different tube settings.
 
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#2,130
BurningSkies said:
I generally see so many people getting new tube gear and investing in new tubes...whether they need it or not. I sort of think it's the 'start fresh' thing rather than any real need. Although I too obviously have suffered from mechanical failures over the years in different tube settings.
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It never hurts to have a good set of spare tubes on hand.

It's expensive but I like to keep a gold standard on hand for debugging. A set of known to be good tubes that is just for testing.
 
#2,132
beans-on-toast said:
It never hurts to have a good set of spare tubes on hand.

It's expensive but I like to keep a gold standard on hand for debugging. A set of known to be good tubes that is just for testing.
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Whelp, I do have a spare set now that's been tested/burned in to spec. :) Takes a serious bit of load off my worries, not because tube amps are more prone than others, but because I have had singularly bad luck as of recent when it comes to failures. Just having a small box with a full set of each of the Monique's tubes (rectifier, V2&2 and output driving tube) makes me feel better. While the Monique isn't necessarily the easiest switch tubes in the field, I can get in and out in 15 minutes if given the chance.
 
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#2,133
icebox said:
I wouldn't have noticed accept I put my coffee cup down on the same table Monique was sitting on and heard it thru my headphones. Tapped on the cage of the amp and yep, microphonic.
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I believe that 6SL7's due to their design are also probably prone to microphonics. I've got a box full of various vintage 6SL7's, including some of the true Russian coldwar issue, and American/European ones, and most failed the tap test on tryout.
 
#2,134
Greetings All!!

Next year I'll be changing my rig around a bit, and a Dovecage/M700 is really high on my list of amps to try. Has anyone tried a Monique/M700 (or Minnie) setup with DNA cabs? A Monique/M700 > DNA 2x10 x2 would be the setup I'm considering.

Thoughts? Experiences? Pros/Cons? other cab suggestions?

...for reference, I'm currently running a GK MBF500 > Avatar 2x10.
 
#2,135
No comment on the cabs as I haven't used them but the Monique will be pretty different to the MBF500. Not different in a bad way at all. I'd say Monique will be darker and not have as much treble, and a different feel in the low end.

I played GK for years and still love their sound. The Monique is equally great but a little more enveloping.
 
#2,136
5string_phunk said:
Greetings All!!
Next year I'll be changing my rig around a bit, and a Dovecage/M700 is really high on my list of amps to try. Has anyone tried a Monique/M700 (or Minnie) setup with DNA cabs? A Monique/M700 > DNA 2x10 x2 would be the setup I'm considering.
Thoughts? Experiences? Pros/Cons? other cab suggestions?
...for reference, I'm currently running a GK MBF500 > Avatar 2x10.
Click to expand...

I don't have experience with the DNA cabs. I will say that Monique works great with the cabs that I have. Currently, I am gigging Monique with a pair of AudioKinesis Hathor 1203 cabs. They work great with Monique. I also occasionally gig with a pair of Aguilar GS112 cabs. Although my taste for cabs has changed over the years, I still keep the Aguilar GS cabs around since they are great cabs (although a little mid scooped).

Personally, I think Monique will work great with the cabs you choose. I would suggest doing some homework on the cabs you are considering. Lots of great choices: AudioKinesis, Bergantino, Baer, as well as others.

I ordered my H1203 cabs without ever playing through them. I made my decision based on user sound clips here on TB, as well as the description of the cabs characteristics (again from TB users as well as Duke, owner of AK). I couldn't be happier.
 
#2,139
Dave W said:
No comment on the cabs as I haven't used them but the Monique will be pretty different to the MBF500. Not different in a bad way at all. I'd say Monique will be darker and not have as much treble, and a different feel in the low end.

I played GK for years and still love their sound. The Monique is equally great but a little more enveloping.
Click to expand...

dmrogers said:
I don't have experience with the DNA cabs. I will say that Monique works great with the cabs that I have. Currently, I am gigging Monique with a pair of AudioKinesis Hathor 1203 cabs. They work great with Monique. I also occasionally gig with a pair of Aguilar GS112 cabs. Although my taste for cabs has changed over the years, I still keep the Aguilar GS cabs around since they are great cabs (although a little mid scooped).

Personally, I think Monique will work great with the cabs you choose. I would suggest doing some homework on the cabs you are considering. Lots of great choices: AudioKinesis, Bergantino, Baer, as well as others.

I ordered my H1203 cabs without ever playing through them. I made my decision based on user sound clips here on TB, as well as the description of the cabs characteristics (again from TB users as well as Duke, owner of AK). I couldn't be happier.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the responses! The reason I'm going with DNA cabs are a) I've always found they accurately reproduce what is put in and b) I already own one DNA 2x10, that I found used here in Nashville for a steal, and I'm just waiting on replacement drivers since the originals were blown at an rig sharing gig this past fall...lessons were learned that day! :D

It'll probably be later in the year before I take the plunge and buy a new amp, but a Monique/M700 is up at the very top of the list!!
 
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