No breakup - should I replace tube?

A lot of times the warm gooey breakup people associate with tube amps happens at the power stage of the amplifier. Since the TV15 features a solid state power amp, you won't be able to get the signature overdrive sound that a vintage Bassman would produce. I would expect that the tube preamp is more for a warm tone (in theory) than for overdrive.

 

Try a new high gain preamp tube.

 

hmm you're right... perhaps it would be worth while to switch out the tube. There are a lot of different choices out there... maybe someone who also owns the amp and has played around with different tubes will chime in.
Wish I could be of more help!

 

If the tube doesn't want to break up maybe you should try to work things out. There's obviously a lot going for your relationship if the tube is trying so hard not to let you go. Of course, it could turn into a fatal attraction kind of thing and nobody wants that. Good luck. Relationships can be hard.

 

Be sure the volume on the bass is wide open. Raise the pickups closer to the strings.

 

It is possible, tubes can and do go weak.

 

I think you are hearing the mic clipping ? I had the dual ten worst amp I've ever heard I bought it based on that video Ed did and I returned it the same day. I think the only way you can do it is to get a tube preamp pedal like a Tube Works Blue Tube pedal they are inexpensive and really respond well to different tubes.

 

Get a pedal. Not all amps are designed to be over driven. A pedal is designed to be over driven.

 

+1 & many passive basses are louder than many active basses. My passive Telecaster bass has far higher output than any active bass I've ever used.
But, I think that amp's really only designed for a mild overdrive, but if u can't get that, perhaps a higher gain tube-tho it's probly already got a 12ax7 in it, so you'd have to find a higher gain 12ax7 I s'pose.
I know (Fender's) "Groove Tubes" have a numbering/colour code starting the gain "level". Maybe others, but, again, I know nuthink!

 

I would pull out the stock Groove Tube 12ax7 and drop in a good tube.
One of my favorites that doesn't cost a fortune is the Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 Gold Pin. I have them in all my 12ax7 sockets.

 

Are you using the active input or something? I only played one of them once, but I remember it being pretty easy to get distortion out of it with a Precision.

 

I was able to get overdrive from the TV 15, but I was playing an active MM bass. It might be tougher with a passive instrument.