Preamp Tube Replacement on Traynor YBA200

[tomas_almeida]

Hello TB!

I currently own a Traynor YBA 200-2 head (with KT88 on the power section) and although I do like the tone of the head I'm having some problems with it.
The main problem I'm having is with clean headroom, the amp starts to overdrive too soon for me to be able to push the volume so that I can compete with the two guitarrists in my band. The other problem is taming the high end. I've read many threads regarding changing preamp tubes in this head and I've made my mind up to it. However, I have some doubts in which I'd like people to help me.

1 - How is the procedure of changing a preamp tube? Do I need certain tools for it (except the obivous ones to be able to access the amp's insides)?

2 - Would a 12AT7 suit my purposes or would it have too lower gain (and so a 5751 be better for the purpose)?

3 - Would one tube be enough? And if so would it be better on V1 or V2?


Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[disssa]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150395

 

[tomas_almeida]

Thanks for the link but it doesn't quite answer my questions, it just gives a perpective from someone who also did some tube swapping. But thanks anyway, I'm going to read it throughly.

 

[disssa]

The Change of the Preamp-Tube is not a problem, it is very simpel. Just open the little grid on the side "above" with a screw-driver. Then loose the screws from the plate, that hold the tubes. Now you can change the 3 preamp tubes. No more tools are needed.

 

[tomas_almeida]

Thanks a lot for the information, it was very helpful.

So, any more inputs?

 

[Pilgrim]

If you think the tubes are failing, then unless you have more than 5,000 hours on the preamp tubes, chances are 999 out of 1000 that it is NOT the tubes.

If you simply want a different sound, you'll have to spend time searching for threads that talk about effects of different tubes. I doubt it will make a big difference. But don't forget that after people make a change in their equipment, they are fully capable of hearing any result they WANT to hear, regardless of whether there is any difference or not. The human mind is a powerful tool.

That said, tubes aren't that expensive. Get what you want, consult your owner's manual and change 'em out...just make sure to line up the pins while inserting them.