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Sweeter top end?

Alexander

Alexander

Aug 13, 2001
3,359
3,609
Seattle, WA
#1
I've never been able to get a really good, glassy top end out of any of my basses\rigs. Everything seems either nasaly (think playing on the G about 5th-7th fret) or really shrill (above 12th fret) not smooth, clear and sweet as I would like. I have to play with a very soft touch to get anything I would consider usable. I currently play an MIA Jazz through a SABDDI and Aphex Xciter into an SWR SM-500 and Bergantino HT\EX112 cabs. I typically have the tweeter completely off and the highs rolled back a touch. I like more of a classic or old school sound, I suppose so maybe it is just me. I also find the E to be great and the A to be good too, but D and G to be weaker and unbalanced with the other strings.

I'm planning on changing the pickups to SD Antiquity 2s, which I hope will help. I'm wondering what other ideas might be out there, though. Are there any EQ tricks that could help? I feel I have a pretty decent setup, but am open to thoughts on anything that might help.
 
#5
You said you like old school sound. IMO glassy top end and old school classic sound dont work together. In fact when I think old school I think of a rolled off high end. Ive got HT bergs for modern sound and eventually I want one of the NV bergs for a classic sound so I can have the best of both worlds. Maybe the HT berg speakers arent for you... :hmm:
 
#6
I just want a musical sounding top - none of the setups I've tried have given me that (or at least I haven't been able to get it out of my setup). I want an upper register fill to be heard and balanced with the rest of the bassline - without shattering glass...
 
#8
Sounds interesting - a question, though. Assuming I went with one of the 5751s as opposed to the 12AX7, could this cause any potential issues with damaging any of the circuitry (since you're using a different type of tube than the circuit was designed for)? I don't know a lot about this, I'm afraid to say. If I remember correctly, changing the tube also affects the warranty - not that it would keep me from doing it on that alone, but...

Would it be better to replace with a nice 12AX7 (Like Svetlana or JJs, for instance)? Thanks for the help.
 
#9
Alexander said:
Sounds interesting - a question, though. Assuming I went with one of the 5751s as opposed to the 12AX7, could this cause any potential issues with damaging any of the circuitry (since you're using a different type of tube than the circuit was designed for)? I don't know a lot about this, I'm afraid to say. If I remember correctly, changing the tube also affects the warranty - not that it would keep me from doing it on that alone, but...

Would it be better to replace with a nice 12AX7 (Like Svetlana or JJs, for instance)? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

I've been using a 5751 in my SWR SM400-S for the past 5 years.

Zero problems.

Just stay away from Chinese tubes with the SWR.

If it needs warranty service, just pop in your original GT12AX7C. :D

Haven't tested Svetlana or JJs lately.
Couldn't possibly be worse then the stock tube.
 
#10
Thanks for the advice - I should have done a search before asking some stupid questions. Lots of good threads about tube choices out there. I found some Sylvania 5751s on the web ($55 each - ouch), but if they do the trick, they'll be well worth it. I also do want to replace the pups - thanks in large part to your j bass pup review and other reading, I think I'll try the SD Antiquity IIs. I am using D'Addario strings - I am assuming they are nickel, but would have to look back. Is one warmer than the other?
 
#12
Alexander said:
I found some Sylvania 5751s on the web ($55 each - ouch!
Click to expand...

I paid $10 ea. back in 1999.

GE JAN with the Green Print on the glass is worth checking out.
Triple Mica with 'D' shaped getter and your good to go.

EBay has a pair for $35 + shipping.

Less then a 2 GT12AX7M's and will last about 20 years longer.
 
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#14
OK - just wanted to give you guys an update. Stopped and picked up a 12AX7EH - for under ten bucks, I thought it was worth a shot. WOW - what an immediate difference. The shrill highs are gone altogether and the amp sounds warmer and more musical. I still plan to get one of the 5751s as soon as possible - if this EH makes that much difference, I can only imagine what one of those will sound like. I can use the EH as a spare, then... I took the SABDDI out of the loop as now the amp clearly sounds better on its own - I still like having the Aphex in the chain though (for now). Seems to be the same tone, just bigger.

Now if Santa just brings me those Antiquities... ;)
 
#15
One thing you might also try is fiddling with pickup heights. This really can make a HUGE difference.

Oh, to add, as well, mylar film capacitors (for your tone control) usually sound better for clarity and smoothness overall than do ceramics.
 
#17
I don't either. I've been playing now for the last couple of hours and that kept running through my mind. Why does an amp that costs so much not have a better tube? Blows my mind to think something so small (and cheap) can make such a big difference. I've always heard SWR was a sterile sounding amp, blah blah blah... I always liked the underlying character and articulate nature of that amp but would agree it is a bit sterile. Now with just a changed tube it is absolutely not - nice, warm, musical AND with that SWR character and articulation.

Thanks for the advice. I'm one step closer to "my" tone.
 

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