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Tube Works - Blue Tube vs. Real Tube *Looking for warmth without OD and still bright*

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Jim C, Apr 28, 2019.

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  1. Apr 28, 2019 #1
    Jim C

    Jim C I believe in the trilogy; Fender, Stingray, + G&L Supporting Member

    Nov 29, 2008
    Bethesda, MD
    I'm looking for a pedal to "warm up" tone for a few songs.
    SWR amp is perfect for 90% of the set but could use: warmth, harmonic enrichment, other meaningless description here_____.

    Not distorion or overdrive; more like an SVT CL set clean; it's not just roll off the treble but thicker in a non-EQ way.

    Seems like One Control Silver Peg, or Green Hooker, maybe Linden pedal could work???

    I had a Blue Tube years ago that I didn't care for but also didn't spend a ton of time with.

    Is there a difference between the Blue and Real pedals, and, would either one be a good choice?
    Is this reqest unreasonable without trying them in person?
     
  2. Apr 28, 2019 #2
    Freightshaker

    Freightshaker

    Aug 8, 2013
    Metro Detroit
    I've got the Blue and Real Tube. I don't like the sound of the Real tube at all on bass. It's a mild to mid gain pedal, too many better options for mild bass drive.

    I put an old GE 12AU7 in the Blue tube which made the range of the gain knob useable. It's a subtle and pleasing warmth. With a 12ax7, it goes in to fart too quickly.
     
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  3. Apr 30, 2019 #3
    johnk_10

    johnk_10 vintage bass nut Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 16, 2008
    Washington, Utah
    John K Custom Basses
    i have both, and i prefer the blue tube.
     
  4. Apr 30, 2019 #4
    Sid the Kid

    Sid the Kid Supporting Member

    Jun 7, 2013
    Illinois
    I use a Basswitch Sonic Spark to add harmonic texture to my clinical sounding Markbass Alain Caron combo. I am a big fan of the pedal and it works perfectly for what you are describing, IMHO. It takes some tweaking but you can dial in great bright and deep SVT tones and some cool darker woody tones as well. More extreme settings can very slightly break up, lower settings add just the right amount of extra. It has a blend that works really well at keeping the lows beefy and it sends a hot buffered signal to the next in line.

    They aren’t giving them away, but you probably won’t want to turn it off if you get one. I treasure mine.
     
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