Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: tubesornothing on March 06, 2011, 06:18:38 pm

Title: JJ EL84s
Post by: tubesornothing on March 06, 2011, 06:18:38 pm
I have been stocking my 18watters with JJ EL84s.  I like the sound, they can handle a little higher voltage and they are reliable.

However,  an amp came back the other day because of this tinkling sound when playing at bedroom volumes.  After a lot of work and swapping tubes I tracked it down to ALL of my JJ el84 tubes.  It really shows up when playing the 4/5 string past the 12th fret.

Anyone else ever notice this?
Title: Re: JJ EL84s
Post by: Jack1962 on March 07, 2011, 04:31:12 am
I havn't noticed that but I have noticed that about 50% of the JJ's I have bought over the past year have been bad .
Title: Re: JJ EL84s
Post by: Leevi on March 07, 2011, 10:34:30 am
I have noticed that at least once with the JJ EL84 tubes.
It came up with a certain note only.
/Leevi
Title: Re: JJ EL84s
Post by: LooseChange on March 07, 2011, 11:44:46 am
Are you using these tubes in a combo or head?  Combo's create all sorts of problems due to vibrations.
Title: Re: JJ EL84s
Post by: jojokeo on March 08, 2011, 03:53:14 am
However,  an amp came back the other day because of this tinkling sound when playing at bedroom volumes.  After a lot of work and swapping tubes I tracked it down to ALL of my JJ el84 tubes.  It really shows up when playing the 4/5 string past the 12th fret.

Anyone else ever notice this?

Can you describe this "tinkling sound" a little more in detail please?
Title: Re: JJ EL84s
Post by: jeff on March 08, 2011, 02:29:06 pm
Are you using these tubes in a combo or head?  Combo's create all sorts of problems due to vibrations.

I agree. I struggled with this myself. Take the head out of the cab and see if you still hear it. Although usally it's more pronounced when the amp is louder.