Selecting vintage EI ecc83/12ax7 tubes
I have an interesting collection of vintage and antique preamp tubes, which I consider crucial to the final sound of an amp (as do the power amp tubes, although they require bias adjustment while the preamp tubes don’t). Depending on the amp model and tube model, the final sound of an amp can be much better shaped, improving nuances, definition, gain, and so on, achieving a much more inspiring sound.
I have some of them for sale, for example the RFT or EI ecc83 models. As I decide to sell other tubes, I will post them as well.
In this case, it was a pair of EI tubes that a client purchased. To test that they work and sound correctly, I test them in the same position on an amp, in this case my ’66 Vox AC50 JMI from the Backline section. I have the same model of tubes mounted on it because I think they are the ones that best capture its original sound.
It’s important to note that these are vintage, used tubes in good working order, and not all of them will be at 100%, although they will certainly contribute their tone to the final sound. In any case, tubes that sound good and trouble-free will be chosen. I prefer, and in fact, use vintage, used tubes over new tubes almost always, if not always. In many cases, even microphone tubes, which, while not the most suitable for use in combo amps, I see no problem with using them in heads or preamps.
In this case, the purchase was made online, but I also offer the service of coming to test a specific amp on-site and deciding which tubes a customer prefers under the Vintage Gear Tour initiative.
