PDA

View Full Version : Pignose G40V Tube Swap-Out?

Jones
08-07-2007, 08:12 AM
Hello, all,

I just ordered a Pignose G40V 40-watt tube amp to use with my Strat, and I've seen a fair number of people on the Internet commenting about changing the speaker and tubes to improve the sound.

It has two 6L6 tubes, and three 12AX7 tubes, all Chinese as I understand it.

Has anyone here messed with swapping out the tubes on this amp? Any recommendations on what tubes are good for different tones?

Thanks for any advice.

Jones.
rockon1
08-07-2007, 03:08 PM
Cant say I have. However after playing thru a new amp for a bit the first thing I do is try different pre amp tubes. I keep a bunch of various old stock(and new production) 12AX7's around just for the occasion. Different brands have certain characteristics-bright ,darker,earlier break up etc.If an amp is to bright Ill try a known "darker" tube or viceversa.However the bottom line is how they interact with the amp. Wait till you have an idea of what the amp sounds like and go from there. Sorry I cant be more helpful. Bob
Jones
08-08-2007, 05:35 AM
Thank you Bob. I can't wait to start messing with it!
GaryT
08-09-2007, 04:03 PM
My suggestion for first modifications would be to get rid of that horrible little speaker. Put in a Celestion 10, or a Weber, or one of the new Emi line.

Or, better yet, run it thru a 2/12 or 4/12. That is what I am doing with mine. Actually turned it into a little head, and am running thru an Avatar 2/12. Improved tone dramatically.

I have also been experimenting with different preamp tubes. I haven't really noticed any of them making much of a difference in tone, but, one thing I have noticed. The mid knob has the ability to render the bass and treble controls ineffective. If I turn the mids above 3 or so, the bass and treble controls have almost no effect on tone/output. I usually set the tone controls by turning mids all the way down, adjust bass and treble, then bring the mids up a hair just to fill it in a little. Never above 2 or 3, depending on guitar.

We should keep in touch, and keep the other informed in our quest for Pignose G40V tone NIRVANA!