The guitar amplifier is one of the most important parts of the electric guitar sound. It’s the component that actually amplifies the sound from the pickups and translates it into a full and rich sound that’s heard through the guitar speakers. It can be a component that often gets overlooked by beginners and even some more experienced players, but it’s one of the most important parts of a great sound.
Think of these tubes like you would any other component, such as a speaker or a microphone. They each have their own sound and will produce a different result when used in the same setup. The right tubes can make a low-wattage tube amp sound like a beast or make a solid-state amp sound like a tube amp.
Read on to learn more about the best guitar amplifier tubes.
Our Editor’s Best Guitar Amplifier Tubes Reviews
- Pages: 240
- Hunter, Dave (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages - 10/01/2005 (Publication Date) - Backbeat (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Torres, Dan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 369 Pages - 10/12/2016 (Publication Date) - Dan Torres (Publisher)
- Richard Kuehnel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 185 Pages - 08/07/2018 (Publication Date) - Amp Books LLC (Publisher)
- 1. Versatile Sound: The 5W Tube Guitar Amplifier Head features two preamp stages controlled by GAIN/VOLUME knobs, delivering clear tones to OverDrive sounds. With BRIGHT/WARM switch and high/medium/low EQ controls, it offers a wide range of sound customization for different needs.
- 2. Handcrafted Output Transformer: The output transformer is handcrafted with a paper insulation process, which reduces stray capacitance and increases resonant frequency, leading to better high-frequency response and transparent sound. The use of Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (35Z155-0.35) increases inductance and improves low-frequency performance.
- 3. Single-Ended Output Stage: The Single Ended Output Stage provides a clean, stable, and moderately powered sound, which is perfect for each player's use.
- 4. Durable Aluminum Casing: The amplifier head is housed in a sturdy and stylish cast-aluminum casing, ensuring its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- 5. Convenient Controls: The amplifier head features easy-to-use controls including a single channel, 1 x 12AX7 (ECC83) preamp tube, 1 x EL84 power tube, and 1 x 6Z4 rectifier tube, along with knobs for volume, gain, high, middle, and low, and output jacks for 8Ω/16Ω.
- Hand-built 5-Watt Class-A amplifier driven by 1 x EL84 tube
- Revolutionary INFINIUM Tube Life Multiplier technology:
- Way cool vintage look and feel
- World-famous, British engineered 8'' TURBOSOUND speaker
- Authentic preamp design from the '60s featuring 1 x 12AX7 tube—everything from purring blues to mind-blowing crunch
- Hardcover Book
- Blencowe, Merlin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 300 Pages - 11/07/2012 (Publication Date) - Wem Publishing (Publisher)
- 9-pin triode design
- Consistent high output power
- Recommended in vibrato or reverb circuits
- Durable design
- Warranty Included
- JJ Electronics 5Y3
- Rectifier
- Spiral Filament RoHS Compliant
- 1. Versatile Sound: The 15W Tube Guitar Amplifier Head features two preamp stages controlled by GAIN/VOLUME knobs, delivering clear tones to OverDrive sounds. With 1W/15W switch and high/medium/low EQ controls, it offers a wide range of sound customization for different needs.
- 2. Handcrafted Output Transformer: The output transformer is handcrafted with a paper insulation process, which reduces stray capacitance and increases resonant frequency, leading to better high-frequency response and transparent sound. The use of Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (35Z155-0.35) increases inductance and improves low-frequency performance.
- 3. Single-Ended Output Stage: The Single Ended Output Stage provides a clean, stable, and moderately powered sound, which is perfect for each player's use.
- 4. Durable Aluminum Casing: The amplifier head is housed in a sturdy and stylish cast-aluminum casing, ensuring its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- 5. Convenient Controls: The amplifier head features easy-to-use controls including a single channel, 1 x 12AX7 (ECC83) preamp tube, 2 x EL84 power tube, along with knobs for volume, gain, high, middle, and low, and output jacks for 8Ω/16Ω.
Best Guitar Amplifier Tubes Buying Guide
Before choosing the best guitar amplifier tube you should consider following options:
1. Decibel Output: Decibel output is measured in dB watts and refers to the loudness of the amplifier. The higher the dB watts, the louder the amplifier.
It is important to note that higher dB watts does not necessarily mean a better amplifier. The dB watts indicate the output power of the amplifier. This is often confused with the strength of the amplifier.
2. Preamp Tubes: The preamp tubes are also known as the first stage of amplification. The preamp tubes contribute to the tone of the amplifier.
Thus, it is important to choose an amplifier that has good preamp tubes. The most popular preamp tubes are the 12AX7, the 12AT7, and the 6800.
It is important to note that the 12AX7 and the 12AT7 are very similar. The main difference is that the 12AT7 has higher gain and is capable of handling more output.
3. Power Tubes: The power tubes are also referred to as the output stage. The power tubes drive the speakers and produce sound.
They also determine the overall strength of the amplifier. Thus, it is important to choose power tubes that complement the rest of the amp.
The most popular power tubes are the EL34 and the KT66. They are very similar except the KT66 has a higher output.
4. Budget: Guitar amplifiers come in different price ranges. The type of amplifier you choose should be in line with your budget.
You can find amps that are affordable as well as high-end amps. The price of the amplifier depends on the features of the amplifier.
It is important to note that you don’t get better sound with an expensive amplifier. However, some features may improve the overall sound experience.
5. Tone: The tone of the amplifier plays a huge role in the overall sound experience. The tone of the amplifier depends on the preamp tubes.
Thus, it is important to choose a good set of preamp tubes. The tone of the amplifier also depends on the power tubes.
It is important to note that the tone of the amplifier can be changed by swapping out the power tubes.
6. Quality of Speakers: The speakers also play a huge role in the overall sound experience.
The speakers can improve or alter the tone of the amplifier. The speakers can be changed to suit the needs of the user.
It is important to note that the speakers can determine the volume of the amplifier. Thus, it is important to choose good quality speakers.
7. Power Requirements: Amplifiers come with different power requirements. This is often determined by the size of the amplifier and the type of speakers.
Amplifiers that have a greater wattage usually require more power. On the other hand, amps that have smaller wattage may require less power.
Amplifiers with 8 or 16 ohms speakers require less power than an 8 or 4 ohm amplifier. It is important to verify the power requirements of the amplifier.
8. Size and Portability: Amplifiers come in different shapes and sizes. Some are compact and portable, while others are larger and not portable.
It is important to choose an amplifier that suits your needs. You can choose an amplifier that is portable or an amp that is not portable.
Amplifiers that have a smaller size are often easier to carry around. Amps with smaller wattage are also easier to carry around.
What else you should know about guitar amplifier tubes
1. What are guitar amplifier tubes and how do they work?
Guitar amplifier tubes are vacuum tubes that are used to amplify the signal from a guitar. They work by allowing a small amount of current to flow through them, which in turn amplifies the signal.
2. What are the different types of guitar amplifier tubes?
The most common types of guitar amplifier tubes are preamp tubes, power tubes, and rectifier tubes. Preamp tubes amplify the signal from the guitar and are the first stage in the amplification process. Power tubes amplify the signal from the preamp tubes and are the second stage in the amplification process. Rectifier tubes convert the alternating current from the power supply into the direct current that powers the amplifier.
3. How do you choose the right guitar amplifier tubes for your amplifier?
There is no definitive answer, as different guitarists have different preferences. However, some tips on choosing the right guitar amplifier tubes for your amplifier include:
– Consider the type of music you play, and the tone you want to achieve. Different types of tubes will produce different sounds.
– Do some research to find out which tubes are used in amplifiers similar to the one you have.
– Talk to other guitarists, and ask for their recommendations.
4. How do you change guitar amplifier tubes?
The most common way to change guitar amplifier tubes is to remove the back panel of the amplifier and then unscrew the old tubes from their sockets. Next, screw in the new tubes and reattach the back panel.
5. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using guitar amplifier tubes?
The benefits of using guitar amplifier tubes are that they are generally more durable and have a longer lifespan than solid state amplifiers. They also tend to produce a warmer, more “organic” sound. The drawbacks of using guitar amplifier tubes are that they are typically more expensive than solid state amplifiers, and they require more maintenance (e.g., replacing tubes every few years).
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best guitar amplifier tubes. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best guitar amplifier tubes will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.