Shambolic Charm wrote:
Can somebody give me the facts on replacing old valves. I have a WEM dominator 111 which has Mullards in it. Most likely the originals as I don't recall much fuss about changing valves until the internet came along. Now there is talk of replacing valves every year or so but then some say you should keep Mullards in and it all gets rather confusing. Whats the common sense line on this?
It confuses me to be honest! i theink if you regularly gig the amp then the valves will wear out over thim, then again, if it's just light use (bedroom use.. etc) then they won't have to be replaced as often, my dads got an 80's fender champ that he bought new and has only replaced the power valve once, i think it's all down to hearing it really, new valves will make the amp sound crisper, soem will distort at a lower level, some will give you more headroom! it does my head in sometimes.
I took my old Harmony (pictured above) to a mate of mine who reapairs old valve Radios and he said to keep the Mullard in because they are so expensive, he also couldn't understand why i wanted the amp to distort when the volume got past halfway, as radio afficiendo's want clean headroom all the way!! your best bet is to have a word with your local guitar shop, if it sounds good to you then leave the valves!!
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