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Vintage threads from the first ten years

6L6/5881 vs EL34

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2/3/1997 12:27 AM
Hans Vorstenbosch	6L6/5881 vs EL34 What's the difference in sound if I use 6L6s/5881s or EL34s in a Laney VC50? There is a biasing switch on the back so I could switch between those two without too much trouble, but no music store I know will let let fool around with their amps and tubes. Hans Vorstenbosch

2/3/1997 12:38 AM
John Martin	This is just something you have to try. It is a matter of personal preference.

2/4/1997 12:27 PM

Hi Hans. From my experience 6L6's can be characterized as having a smooth scooped sonic signature. This means lower mids, and higher bass and treble response. EL34's are characterized as having more pronounced upper-mids and highs. So with this in mind, consider what kind of guitars you are using. Rickenbakers and Fenders have weaker bass response than a Les Paul. So natually, they sound good through a 6L6 amp, which will compensate somewhat for their weak bass response. Ricks have a simillar sonic signature, and running a Rick through EL34's gives a shimery or chimey sound, with not too strong of a bass response. Does that make any sense? You can match a guitar and amp to compensate or complement the sonic characteristics of each. It is all personal preference. Hope that helps. Tim C.

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