Best valves for Marshall JCM900 (model: 4100)?

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

I bought a used Marshall JCM900 & matching 1960 4x12 for £400.00 ($600.00) <--BARGAIN of the century.

Standard valves are 3 x ECC83/12AX7 pre & 4 x 5881/6L6G power. There are many valves available so I need advice on which are the best for me to purchase. JJ/Tesla's seem popular & have a low price.

I'd appreciate any comments/advice & your comments will be taken on board & seriously evaluated. I want the best tone for the best price. I'm sure some of you people are 'in the know' when it comes to tubes.

TIA, Vic...

[Armitage]

JJ tubes have nothing to do with Tesla's... other then they bought the building. Different tubes built on diffent machines by different people. Their power tubes aren't bad, but their preamp tubes are dull and lifeless.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

JJ tubes have nothing to do with Tesla's... other then they bought the building. Different tubes built on diffent machines by different people. Their power tubes aren't bad, but their preamp tubes are dull and lifeless.

Cheers

[seeker]

A JCM900 with 6L6's? Check the model #; you might be able to switch to EL-34s without modifications (other than a rebias, which you'd have to do anyway with new 6L6's.)

If you do, JJ's will do fine. You'll have a bit more headroom, but JCM-900's get a good grind going anyway.

As far as 12AX7s, you really need to be careful who you buy from. Quallity, even from the same brand, is all over the place. Could recommend some US dealers, but shipping/tax would be kinda steep. Penta's are supposed to be carefully selected Chinese tubes, and accordingly more. Tung-Sol new brand are good, but only if bought from the right person.

[Turdus]

A JCM900 with 6L6's?

5881's.. I remember these, and think that they may have a sticker on the front panel, or it may be silk screened.

Probably due to an EL34 shortage at the time. Don't recall why.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

6L6s - yep! The model 4100 uses them as standard according to the JM manual. Exactly same tube set as Peavey ValveKing 100w Head (I had one). I heard you can swap the 6L6s for EL 34s but don't know anyone who's done it (personally).

I'll go take the back off mine & see what's what. I'll also do some research. Cheers

[Brewmaster]

Tung Sol 6L6STR are very good, more balanced than the JJ and have a nicer OD when pushed.

The TAD 6l6STR(short Bottle) is excellent so far . I put a pair into a 58 Bassman I rebuilt

and they sounded fantastic when pushed. I also put a set into a Bassman RI LTD and got the same results.

Get them from one of the better known guys like Dougs Tubes, KCA, etc.

[seeker]

Get them from one of the better known guys like Dougs Tubes, KCA, etc.

That's the one's I usually recommend, especially Dougs. He's in the UK, and shipping/(import?) tax could add a lot if he's going for good but reasonable.

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

I don't mind paying import tax/vat/shipping. Most stuff I buy is from USA anyway (last 2 guitars & Boss GT-8). If I can get what I need in UK, all the better. Don't need any yet - just finding out what I can - wouldn't wanna buy 'duffers'...

[Jem]

Watford Valves.........nuff said !