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Post subject: Ways to make a Blues Deville Quieter?
Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:16 pm
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Hey guys
I've come across a used Blues Deville at GC for $450. I really like the sound of the amp, but it's too loud for my needs. Are there any ways to make it quieter? (Preferably without an attenuator)
I was thinking that dropping a 12AY7 in the V1 position would help. (and possibly switching the other 2 preamp tubes)
Does anyone have any suggestions?


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Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 11:04 pm
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You could try that if you want. But I don't think it will be a viable answer. Going that low in the gain properties will make the amp lose a lot of luster. It will sound weak all the way around and you won't solve the issue of the amp being loud. It doesn't do what you think it will by using 12ay7's. That would even be the case if you went with all 12at7's.

Using 1-12at7 in v1 really does very little to the volume control, slightly noticeable, but not much. I use a 12at7 in the PI to give the amp more focus to individual notes, but it doesn't do much to volume control.

The amp just is that way. My HRDV 410 is the same way. It's a freaking half-stack in a smaller package. I only use it for bigger venues where the amp won't be mic'd or outdoor use.

My answer to it was to keep my eye out for good deals on these little guys:
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Studio 85
Eighty Five
Deluxe 85

All basically the same. I found one for $50 the other for $70. And you'd be surprised how close they sound to my HRDV. Big difference at bedroom levels though. Better than my HRDV. Much easier to take to smaller venues or anywhere they will be mic'd. Cheaper than an attenuator, and the same cost as some of my high dollar 12ax7s. So it was a viable choice for me to get 'em.

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Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:09 am
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Thanks for the answer, it was very helpful.
I've already got a small bedroom amp. I just want a good tube amp that won't be too loud at home but will be loud enough to gig with.
I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for a smaller amp.


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Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 7:52 am
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kwal wrote:
Thanks for the answer, it was very helpful.
I've already got a small bedroom amp. I just want a good tube amp that won't be too loud at home but will be loud enough to gig with.
I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for a smaller amp.


I understand your dilemma, but I should also point out that yours is the perennial problem of prospective valve amp buyers. The vast majority of valve amps that are loud enough to gig with are not suitable for home use; many of those designed for home use are simply not powerful enough to gig with. Your best bet is to buy the best amp you can afford and deal with the problems at home with an attenuator, turning it down, or just ignoring the problems of home use...


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Post subject: Same problem as Kwai
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:08 am
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I've got a Twin Amp that is switchable at either 25 or 100 watts. But even at 25 watts it's impossible to push this amp in a basement without killing your ears.

There is an option to remove the two middle power tubes to achieve a 15 or 65 watt selection. Has anyone tried this on the Twin Amp with any success? Or am I asking for trouble by messing around with the tubes?

Should I also be looking for a small used tube amp?


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:06 am
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I'm using a 5751 in v1, 12ax7 v2 and 12at7 v3 helped the sound a bit to my ears but did not make it any quieter :)

In home when need to keep the sound down I set it to around 3, use the low input and cut the volume at the axe, But even with OD pedals it does not get into the "sound" doing it this way.

Unfortunately I think the answer will be in a different amp if this one is too loud for your uses.

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Post subject: Twin Amp at home
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:27 am
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Thanks Peterp,

Believe me, at 25 watts, 3 is as high as I go. But cutting the sound down on my guitar reduces the 'drive' sound significantly. I find that I have to open the drive to 10 on the 2nd channel, put the guitar at full, and then make the adjustments from the channel volume control.

Looks like I'll be looking for a used practice tube amp afterall.

Ian


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Post subject: Re: Ways to make a Blues Deville Quieter?
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:22 pm
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kwal wrote:
Hey guys
I've come across a used Blues Deville at GC for $450. I really like the sound of the amp, but it's too loud for my needs. Are there any ways to make it quieter? (Preferably without an attenuator)
I was thinking that dropping a 12AY7 in the V1 position would help. (and possibly switching the other 2 preamp tubes)
Does anyone have any suggestions?


Check into an Omnisonic (eBay), they're very inexpensive.

I use an Omnisonic on my HRDV 410. I also have a Hot Plate that I've tried on it (not happy at all with the Hot Plate), tone robber.


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:07 pm
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That omnisonic looks interesting. I'll have to look into that. Does it mess with the tone at all?


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:04 pm
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Forgive me if this sounds overly simplistic, but you could turn it down.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 1:05 am
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Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm, but is there any point? It's like driving a Porsche at 20mph... it's still a Porsche, but it's not doing what a Porsche does best.


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Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 6:42 am
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VerySlowHand wrote:
Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm, but is there any point? It's like driving a Porsche at 20mph... it's still a Porsche, but it's not doing what a Porsche does best.


Perfect analogy.


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