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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 10:54 am
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Once again-- thanks for all the responses. Input 2 did make a difference but I think I am going to go ahead and try the tube swap out as well. Seems there is a concensus on the 575i in the V1 spot so I will at least try that. Going to call Eurotube this afternoon and get their opinion as well.

As I mentioned earlier I am completely new to tube amps. Swapping out the tubes is something I should be able to do myself? Like changing a light bulb?

And my other question is related to the volume knob. I read numerous reviews of the amp stating Fender had worked hard to make the increase in volume much more gradual but there still seems to be a spot around 2 on the dial where there is a significant, not what I would call gradual increase in volume. Other owners of the new model still experiencing this?


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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:33 am
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Gtcharlie wrote:
Once again-- thanks for all the responses. Input 2 did make a difference but I think I am going to go ahead and try the tube swap out as well. Seems there is a concensus on the 575i in the V1 spot so I will at least try that. Going to call Eurotube this afternoon and get their opinion as well.

As I mentioned earlier I am completely new to tube amps. Swapping out the tubes is something I should be able to do myself? Like changing a light bulb?

And my other question is related to the volume knob. I read numerous reviews of the amp stating Fender had worked hard to make the increase in volume much more gradual but there still seems to be a spot around 2 on the dial where there is a significant, not what I would call gradual increase in volume. Other owners of the new model still experiencing this?


Yes, you can change the preamp tubes yourself. Just make sure the amp is off, unplugged, and cool. Gently pull on the tubes while wiggling them in sort of a circle. Make note that there are nine pins with a gap between pins 1 and 9. This is the key which must be lined up properly with the corresponding gap in the tube socket. Install the tubes by pushing them in gently while also wiggling them. Make sure they are inserted all the way. The phase inverter tube (V3) is a little hard to see if it is in all the way. The tubes are numbered V1 to V5 from right to left when looking at the back of the open cabinet.

The clean volume control uses an audio taper as does the drive and now the master volume also. The problem is not the taper of the volume controls as many people claim, but the high amount of gain provided in the preamp stages that makes the control difficult to operate smoothly. As I noted in my earlier posts, changing V1 for a 5751 or 12AY7 will reduce the gain and make the volume control sweep much more usable.

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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:37 pm
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Talked to Michael over at Eurotube. Sending me a 5751 for the V1 and a couple other tubes for the preamp tubes (whicih of course I forgot to right down). Seemed quite helpful although he did say not to expect miracles in reducing volume which makes sense. Just making the volume taper more usable would make me happy.


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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:45 pm
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Some other things you can try are using an attenuator, replacing speakers with less efficient speakers, or if your son utilizes some sort of distortion pedal have him use the volume control on the pedal to lower the volume when engaged. These are all effective methods that can he accomplish what your after.
Hope this helps.

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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 5:00 pm
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Switching to 12AT7's made a big difference with mine. I own both the Hot Rod Deluxe ll and lll and the ll is the one I changed tubes in. Switching tubes in the lll will probably really help tame it a lot. I love them both, especially run in stereo.

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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 5:11 pm
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Those guys at Eurotube waste no time in getting you the tubes do they. Basically received the three tube amps in a day and a half for 3 dollars shipping. Swapped them out this morning with no problems. I did remove the back panel to make things easier.

Bottom line is my son is happy. Not really sure he notices a lot of difference tone wise but the volume button has become definitely more controllable. Still can't really go above three but no sudden spike around two either. Overall very worthwhile and for a little over 30 bucks a no brainier.

His new distortion pedal arrives on Monday and he can hardly wait. Thanks all you guys for your help. Sure I'll be back with more questions.


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Post subject: Re: New to the world of tube amps and the Hot Rod Deluxe iii
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 5:14 pm
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Glad everything worked out. :D

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