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Post subject: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:33 am
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My first post here. I am the owner of an American Standard Strat - Sienna Sunburst. Also purchased a Blues Junior Tweed. I am enjoying both very much but have been doing a little tweaking.

I wanted to get some feedback. I just put an old NOS 5751 in V1 and was pretty surprised at how much of a difference it made. At first I did not like it compared to the original 12AX7. But the more I played and swapped back and forth the more I felt the 5751 felt like a tube that should have been there all along.

Aside from the reduction in gain I noticed that the overall sound of the amp was more balanced. A little less sharp, more round and mellow, but the highs and lows and mids seem to much better balanced. Previously I was using a MXR 10 band EQ to increase the bass and hold the treble down a bit. With the 5751 it's not necessary, it's pretty good right where it is. I also noticed that, when using the volume control, the amp doesn't just bolt from whisper quite to pretty loud instantaneously. Lastly, when using the 5 way switch it seems like the all the pickup combinations sound more in the "same family" and "usable", if that makes any sense.

Now I understand sound is very much a personal thing, but I am wondering if anyone had a similar experience. But I can't help but feel that the 5751 is the tube that fits the circuitry better and likely should be original equipment.

I welcome any thoughts and experiences. Overall I am enjoying both pieces of equipment very much.

Take care,
john


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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:48 am
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Swapping the 12AX7 for a 5751 in the V1 position of many Fender amps often yields some pleasant sonic variations. The 5751 produces a smoother, more well-rounded tone due to the reduced gain or "mu" factor (in comparison with a 12AX7 or 7025). Its reduced gain also seems to improve an amp's overall S/N ratio, with less perceived noise at idle. Many Blues Jr owners have trod the same path you've taken and reported similar useful results.

Welcome to the forum, John

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:06 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Swapping the 12AX7 for a 5751 in the V1 position of many Fender amps often yields some pleasant sonic variations. The 5751 produces a smoother, more well-rounded tone due to the reduced gain or "mu" factor (in comparison with a 12AX7 or 7025). Its reduced gain also seems to improve an amp's overall S/N ratio, with less perceived noise at idle. Many Blues Jr owners have trod the same path you've taken and reported similar useful results.

Welcome to the forum, John

Arjay


Thank you for the greeting.

I noticed you had Tombstone Territory on your profile. If you live there, I lived in Sierra Vista for 8 years. Still go down to see friends and break out my telescope.

In any case, thanks for the response.


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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:08 am
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PM sent, John.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 9:15 pm
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The 12at7 is great in V1 too. It may be on the bright side if you have the BJ3(sparkle mod)
The amp sounds its best with the master up and the gain low.


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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 2:47 pm
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I have 5751s in both my Fender amps. Not only do they smooth out the sound, but you can find NOS tubes for cheap, especially compared to 12AX7s. I have 5751s in V1, V3, V4 on my Princeton Reverb. The amp runs almost dead quiet when not playing. Have fun with it!

Derek


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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:25 pm
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Is a complete replacement of the 12AX7's with 5751's recommended on a Blues Jr?

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Post subject: Re: Blues Junior - Tubes
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 12:10 am
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I usually roll 5751 and 12AX7 in-&-out of positions --- checking the tonal response. Each amp (even within the same make & model) will respond differently to tube rolling.

Good luck!


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