12AX7s are pretty solid as far as tubes go. They're very reliable and last for a bit. They do, however, eventually wear out. Hmmm. Now that I think about it, maybe it's not going to last as long as a dedicated preamp tube, cos it's doing some work in the power stage...

Bents has Groove Tubes going for under a hundred each, I think.

Anyone tried different tubes?

Another thing I'd like to do soon: Mod it so the speaker won't cut off when there's a jack in the line out. Or have a switch there so the option is mine to make.

It's okay for preamp tumes, cos they last a lot longer than power amp tubes. Imagine having to change a head's worth of power tubes AND rectifiers... Worse, summore got to get nicely matches ones, too...

Forgot about Nik... I gotta go back there one day. If there's a good affordable tube amp to be had, it should be there.

I don't see Bents moving their tube stock. Same tubes there for, what, years? I guess people know better...

Of course, some people would argue otherwise. They'd say that since the tube in the AD operates to simulate a power amp, the tube may actually make a difference.

I say they should ask Eric Johnson's opinion. Then write a 12 page report on it.


Anyways, I'm thinking that a more efficient speaker would be a more worthwhile investment. Get the AD30 to sound that little bit louder.

It's all about finding your own little niche in the soundscape, so you can cut through. Or get a Tele. They cut through damn near anything...

Everyone knows that to get the best sound from an AD, you gotta change the handle to a leather one. It absorbs the bad 14764.23hz frequencies. Eric would agree. Also, for best results, lick your jack before you plug in for that all-important enzyme bond.

Yeah, the line out only takes the preamp output, and ignores the tubed poweramp. It's dumb, tho, in live situations, when you're running into the board and you need some monitoring on stage, but the speaker's not moving...

Axis. He's bold as love.

Dammit i could've had a 50 watter for what i paid for the 30 watter...

Your son is fortunate to have a father like you. My dad's repeatedly asked me why i need so many guitars, and has told me several times it's a waste of money and it's not going to lead anywhere. One day I should just ask him why he has so many golf sets.

Ah but you see, the difference is that he makes a ton of cash off the golf course. He loses too sometimes, but net, I think he makes enough to buy my guitar collection a few times over every year.

Every guy needs a highly technical hobby. That involves using hands. Very important. It's all in the hands.

That guy that bends spoons with his mind? Wimp.
I bend big metal rods with my bare hands.