Are Groove Tubes any good?
The Groove Tubes GE 6L6 clone is a unique design that sounds great and reminds me of the vintage Sylvania 6L6GCs, but they aren’t particularly reliable. The Sovtek 5881 isn’t really a 5881 or a 6L6, but it’s still a great tube in its own right. It sounds good in many 6L6-based amps and is just about impossible to kill.
What is the difference between 6L6 and 6L6GC?
As the 6L6 tube developed over the years, its maximum voltage and power output increased. Present-day 6L6GC can handle more power. When it comes to guitar amps, the old one goes up to 24 watts. Meanwhile, 6L6GC goes up to 30 watts.
Where are groove tubes made?
In August, Groove Tube operations moved into Fender facilities in Ontario, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz., while production moved to a factory in Mexico. Citing a nondisclosure agreement, Pittman would only say that Groove Tubes sold for 10 times its annual earnings.
Are 5881 and 6L6 the same?
You can immediately notice that the 6L6 and 5881 are in the same family of valves. They are part of the general evolutionary process for this particular valve. So they are similar, but not identical tubes. In other words, there are no 6L6 tubes which are identical to the 5881 tube.
Does Fender own Groove Tubes?
In an important and far-reaching move, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation announced today that it has acquired certain assets of Groove Tubes LLC. Among other assets, FMIC purchased the Groove Tubes brand.
Are Groove Tubes made in Russia?
Russian made, these tubes are the same as stock 5881 power tubes, but they’re specially matched by Groove Tubes, resulting in a better sound and higher reliability. Fender uses the GT-6L6R in their non-Custom Shop tube amps, and for good reason: They sound great and they’re very dependable! Available in groups of four.
What is the difference between EL34 and 6L6 tubes?
The 6L6 vs EL34 tubes have been rivals for many years, but what’s the difference? The main difference between the 6L6 and EL34 tubes is that they have different sounds and electrical operating parameters. The EL34 is much more scooped sounding and doesn’t have the same amount of headroom that the 6L6 offers.
Are all 6L6 tubes interchangeable?
The general answer is no, for the most part, 6L6 and 6v6 tubes are not interchangeable as they don’t bias close enough. Amps are calibrated to use specific valves (6v6, 6L6, EL84, etc.) and are not always well suited to multiple valve usage without circuit modifications.
Can I replace 6L6 with 5881?
In many cases, 6L6s can be safely substituted for 5881s, but not vice versa. In a few cases, where the plate voltage tolerance is high enough, 5881s can be used in amps designed for 6L6s.
What is a 5881 power tube?
5881 is a beam power pentode with a maximum plate dissipation of 23W in the classical short bulb. It is very similar to the 6L6 sound but with less power. It can be used in any 6L6 amplifier. DOWNLOAD PDF.
Who makes Groove Tubes 12AX7?
Fender Groove Tubes
Fender Groove Tubes GT-12AX7-C Select Amplifier Tube.
Does fender own Groove Tubes?