I have been surfing around for this information for awhile and can't find a simple answer.

I have a Crate Stealth 50-watt tube head/Crate 4x12 Celestion combo. I need to change the tubes, but I'm not sure what kind of tubes I need (or can even use) in my head. I popped the (4) old tubes and they are all 6V6GT, but from what I've read, I gather I might be able to use a different kind of tube to get a better sound for my needs.

I use the clean channel on my head, and my Digitech RP3000 provides all of my distortion, EQ, and effects.

Thanks for any suggestions.

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for powertubes i like groove tubes and jj's for preamp tubes i like sovteks.....

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How do I know which are which in my amp?

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well, you could ask crate.... what kind they put in the stealth series amps... or you could open up you amp and see what the tubes say on them.... but if you do open up your amp and mess around, be extremely careful about what you touch, even if it's unplugged there still might be electricity in there... a tube amp can make a really good sounding electric chair.

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Yes, I have a Crate myself ( solid state, though ) and there is a lot of info on their amps online. Replacing tubes isn't that hard, but learn about biasing, tube amp adjustments, and for GOD SAKE BE CAREFUL while you are working in your amp so you don't kill yourself or fuck your amp. If you plan on always using tube amps then learning how to do this now will really save you money and help you understand any problems with them in the future. Tube amps are forever in need of some work but sound great. I got a full stack solid state Crate because I never will have to do work on it unless it is completely destroyed. Warmth you ask... tube pre amp.

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id bring it to a shop, but i dont trust my self to even adjust the neck

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They don't have any info for my amp on Crate's site...does anyone have a good tubes 101 site with info on what tubes you can use for what amps, how to bias, etc.? I'm having a very hard time finding this shit.

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you can see which tubes are in it, just take them out and read from the glass

the powertubes are matched, the preamp tubes are selected on gain and microphonics.

you can change the power tubes to another brand, if you want another type of powertube you'll need to do some modding

im such a wuss about guitar stuff, i never do anything but change strings and polish them

what is biasing... in layman's terms?

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Biasing adjust the amount voltage on the grids in side your tubes. That will change the amount of current going through them and completely change the tone going to your speakers. It is not needed on pre amps as much and often as on the power amp side. I don't like to fuck with tubes any longer so I use solid state amps since they don't get sick as often. If I want warmth I will use a tube preamp in front of my amp and I hear no difference.

Also, check this site out for help with tube replacement, biasing, and amp safety. Everyone can do this stuff with just a little reading and safety. Just be confedent.

http://www.geofex.com/tubeampfaq/taffram.htm

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You should get a shit cheap guitar and just mess around with it. Knowing how you guitar and gear works is very important IMO.

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Before you start messing with it you HAVE TO drain it or else you might end up 6 feet under. Turn it on and player for like 5 minutes and then just pull the plug without turning the amp off, just leave it as it is and then after about 5 more minutes you can start working with it.

I'm not sure, but I was under the impression that if all you want to do is change your tubes you don't have to drain your capacitors or anything. That's just if you want to work on the nitty gritty circuitry or re-bias the amp (I think).

Also, I think if you replace tubes with the same brand as are in there, re-biasing isn't necessary, just pop new ones in and you're set. I just read this on the web in various places...

This looks exactly like what I was seeking. Thanks a lot.

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Let us know if it works out and BE DAMN CAREFUL!!!!!!!!

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Just order new tubes and swap them. It's very easy, anyone can do it. Unplug the amp, carefully pull the old tubes, (they just plug in), install the new tubes ensuring they're seated properly. My 5150 has JJ matched power tubes and jj preamped tubes with one biased for the PI. Go to Eurotubes.com, he will hook you up. My amp sounds huge now.

You should replace it with the same type and brand of tube, unless you want to change your sound. If you do that, you have to take it to a shop and have it rebiased. It will cost from $20-$80. If its not made to take other tubes, you will have to do some modding and that is expensive. You could put in some EL-34's for the 80's type of sound.

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i actually prefer the sound of el34's compared to 6l6's.. they have an earlier and smoother breakup which sounds amazing for distortion... 6l6's will give more headroon from poweramp saturation which is great for cleans, but i like gritty cleans given by el34's they have a very musical and artistic breakup when pushed hard enough on the clean channel.... rrrreeeaalll smooth .

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You need no modding to change brands. And a $50 bias switch is all you need to change the type of tube.

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