Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: lenshead2 on March 07, 2009, 05:08:01 PM
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will changing the tube to a different 12AX7 change the sound of the F-1X? If not- how does the tube add character to the sound- or does it? Why use a tube at all?
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You might find this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_sound) to be helpful.
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Interesting article, Dave, thanks. Where does the F-1X design fit into the various types of things that are listed there?
John, there isn't a lot of tonal difference with different tubes in an F-1X. The function of the tube is more about hi-fi sound reproduction than warm tube character. The F-2B has two tube channels which can be placed sequentially in the signal chain for more tubey warmth, and there are certainly other brands that make different use of preamp tubes.
As far as why Alembic chose to use a tube at all, I couldn't tell you. The benefits of the tube on the input stage over solid state are beyond my pay grade. I can tell you, though, that the F-1X is very highly regarded industry-wide for the pureness of the tone. If you have a great sounding instrument that doesn't need a bunch of coloration added in the preamp stage, then it's hard to beat an F-1X.
-bob
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Thanks Dave and Bob- I'm very happy with my F-1X. I've had it for years and can't find any reason to change. I like a clean, hi-fi sound and have a wonderful bass. When I was playing Warwick basses, I enjoyed their tone for the most part, but found they could sound brittle at times. I was considering taking the edge off with a warmer tubey sound. Now playing a Pedulla Pentabuzz, I don't feel the need particularly. Thanks.I'm going to go read the article Dave linked.
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Beyond my pay grade as well, Bob.
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oh hell, I'm too drunk to type my opinion