In the Groove?
Moderator: jingle_jangle
In the Groove?
Charlie: I have often wondered about whether all Groove tubes are US made? A recent Fender catalog does indicate this, however. How do Groove Tubes, priced quite high in Canada at least, compare to other Russian made or NOS tubes? How much is advertising hype and how much is quality?
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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As an additional comment from Elderly I read
It certainly pays to read the fine print. The comments in the latest Fender catalog appear to be misleading.
GROOVE TUBES GT-12AX7-M PREAMP TUBE
The new GT12AX7M is an exact reissue of the original Mullard 12AX7/ECC83 dual triode preamp tube. The ultimate vintage 12AX7 by which all others are judged. This tube delivers harmonically complex tone and midrange warmth that is just not available in any other manufactured tube, the 12AX7M will really wake up an old (or new) Fender®, Ampeg or Marshall tube amp! Made in China.
It certainly pays to read the fine print. The comments in the latest Fender catalog appear to be misleading.
Not to be confused with made in the USA, I guess and in fairness the wording Made in the USA is stamped on some of these tubes but not others it would seem.FENDER USA GROOVE TUBES - Nothing but the highest quality materials go into every Fender USA Groove Tubes tube."
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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soundmasterg
- RRF Consultant
- Posts: 1923
- Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2002 1:06 pm
Groove Tubes has always been a relabeler of tubes made elsewhere, until recently, when they started making their own tubes. They sell EI, Sovtek, Svetlana, Winged C, JJ, and Chinese made, and test and label them appropriately, and mark them up in price of course. Their new 12ax7M is supposed to be a copy of an old mullard, but is made in china. I haven't tried them myself, since they cost so much more than many acceptable 12ax7's. Their new GE copy 6L6 is supposed to be made in America, but I am distrustful. I have heard that their GE copy 6L6 is very nice, but haven't tried them myself. With the exception of those two tubes, Groove Tubes just relabels other tubes for sale.
You can get the brands themselves elsewhere for much less money...tubes like EI, JJ, Sovtek, Electro Harmonix, Winged C. If the seller doesn't test and screen the tubes, then you run the risk that you may get a bad or microphonic one. In reality, that doesn't happen very often if you buy from a reputable source. I've had good luck in the past with Antique Electronics Supply, New Sensor, and Triode Electronics, among others.
You can get the brands themselves elsewhere for much less money...tubes like EI, JJ, Sovtek, Electro Harmonix, Winged C. If the seller doesn't test and screen the tubes, then you run the risk that you may get a bad or microphonic one. In reality, that doesn't happen very often if you buy from a reputable source. I've had good luck in the past with Antique Electronics Supply, New Sensor, and Triode Electronics, among others.
Groove Tubes has purchased tube mfg equipment from Richardson Electronics in the 1990's. The equipment is grid winders, tooling, 5 ply plate material from Texas Instruments, sealex machines, etc. They have the old tooling for the 6L6GC made by GE and the fat bottle EL34. Their "Mullard" 12AX7 is a Chinese product.
Their 6L6GE is most likely made in China from what I can gather. It is not as strong as an NOS GE 6L6GC, it will not handle high screen grid voltages and sounds a little thin when compared to the original item. I also think it does not last as long, judging from having sold them and using them.
Everything else they sell, is tested, graded and relabeled Chinese, Euro or NOS USA tubes.
They have a contract with Fender to use Groove Tubes in their amps. Other boutique builders use Groove Tubes as well. They do a good job with grading power tubes. I personally prefer Ruby Tubes for my source. They have the longest warranty (6 months) and have the tightest tolerances for testing.
Their 6L6GE is most likely made in China from what I can gather. It is not as strong as an NOS GE 6L6GC, it will not handle high screen grid voltages and sounds a little thin when compared to the original item. I also think it does not last as long, judging from having sold them and using them.
Everything else they sell, is tested, graded and relabeled Chinese, Euro or NOS USA tubes.
They have a contract with Fender to use Groove Tubes in their amps. Other boutique builders use Groove Tubes as well. They do a good job with grading power tubes. I personally prefer Ruby Tubes for my source. They have the longest warranty (6 months) and have the tightest tolerances for testing.