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From: Richard Hunter
Date: Fri, 05 Feb 1999 00:04:38 -0500
Subject: re: Little Lanilei amp/Crate VC 508

David Fairweather wrote:
>>
Now I have read quite a few messages here on harp-l about swapping out
the Crate VC508's 12AX7 preamp tube for a 12AU7. From what I'd read on
harp-l that swap was supposed to be conducive to getting "the sound".
But according to Crate's info above, 12AU7's are the >cleanest< sounding
tube! Isn't that the opposite of what you'd want in a harp amp?
>>
I have purchased the VC508 recently and experimented both with the stock
tube setup (12AX7) and a 12AU7. The AU7 by far produces a sweeter, more
controllable distortion compared to the very "hot," nasty distortion of
the stock 12AX7. The 12AX7 might be better for an electric quitar, but
there is absolutely no doubt that the 12AU7 sounds much better with
harmonica.

As per my previous post regarding this amp, I tested it this evening in
combination with my Peavey KB/100A keyboard amp, a 65W unit that is
primarily designed for use as a keyboard or small PA amp, by running a
1/4" cable from the line-out of the Crate to an input on the Peavey.
The sound is terrific, with plenty of creamy distortion, and quite loud,
and an added bonus is that the 4-band EQ on the Peavey provides lots of
tone-shaping capability. However, I discovered that using the line-out
in this way causes the Crate to bypass its own speaker. In other words,
when the Crate is used this way -- as a preamp to a PA -- its own
speaker can't be used as a stage monitor. In most live situations this
will probably not be a big problem.

I'll summarize: I'm very pleased with the VC508, and now that I know how
well it works as a preamp, it will certainly be part of my onstage rig.
I strongly suggest that anyone who buys this amp for use with harmonica
replace the stock 12AX7 tube with a 12AU7. I note also that other
contributors to this list, such as Don DeStefano, who know tube amps
well have recommended a similar mod for almost any tube amp that is
intended for use with harmonica. At this point, I'm inclined to agree.
- --
richard.hunt~net.net
website: http://www.rootsworld.com/hunter/