| Q:
I have a few questions hopefully you can help me with regarding
my Fafner bass head.
First let me say (as I know many have said before me) that this
is the most superb bass head that I have ever owned (20+ years),
period.
It truly is an instrument with its own voice and is very well
suited to my '64 Fender jazz bass, and I have never found a bass
cabinet that I can't make work with this head, but I have few
questions for you:
1) I bought this head about 3 years ago and have never had it
serviced. I was wondering if and what I should have done to it
given its age, in particular tube replacement.
2) Assuming I replace the tube, how different can I expect the
amp to sound? I always hear about how tubes are "unique"
and I would hate to do anything that would cause me to have to
"search" for my sound within the amp again. Should I
be worried?
3) Are there different types of tubes that could be used (low
grade, high grade) or are they all the same?
A:
1) If you don't experience any problems with your Fafner head,
there is really no need to be concerned.
Anyhow, eventually you'll need to replace the tube as in every
tube amp, although a preamp tube may work perfectly for many,
many years.
2) When you replace the tube, be aware of that your sound may
change, so try replacing with same brand if possible.
Yet, many of the tube brands that were available a couple of years
ago are not available today due to various reasons - trade embargos,
closing of plants etc.etc.
3) If you wish to experiment with your sound it could be worth
the effort of changing brand and type to e.g. a high-grade tube.
It's really up to your personal taste.
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