Real Tube II preamp

[David Langdon]

Hello to all of you , I'm a new member from the uk. Has anyone done a modification to a Real Tube II preamp? I have one of the older models. John Lemay suggests that I put a lower gain value tube in the first stage. Has anyone tried any other mods? For those of you that are interested; I play my own built U12 6+5 RT II preamp, TC G major, Nashville 400 and Peavey VT Artist with 15 BW. I play all sorts of music, mainly sessions check out:- Scott4/Magic Car, Rick Kemp, and shortly to be released, the 22-20s debut single.

[Erv Niehaus]

I really don't know what the difference is between the Real Tube II and the Blue Tube II
but most steel players use the Blue Tube II, myself included. I think it sounds a little warmer.
Erv

[Gino Iorfida]

Anyone know the 'mods' to be done to the regular Blue Tube? (w/o stepping on LeMay's toes)... also, kwno where schematics may be found of even the stock version?

[Erv Niehaus]

I play with a Blue Tube II without any mods and don't know how it could sound any better than it does.
Erv

[Dennis Detweiler]

How does the Blue Tube compare to the Peavey Tube Sweetener?
Dennis

[Erv Niehaus]

They are two different animals. The Blue Tube is a pre-amp and the Tube Sweetener is basically an effects unit. It does not function as a pre-amp.
Erv

[Mike Neer]

I had a Real Tube once--sold it. Never sounded good to me. I tried using 12AT7, 12AY7, 12AU7--you name it. Results were less gain, but the preamp circuit is based on plate starvation, where the plate is only given about half the voltage required to drive the tube. My suggestion would be to use the 12AT7 tube first; if it's still too dirty try the 12AY7. Still, it will never sound like an all-tube amp.