KT-88's in my '76 Marshall

max cooper · 11th June 2006, 05:49 PM

I remember using KT-88's in my old Marshalls and liking it. I can use 'em in a Seventies JMP, right? I think they're interchangeable with 6550's, right?

I suppose there's gonna have to be some bias adjustment.

Any preferences as to KT-88's and who sells them?

Thanks!

TAVD · 11th June 2006, 07:07 PM

I don't have an answer for you but I need to retube my jmp also, so I''d be interested in hearing your results.

I asked for opinions on current 6550 tubes for a jmp a while back and most suggested Tung-Sol.

marchhare · 11th June 2006, 07:25 PM

I think they're interchangeable. Billy Corgan used KT88's in his Marshalls. I always
wanted to try putting KT-66's in a JMP head, never enjoyed EL-34's for some
reason.

vandi · 11th June 2006, 07:33 PM

Yes, you should be able to run KT88's in an amp running 6550's and vice versa just fine without any problems. You will need to rebias your power tubes. It is my understanding that KT88's spec out better than 6550's but KT88's are also more expensive. It's a better built tube with higher tolerances. I would check out the SED (formerly Svetlana) KT88, JJ/Tesla KT88, or the reissue Tung Sols. I have had good luck with the following places:

www.tubestore.com
www.kcanostubes.com (he has new tubes also)

hope this helps,
vandi

C/G · 12th June 2006, 03:24 PM

Good thread, since I was just considering an upgrade to KT88 in my Orange bass amp from 6550's. I am curious if the KT88 will give me a bit more clean headroom over a 6550. I was told *yes* by a few people, even Orange USA so I'll see what happens.

dementedchord · 14th June 2006, 06:01 PM

the kts will give you alittle more output/headroom so for bass applications where having trouble pushing the room will help but do you really need more headroom if your tracking a guitar?? also means will distort later.... btw someone mentioned the el34's those were primarily in the uk versions and not pin compatable with 6550/kt's

dementedchord · 14th June 2006, 06:03 PM

get someone who understands the amp to bias it and make sure they check both tubes ...

yeloocproducer · 14th June 2006, 06:11 PM

I put KT-88s in my JCM-800 and it rules. It does give you more headroom, and allows you to use pedals more easily for tone. That's why Billy Corgan used them, to accommodate the big muff sound. I did it b/c I didn't want the typical JCM800 tone, and wanted something with more headroom for punchier sounding hollowbody guitar tracks w. tons of lows and low mids. Plus it's one step further away from the typical Orange County punk sound, which is a good thing if you ask me.

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11th June 2006, 05:49 PM	#1
max cooper Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,819	KT-88's in my '76 Marshall I remember using KT-88's in my old Marshalls and liking it. I can use 'em in a Seventies JMP, right? I think they're interchangeable with 6550's, right? I suppose there's gonna have to be some bias adjustment. Any preferences as to KT-88's and who sells them? Thanks!

11th June 2006, 07:07 PM	#2
TAVD Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,066	I don't have an answer for you but I need to retube my jmp also, so I''d be interested in hearing your results. I asked for opinions on current 6550 tubes for a jmp a while back and most suggested Tung-Sol. __________________ Tom Denyle Custom Guitars

11th June 2006, 07:33 PM	#4
vandi Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Denton, TX Posts: 89	KT88 = 6550 (mostly) Yes, you should be able to run KT88's in an amp running 6550's and vice versa just fine without any problems. You will need to rebias your power tubes. It is my understanding that KT88's spec out better than 6550's but KT88's are also more expensive. It's a better built tube with higher tolerances. I would check out the SED (formerly Svetlana) KT88, JJ/Tesla KT88, or the reissue Tung Sols. I have had good luck with the following places: www.tubestore.com www.kcanostubes.com (he has new tubes also) hope this helps, vandi

12th June 2006, 03:24 PM	#5
C/G Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 2,803	Good thread, since I was just considering an upgrade to KT88 in my Orange bass amp from 6550's. I am curious if the KT88 will give me a bit more clean headroom over a 6550. I was told yes by a few people, even Orange USA so I'll see what happens. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Colin G. http://www.myspace.com/generalsandmajors

11th June 2006, 07:25 PM	#3
marchhare Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 348	I think they're interchangeable. Billy Corgan used KT88's in his Marshalls. I always wanted to try putting KT-66's in a JMP head, never enjoyed EL-34's for some reason.

14th June 2006, 06:01 PM	#6
dementedchord Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 798	fwiw the kts will give you alittle more output/headroom so for bass applications where having trouble pushing the room will help but do you really need more headroom if your tracking a guitar?? also means will distort later.... btw someone mentioned the el34's those were primarily in the uk versions and not pin compatable with 6550/kt's

14th June 2006, 06:03 PM	#7
dementedchord Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 798	almost forgot get someone who understands the amp to bias it and make sure they check both tubes ...

14th June 2006, 06:11 PM	#8
yeloocproducer Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: los angeles Posts: 964	I put KT-88s in my JCM-800 and it rules. It does give you more headroom, and allows you to use pedals more easily for tone. That's why Billy Corgan used them, to accommodate the big muff sound. I did it b/c I didn't want the typical JCM800 tone, and wanted something with more headroom for punchier sounding hollowbody guitar tracks w. tons of lows and low mids. Plus it's one step further away from the typical Orange County punk sound, which is a good thing if you ask me.

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