The ShadowMusic Web Community

Hi
Can anyone recommend a fast reliable on -line supplier of these?
My own local Amp specialist does not carry in stock anything for Vox, only orders
every 6 weeks mainly for Fenders or Marshall or their own custom built amps for mucho greenbacks!!!
Their current supplier seems to have constant out of stock/undelivered issues, which if I ran a similar
repair facility I would not accept!!

Many Thanks

Mike

Mike,

Hotrox in Nottingham - helpful bunch of lads with a big range of 12AX7s and EL84s.

Watford Valves can supply Harma Retro valves, which some players rate highly, but they're a bit more expensive.

Hope this helps,

Len

Hi Len
Many thanks for this helpful information, both companies I have heard of .
For some reason my amp repairer was un complementary about one, however I think
this is not of suppliers making, more an internal problem within the repairers workshop
and parts/stock they get (or not) from a current unreliable source.

Mike

Watford valves excellent- always had good service from them.

Simon

Plus one for Watford Valves, never had any problems with them. Derek is the man.
Baz.

Thanks guys for your further replies!!!
Hopefully will get the matter resolved this coming week.
I admit I only know the basics of valve amp components, but my local repairers,
judging from the backlog of outstanding work piled in their reception (up to 6 weeks?)
are doing themselves no favours.
The Guitar Shop and Repairers who give them the downstairs work area, are efficient/fast
and carry comprehensive materials for all guitar types.
Lets hope some other amp customers , give out a wake up call!!!

Mike

I really can't believe a decent amp repairer doesn't keep a stock of basic valves like EL84's and 12AX7's and then only orders every six weeks from a branded supplier !! I have had excellent service and advice from Watford Valves - always happy to advise which make of valve best for type of amp and position on board. Also recommend Tube Amp Doctor. I'd find another repair man if you're not up to buying and fitting your own valves. I'd also be a bit suspicious about his ability to sort out othe amp problems. You have my sympathy there as I've had problems with the latter myself.
Dave

Fortunately, my Amp people have now got in a supply of the EL84 needed for the repair.
Someone I know who occassionaly reads but doesn't post here, and is a retired audio man
also could not understand the stocking situation.
However he gave my people a glowing reference as he knows their work and competence
is of a high standard, and I go with that on a previous completed job done.

Mike

Not all EL84s are created equal... which brand are they stocking? I favour JJ or Electro Harmonix.

Hi David, its Mesa EL84 they got in this week, which they say are fine for Vox amps
that they have previously done.
Actually , the AC15 I have is the Chinese CC1 model which originally had the stock
Wharfdale Speaker but now has the Celestion Blue which took away the original wooly
tone and glassiness.
Previous to the speaker change, it was little used(home) so the original valves lasted
quite well .

Mike