I also replaced the V6 12AX7A with a 12AT7, but went one step further that really brought this amp alive on both channels. I replaced the speaker with an Eminence TT-15. This amp is Fender Heaven now. Channel two (the Guitar) channel, sounds every bit like a really good Fender Twin now. Very punchy, clean and no coloring. It’s very even all the way across all strings now. I really didn’t think this amp could be improved on this much…what a huge surprise. My Telecasters sound unbelievably great thru this amp. I highly recommend this speaker change/upgrade if you want to get the most from this amp.

I replaced the 12AX7A (V6) for a Brimar 12AT7. In doing so, It brought the gain down a bit, but the tonal results for me are outstanding. Channel One (Steel Channel) now sounds very much like a Deluxe Reverb with a hundred watts under the hood. Definitely a must for Telecaster-Country picking. Channel Two (Guitar Channel) has retained most of that “Tweed” feel, but smoother and much more articulate. I didn’t think this amp could ever be improved on, but this change is very much to my liking.

I prefer the Steel channel for at home and studio use. Not as much gain on this channel, and very much Fender Twin Reverb-like tone and feel on this one. The guitar channel has LOTS more gain. It’s still Fendery sounding, but more “Tweedish’ to my old ears. I use this channel more for live playing when I need more loud, clean sounds without having to push the amp much. My ’52 AVRI Tele sounds best thru this channel, while my ’92 AM-Std loaded with Texas Specials sounds better to my ears on the Steel channel. It’s definitely like owning two amps in one. Bruce Z was absolutely correct in his equation regarding what this amp is and isn’t. I’m the guy who wrote to him about this amp years ago.