Well the knobs are pretty much volume on 12, master volume about 11/12 - just where I can get the best compromise between clean and loud. EQ is all knobs at 12. Speaker is a WGS ET-65 and the tubes are the ones Nik puts in there (JJs?). Amp is 50 watt standard HRM. My definition of clean is that there is no break up. A comparison would be my previous amp, a DRRI. When it gets to about 4 it starts to break up with a Jensen C12K. Having it on three was more than enough volume and it didn't break up, but the HRM does so at the equivalent of about 2 on the DRRI. My main guitar is just a Strat with Texas Specials (and a HB in the bridge). Yes they're hot, but no problems with the DRRI.

I've had 4 tube amps (out of 5 total). I've changed tubes heaps of times. The squeal is feedback. I've never experienced anything like it. It could well be a tube, but I'll have to change them out when I get a chance. I'll do some clips asap and post the settings. Maybe I am expecting too much, but I can't use it un-miced and that is disappointing so hopefully it is a tube.

Nope but will do. Where's the adjustment pot?

Thanks. Don't worry, I have read it a few times and consulted with Nik. I'm not just here complaining without having tried anything to fix it. I'll let you know once I've messed with the tubes and bias.

Ok, something is definitely not right. You don't have it too cranked at all.

Sorry if I forgot some info you already gave, I don't always have time to go back over the whole thread and forget the details. I remember now that you said you had a DRRI before. But, if this amp was shipped from Ceriatone, I would feel it almost a necesassity to check the bias immediately just to be sure it didn't get moved somehow in shipping. Also, the first thing I would do with an amp that was shipped so far and not performing properly is start troubleshooting with known good tubes.

I don't think anyone is suggesting you're complaining over nothing. What has Nik suggested? He is excellent at responding to problems and questions. But you will have to follow his suggestions.

Finally, I can tell you that a bad tube can cause all kinds of strange problems that can be intermittent and very perplexing and the only fix is a good one in its place. It could be a failed component internally and that will be more complicated to figure out.

I hope you get it figured out.