Ceriatone Forum

Hi, just about to receive my Overtone Special and have a  number of questions.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.
1)  Are the standard Tungol 6L6 power tubes the way to go?
2) I really like the tone of EL34s, has anyone become an EL34 convert?
3) Can the Overtone take any octal power tube with the proper bias?
4) What are the biasing range for EL34s and 6L6 in the Overtone Special considering the high plate voltages?
5) Any favorite preamp tubes? NOS tubes in the Overtone worth it?
Your help would greatly be appreciated

The answer to all you questions is that it doesnt really matter, since the overtone is and amp that makes its sound in the preamp.

Your questions are more relevant for a non-mastervolume amp, that get its from the powertubes.

Any good set of power tubes will do ;-)

Pretty much. You wouldn't want to change them until your have familiarised yourself with the amp. Some have stated that the TAD 6L6WGC's are better.

I tried EL34's and didn't detect much of a difference in tone so changed back to 6L6's. Bigger change in tone (well dynamics really) with 6V6's


No don't think so.


25mV to 38mV for 6L6's, not sure about EL34's though they are similar


You might want to experiment with 5751's or 12AY7's in the pre-amp, it does change the dyanmics quite a bit. Currently I've a 5751 in v1 and a 12ax7 in v2, but I have also had 5751 and 12AY7. Not experimented with the PI or NOS yet though.

Thanks for the info.....just waiting to receive my Overtone, should be here soon!

Just to reaffirm...... it is safe to use EL34s with this amp?
Thank You

Yes. rebias and away you go.