5881 > EL34 conversion

[surfdog777]

Getting my 93 JCM900 converted from 5881s to JJ EL34s.
Picking up from the shop on Monday. Was just curious if anyone else had made the same conversion.

 

[Guv'nor]

I did it to my 30th Anniversary. It was ok with the 5881/6L6 and now is a Marshall beast with the EL34

Well done dude!

 

[surfdog777]

Cool......I have always dug the EL34s. The head needed re-tubing anyway, so I figured why not go ahead and go for it.

 

[jcm900]

I want to hear a jcm 900 with EL34. Where can I get it?
I have listened that EL34 has better sound than 5881, is it true?

Thank you

 

[Guv'nor]

It is a very easy mod. Any tech could do it.

I would not say EL34 is better than 6L6 (5881) or the opposite. They are just different.

- EL34 is the typical Marshall sound. Sweet and nasty.
- 6L6 is more Fender. Cleaner with more definition.

 

[jcm900]

It is a very easy mod. Any tech could do it.

I would not say EL34 is better than 6L6 (5881) or the opposite. They are just different.

- EL34 is the typical Marshall sound. Sweet and nasty.
- 6L6 is more Fender. Cleaner with more definition.

I understand...thank you

 

[JLH]

I did the change, IMO it cleaned the amp up, added SAG set to preamp, it gave my 900 more headroom, let me what you think

 

[lpaholic59Don]

It is a very easy mod. Any tech could do it.

I would not say EL34 is better than 6L6 (5881) or the opposite. They are just different.

- EL34 is the typical Marshall sound. Sweet and nasty.
- 6L6 is more Fender. Cleaner with more definition.

I had a 4500 Head the 5881 model, Since I couldnt gig my half stack around here, I ran across a earlier 4501 Combo, I like the sound of the EK34s a bit better, I think the 5881's gave the clean channel more warmth I believe the 34's give the drive channel a tad more hard Marshall Edge

 

[coldsteal2]

I kind of like the 5881's i get a better crunch from them
than from the EL34's. 34's probably alot better for leads though.
I think the 5881's remind me a bit of the old HIWATT 100 sound.
And i do love that sound, but would love to get a head with
34's.