How to Choose Between EL34 and 6L6 Amps
This is probably one of the most difficult decisions each guitar faces at some stage on their gear journey… EL34 or 6L6.
Many other tube types are available of course, but the two most common tube types you’ll see out there are the EL34 and the 6L6. In this article and accompanying video we’re going to look at some of the differences between the two and why you might choose one over the other.
EL34 Amps and Their Uses
EL34 amps are typically considered to be more British sounding. This means there is a more pronounced mid range with less emphasis on the lower and higher frequencies.
To most, the EL34 tone will be very familiar. This is a tube type associated with a big, British guitar sound which you will have heard on countless classic rock albums and played by guitarists from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix.
The EL34 sound also made it’s way into metal culture with bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest opting to use more British voiced amps.
EL34 amps work great for cleans, but they’re more at home when set to overdrive. These amps usually have a fairly low headroom so when you start to crank it, it goes into that classic rock style breakup we all know and love.
They also take pedals very well but often the pedals serve as a means to get more drive and punch out of the amp. Not many players will use an EL34 amp as a pedal platform due to the lower breakup point.
6L6 Amps and Their Uses
On the other side of the tonal spectrum, the 6L6 tube typically has a more American tone. This means it has a tighter low end and more presence in the highs, but a more scooped mid. The St. James 6L6 goes from pristine, high headroom cleans, to crushing metal tones. This shows the versatile range of this tube.
6L6 tubes work great clean and make a fantastic pedal platform. A clean 6L6 amp is often very high headroom meaning you can turn the amp up loud and hit it with pedals and it still retains is clean headroom. As such, overdrive pedals sound clearer and tighter because there is less natural sag and compression from the amp.
If you like high gain, 6L6 tubes can deliver very tight, focused high gain tones. They are a firm favourite of many heavy bands and handle drop tunings exceptionally well. Pair a high gain 6L6 amp with a low gain TS style drive and you get the ultimate modern metal tone.
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About the Author
This article on how to choose between an EL34 or 6L6 loaded amp was written by Leigh Fuge. Leigh is a professional guitarist and content creator and also works alongside musicteacher.com to create guitar focused, educational and entertainment content.
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