Preamp Tubes

Musical Detail – reproducing the sound of the instrument. Microphonics - Microphonic tubes will ring, howl, squeel or have feedback problems.  Noise – when a preamp tube makes random popping noises, crackle occasionally or just hum.

Gain Factor and Texture
While preamp tube types have different gain factors, how much it amplifies the input signal, we have found that there are also different levels of gain "texture" between brands and manufacturers that may significantly alter the over all guitar tone.  We’ll add our findings to the preamp tube descriptions to try to help you dial in your guitar tone to suit your needs.  (Note:  These ‘textures’ can vary from amp to amp as well – these are general guidelines.  We highly recommend experimenting to find the preamp tubes that best fit your guitar playing style, technique and tone preferences)

Special Orders
If you don't find the guitar amp tubes you're looking for, please contact us.  We may have access to Special Order tubes.

Guitar Amp Preamp Tubes: 

Some of the best guitar preamp tubes available today are not necessarily the best guitar preamp tubes for your guitar tone!  So whether you have the best 12AX7 preamp tube or the best guitar amp ever...this does not guarantee you 'the best guitar tone'!  It is important to make a preamp tube comparison.  Try our 12AX7 preamp tube Sampler Pack.  Hear the difference for your self in YOUR amp...with YOUR guitar and pedals.  It's your guitar tone - YOU be the judge!

12AX7s
Gain factor of 100 (highest)
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12AX7 Sampler Pack, 10 Tubes TOTAL - Guitar Player Special!!!
#SET-JJ-12AX7-Sampler Pack

Try some of the most popular 12AX7's available at a great price and find the ones that you like best. Comes with one of each of the following. We reserve the right to substitute any of these tubes with one of equal value based on availability.

* 12AX7-S-JJ
* ECC803-S-JJ
* 12AX7 China
* 12AX7B China
* 12AX7-PS-TAD
* 12AX7-C-GT
* 12AX7A-C5 Ruby
* 12AX7-EH
* 12AX7WA Sovtek
* 12AX7 Fender
BUY NOW - $89.99

JJ Electronics 12AX7/ECC83S #JJ-12AX7/ECC83 Guitar Preamp Tube - dual triode with spiral filament.  RoHS Compliant
Formerly Tesla the JJ Electronic 12AX7/ECC83 ranks Very Good in Microphonics, Better in Noise and Better in Musical Detail and Dynamics and is very well balanced while producing high gain without the typical noise and microphonics you would expect from a 12AX7.
BUY NOW - $9.68

Tube Amp Doctor (TAD) #TAD-12AX7-PS This premium selected tube has excellent gain coupled with deep bass, smooth highs and dense mids with an overall clarity and definition of tone. Great in preamps requiring a strong bass presence as well as for clean tones.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - $13.79

12AX7-CHINA #CHINA 12AX7 Guitar Preamp Tube - Chinese 12AX7 dual triode, economy grade with VERY nice gain and bite.  Highly recommended for Marshall Guitar Amps.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - On Sale $7.69 (regular price $7.74)

Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 #EH-12AX7 Guitar Preamp Tube - Dual triode.  Very nice bottom end, full and warm with a chunky bite.  A GuitarAmpTubes.Com favorite.
BUY NOW - $12.87

12AT7s
Gain factor of 60 (40% less gain than a 12AX7)

JJ Electronics 12AT7/ECC81 - dual triode.  Low noise, low microphonic preamp tube. Very good for phase inverters and reverb circuits.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - $9.68

Chinese 12AT7 #CHINA-12AT7 Guitar Preamp Tube - dual triode. Nice glassy top end.  A GuitarAmpTubes.Com favorite in the phase inverter position on early 80's Marshall JCM 800s.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - $8.49

12AU7s
Gain factor of 19 (about 81% less gain than a 12AX7)

JJ Electronics 12AU7/ECC82 #JJ-12AU7/ECC82 Guitar Preamp Tube - dual triode.  Equivalent to the North American 12AU7 tube.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - $9.14

Chinese 12AU7 #CHINA-12AU7 Guitar Preamp Tube - dual triode.  RoHS Compliant
BUY NOW - $7.99