Ibanez Valbee - some help here..

Reth

Reth

New member
Hi there! Lately, I've been really attracted to the Ibanez Valbee! I love the idea of a tiny all-tube amp - thinking of purchasing for my christmas present to myself.. :roll:
Anyway, I've got some questions about it, so if you yourself owns this amp, or anyone at all, please help me out!

1. It has 2 tubes yeah? 1 pre, 1 power. Does it mean at any given time, as long as it's on, both tubes will be working at the same time? Does that mean the sound which comes out is from 2 tubes?

2. For anyone who has tried it, how loud do you play it at(1-10)? For home practicing, that is. Would you have to crank it up reeaally loud to get a good sound?

3. How does it fare in terms of versitality? I heard it was more suited for metal. But can you get other sounds from it? 'Cause I occassionaly play a wide range of music.

4. Hehe, whats the blue exterior made of? Is it plastic? Or is it some blue cover which can be taken off.. I don't like blue!

Yeah, thats all. And just FYI, I use an Epi LP Standard, a BOSS OS-2, and an RP-80. It's not much, but it works for me.
Oh, I have read all the reviews on SOFT- already used the search button (:
I plan to get it from Shanghai this month, if possible. Will probably be replacing the plug head, shouldn't be a problem.
Um, anyone knows of any good well-stocked guitar shop in Shanghai?

Thanks for you help guys!
 
BUMP!
I found this diagram in a japanese website! Not sure if it's accurate.
Someone explain to me! Why are there 2 12AX7's in the preamp? Someone help me! Gosh it's like physics
VBG.jpg
 
go check the sales thread, there are a couple valbees selling for $190.
and the tubes? thats why ibanez decided to create a website :P
 
There's only 1 12ax7. I think the (a) and (b) refers to different parts of the same 12ax7 tube.

wrt diagram, it'll take too long to explain if you don't know about physics - because it's a simplified schematic. you don't have to know to use one anyway.
 
Reth said:
BUMP!
I found this diagram in a japanese website! Not sure if it's accurate.
Someone explain to me! Why are there 2 12AX7's in the preamp? Someone help me! Gosh it's like physics
VBG.jpg
Click to expand...

looks to me the second 12ax7 (the one in the boost circuit) is a second gain stage when the boost is engaged?
 
I'd say.. spend $60 bucks more and get a Epiphone Valve Jr. Head (although you must have a speaker to use it) :lol:
 
just for those who are too lazy to google.

a 12ax7 is a DUAL preamp tube. thats why you see the (a) and (b) in the block diagram.
 
Judging from the diagram the valbee still uses SS opamps for gain and preamping.

The tubes are for saturation and clipping

but at least the poweramp wroks fine.
 
Hey, thanks for all your info, guys. I Appreciate it :)
All the valbee's are sold already. oh well.
 
Reth said:
Hey, thanks for all your info, guys. I Appreciate it :)
All the valbee's are sold already. oh well.
Click to expand...

do consider that maintaining a tube amp is not so straightforward.

You need to change the tube once in a while and before you can use the new tube, you need to bias the tube. Pardon me if you've already known about this.
 
hmm.. doesn't the valbee have only 1 preamp and 2 poweramp tubes? i don't think bias is necessary for the poweramp if u buy a matched pair.. plus biasing u need to get an amp tech to do or you get those bias kits..
 
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