My as-mint-albeit-used Rivera is noisy as shit. My friend who has one suggests replacing the tubes. It's not a big deal, it's the sort of thing one expects when buying used. I just don't know where all my tubes are, and I have a brazillion 12ax7 & variants. Think I might buy some 12ax7lpses (several instances of 12ax7lps) anyway, and pretty sure I don't have any el34's. Any recommendation for best value/not too expensive current production el34's? I don't need to go all the way to EiElite gold pins, I don't think (do those even still exist?).
When we were in the store over the weekend, they had a Mel-o-Bar. Seems it's rare, and of course due to its unorthodox layout (and I wanted a lap steel anyway), I was immediately drawn to it. Should I get it? Pros and cons, especially if anyone has any experience with one. Seems like carpal tunnel waiting to happen, but won't know unless I try it.