Frequently Asked Questions

Q  What is ToneGrinder?

A  ToneGrinder is the name of tube device products

     designed by WattGrinder Engineering, Inc. The

     ToneGrinder 12AX7 is a direct replacement for the

     12AX7 dual triode vacuum tube.

Q  Where are ToneGrinders made?

A  Each and every ToneGrinder is made in the United

     States.

Q  Do ToneGrinders get hot?

A  All ToneGrinders get warm, not hot.

Q  Do ToneGrinder 12AX7's need to be biased?

A  No, only Power Tubes need biasing.

Q  Do I need to modify my amp to use ToneGrinders?

A  No, ToneGrinders are pin for pin compatible with glass

     vacuum tubes.

Q  How long do ToneGrinders last?

A  ToneGrinders could last the lifetime of your equipment.

Q  How do ToneGrinder 12AX7’s sound compared to

     a vacuum tube?

A  ToneGrinder 12AX7 tubes have been designed to have

     a wider dynamic range than vacuum tubes. A more

     dynamic (wider) sound field is typical.

Q  Will ToneGrinder 12AX7’s microphonic?

A  No, ToneGrinder 12AX7’s will not microphonic. They

     are excellent for use in high powered combo amps. 

Q  Will ToneGrinders break if vibrated or jarred?

A  No, ToneGrinders can withstand vibrations and jarring

     even with the amp turned on.

Q  Do I have to sort ToneGrinder 12AX7’s to find that

     perfect tone?

A  Definitely not. Each ToneGrinder 12AX7 model will

     sound the same no matter how many you own.

Q  How will ToneGrinders perform over time?

A  ToneGrinder performance and sound quality will not

     deteriorate over time and will remain the same for the

     life of the device.

Q  Can I use stomp boxes and/or effects in front of

     the 12AX7 ToneGrinder?

A  Absolutely!  Each ToneGrinder 12AX7 model has

     outstanding performance with front end effects.

     Experiment with the possibilities!

Q  Can I use a Custom ToneGrinder 12AX7 in place

     of the Standard ToneGrinder 12AX7?

A  Yes. To get the most out of your Custom ToneGrinder

     selection, it is important to know your amp circuits. An

     amp technician can help you or you can e-mail

     info@wattgrinder.com 

Q  Amps with multiple 12AX7 vacuum tubes, do I

     have to use ToneGrinder 12AX7’s in all 12AX7

      positions?

A  No, you can mix ToneGrinder 12AX7’s with your

     favorite vacuum tubes. It’s all about the tone!

Q  Can ToneGrinder 12AX7’s be used in equipment

     other than guitar and bass amplifiers?

A  Yes, ToneGrinders typically can be used where a

     vacuum tube is used. For example, they can be used in

     high end home theater equipment and tube based

     microphones.

Q  I am considering buying a new amp; are there

     amps that work best with ToneGrinder? 

A  We have found most amplifiers that use 12AX7 preamp

     tubes can benefit from installing ToneGrinders in place

     of vacuum tubes.

Q  Will the ToneGrinder 12AX7 be too overpowering

     if I play with someone who has an amp with a

     vacuum tube?

A  Typically no. You will have full range of control to

     balance your sound in any scenario.

Q  Will ToneGrinders work in any amp?

A  ToneGrinders have been designed to work wherever a

     12AX7 is used. It is possible however, that an amplifier

     might have a non-standard or unusual configuration

     which could have unpredictable results.

Q  Do ToneGrinder 12AX7’s have the same noise

     issues as a vacuum tube?

A  No. All ToneGrinder 12AX7 models have been

     designed to be very low noise and will not get noisy

     over time.

Q  How do Harmonics and Overtones produced by

     the ToneGrinder 12AX7 compare to the vacuum

      tube?

A  Excellent! ToneGrinder 12AX7’s will fold to the next

     Harmonic(s) and produce Overtones to rival the best

     vacuum tubes.

Q  What is the benefit of purchasing a tube amp and

     buying ToneGrinders versus purchasing a solid

     state amplifier?

A  The tone of solid state amps cannot be changed

     because transistors are permanent. Tube amps are

     popular because they produce the tone desired by

     many guitar and bass players. You can easily swap

     vacuum tubes for ToneGrinders.

Q  What is NOS?

A  New Old Stock. NOS usually means tubes that are

     unused but not in current production.

Q  How should I store my ToneGrinder 12AX7 if I

     change it out for another ToneGrinder 12AX7 to

     play a different type of music?

A  Your ToneGrinder 12AX7 can be stored in its original

     custom container.

Q  Will there be ToneGrinder Power Tube devices?

A  We are currently testing our ToneGrinder power tube

     devices starting with the 6L6 and EL34.

Q  What is the price comparison of the ToneGrinder

     12AX7 to a vacuum tube?

A  The retail price of U.S. made ToneGrinder 12AX7

     products is more than the Chinese or Russian made

     vacuum tubes. However, in most cases, the retail price

     of ToneGrinder 12AX7 products is less than NOS

     products which typically range from $150 to $300.

     NOS products are risky for tone and quality; they

     will eventually fail. 

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