ilovefuzz.com

i should know this since i use tubes live, but how exactly do tubes work with pedals? i run a hot signal all the time, should i just turn the preamp down? i normally keep it around 3 (bassman 100). i feel like if i run a distorted signal into tubes with the preamp opened up that something would explode.

no, just more distortion from the first tube in the amp. the only thing that may happen, that the first tube gets burned out faster. but don't care about that. if it sounds shitty stick a new one in (normal preamp tubes (12ax7) are like 10$).
at least i like it, if the amp gets hit a bit harder in the front and the first tube stage adds distortion/overdrive/character to the overall sound. even with fuzz

I had a similar problem just a few weeks ago. Turns out it was a vveeerrryyyy small and also tiny phase inverter. I don't really know what it does, but it fucked up my amp in the way that you have described yours.

Here's the thread if you wanna take a look and see if there are any similarnesses:

viewtopic.php?f=149&t=19008


Good luck!


C

make sure you check the little things like speaker cables and the cab (assuming you have a head+cab setup). I have a VTM60, glad to see someone else digs them. good luck!