Beaufort Tube swap Options

[Paul LaRue]

I Just bought a used [in mint condition] Clark Beaufort that is just amazing.
I must commend everyone at Clark for building such a high quality amplifier.

I want to get the amp to breakup earlier for home use & recording.Is it safe to switch the 12AY7 with a 12AX7?
Will this make the amp distort at lower volumes without killing the wonderful tone?

I also have another question regarding the Celestion Blue.
Mine farts out on the lower frequencies [E & A string] at moderate or higher volumes [3 and up] regardless if I use single coils or humbuckers?
I have only had it a week [it was built in Oct. 2007] and am affraid to turn it all the way up for fear of damaging the speaker?
How can I get that great tweed breakup if I can't turn it up? I believe it saw little use from the original owner and the speaker may not be broken in yet?
It does not sound like it is blown. Is there any thing I can do to fix this?.
Thanks, New member & Clark owner Paul [size="5"][/size]

[Michael Clark]

Paul,
Thanks for your kind words regarding the Beaufort. Yes you may sub a 12AXY out for the 12AY7. You can sub most any 12AX7 style tube in place of the AY, (12AT7, 12AU7 and on).

The 5E3 circuit has tremendous bass response and as such it is very easy to distort the low frequencies. I would suggest always playing in the bright channel and keeping the tone in the most treble response position. Using a 5AR4 instead of the 5Y3 will also help. I would not worry about blowing your Celestion. I have been installing them in my Beaufort amps since the early 90's. Not a single report of a blown one has come to my attention.

The Beaufort is a very loud amp turned up, and without a power attenuator I don't know if you can get the overdrive you want without an attenuator. THD makes a great one and I also make one. Mine is available in two versions 0 to 9 db attenuation and 0 to 12 db attenuation. It is very transparent in circuit. The THD and mine are available through Bob at the Perfect Note. You may also like the sound of a P12Q style speaker in your amp. WVST makes one a 12A125 that will breakup the same as the original in this amp. Thanks again for your support and purchase!

Michael Clark Clark Amplification

[Paul LaRue]

Thank you for your expert advice Michael Clark.
I was amazed at the amount of bottom this amp has.
I will try the tube swap & 5AR4 rectifier tube.
Again, awesome amp!

My amp arrived without the clark Emblem / logo.
The previous owner installed a Fender logo.
Can I purchase the Clark emblem?
Paul