joearthur,
i did see that article you posted after i posted my questions. very informative. after i get it re-tubed, i'm going to cut that wire. i am still kinda concerned that even before that "7" level, the amp isn't really that loud. the other various amps i have, when i crank them, i have to plug my ears (i wear ear plugs to play with everytime. so when no plugs are in, anything is too loud for me). any idea why it isn't really that loud at around 3 and above?