Harpwood
3 posts
Dec 05, 2012
11:44 AM
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Here's a question for you tube-lovin' harpers.
I have a Blackface Princeton Reverb Clone which is one of my main gigging amps and about a year ago, I had it checked. I was told that the power tubes should be replaced in about a year or so, so here I am thinking about what kind of 6v6's to put in.
Currently I run the amp with no-name tubes, with which I bought the amp. Options for new tubes are JJ's, Tung-Sols RI or probably some NOS RCA 6V6GTYs, which I could get for a reasonable price. What would you suggest, has anyone tried these tubes in a Princeton-like amp and may describe the different sound characteristics one can expect?
One more question. I'll let the tech do the job, so I'd probably need some advice how to bias the amp with the different tubes. Hot or not? What works best for you folks (and will most likely for the different tubes)?
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
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Rick Davis
975 posts
Dec 05, 2012
12:04 PM
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All the choices you listed are good. The JJ 6V6S tubes are quite 6L6-like, big tone. The new production Tung Sols are warm, I dig 'em, I've used them both in various amps. And, I use an NOS RCA black plate 6V6 in my Champ. So you won't get any argument from me on any of your ideas.
Check the Tube Depot in Memphis
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
Last Edited by on Dec 05, 2012 12:09 PM
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LSC
336 posts
Dec 05, 2012
6:16 PM
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I would agree with Rick that everything on your short list is a good choice. As it happens, I've recently been able to compare a set 6V6 JJs, they came with the amp, and a set of blackplate RCA GTYs in a non-reverb BF Deluxe, albeit with guitar. The JJs were remarkably good. . I'm partial to NOS and found the RCAs for a decent price, though still relatively expensive. They were unused.
Soundwise the two sets were quite close. The JJs had a quality, quite clean and open sound. I'm not normally a fan of Chinese tubes but I liked these. I suspect the German oversight of design and quality control has a lot to do with the quailty.
The RCAs are somewhat warmer and break up a tad sooner. I suspect they would be better for harp, though the Deluxe is not a harp amp and I've never stuck a harp through it.
The GTY was the cream of the crop. They are military/industrial and needed to withstand tank warfare. My amp is a '65 and I'm trying to keep things period correct. I like the way old things sound and the way they were built. The RCAs are staying in the amp and I suspect I will never have to buy another 6V6. You however are tubing a contemporary amp. The difference in sound or reliability may not be enough to warrant the extra cost. As in all things, let your ears and your heart be your guide.
BTW, I was thinking of selling the JJs. Let me know off forum if you're interested.
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LSC
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5F6H
1445 posts
Dec 06, 2012
3:17 AM
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@LSC "Soundwise the two sets were quite close. The JJs had a quality, quite clean and open sound. I'm not normally a fan of Chinese tubes but I liked these. I suspect the German oversight of design and quality control has a lot to do with the quailty."
Great appraisal, I'd just like to point out that the JJ's are Slovakian, not Chinese.
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LSC
337 posts
Dec 06, 2012
9:42 AM
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@5f6h - I stand corrected. Don't know why I thought they were Chinese.
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LSC
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Harpwood
4 posts
Dec 08, 2012
12:31 AM
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Thanks for your suggestions everyone. I still am undecided, but most likely any of the tubes will give the amp a decent sound, so there's not too much to worry about I guess.
Last Edited by on Dec 08, 2012 12:31 AM
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