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Post subject: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:06 pm
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I see that the rectifier tube in my 72 Super Reverb is a 5U4G according to the tube chart as I was looking through my tube stash, I found a Mesa Branded Sovtek 5U4G Full Wave Rectifier Tube. Is this different from what the amp takes. The shape of the bottle on the Mesa is different and does not look like the one in the amp...the Mesa is not the typical round shape, it is more like a gumby looking thing it is also much bigger.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:49 pm
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The specified rectifier for a '72 SR is a 5U4GB -- the 5U4G may be considered as functionally identical in all critical standard operating characteristics.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:23 pm
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Thanks Arjay, knew I could count on you for the facts :D Oh and I went at looked at the tube chart again, and darned if it don't say 5U4GB not 5U4G...I would have swore that it said 5U4G when I looked the other day. Is there any performance difference that could harm the amp if using the 5U4G vs 5U4GB?

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:26 pm
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Since that is a Sovtek "5U4" all bets are off are what it's really specs are. American "coke bottle" shaped 5U4 had a smoosh less current output (225mA versus 275mA) to the 5U4GB. Less PIV and less max plate current output.

However, the Russian and Chinese were (and maybe still are) notorious for re-branded their military tubes (esp rectifiers and power tubes) from non-US standard to a US designation.

A lot of 1990's era 5U4 were really re-labeled 5Z3S. Specs were not the same as the 5U4G or 5U4GB. Closer to an 83. It'll work, but you'll have more "sag" (greater internal resistance), than a 5U4---which is saying a lot. Just to let you know.


http://giaime.altervista.org/china.html


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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:48 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
Since that is a Sovtek "5U4" all bets are off are what it's really specs are. American "coke bottle" shaped 5U4 had a smoosh less current output (225mA versus 275mA) to the 5U4GB. Less PIV and less max plate current output.

However, the Russian and Chinese were (and maybe still are) notorious for re-branded their military tubes (esp rectifiers and power tubes) from non-US standard to a US designation.

A lot of 1990's era 5U4 were really re-labeled 5Z3S. Specs were not the same as the 5U4G or 5U4GB. Closer to an 83. It'll work, but you'll have more "sag" (greater internal resistance), than a 5U4---which is saying a lot. Just to let you know.


http://giaime.altervista.org/china.html


Correct on all counts.

I retain a modest stash of US-made NOS 5U4G's and 5U4GB's that had been destined for the base PDO after we turned in all our equipment that happened to use these tubes (the gear had a recoverability code -- bench stock spares did not).

Waste not, want not!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:58 pm
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So not a safe tube to use as a back up :?: "Coke Bottle" yep that was the term for the shape I was trying to remember. Yes this is a Sovtek, coke bottle shaped 5U4G relabed as a Mesa Engineering

I went through the link that BMW attached (thanks by the way, always can use more info), and it showed the US/Eu/Russia/etc equivilants as to how they mark them for all the old eastern block countries tubes so this made me wonder if I should ever use this tube in my SR.

Thanks and sorry I may not be understanding what your trying to tell me.

Arjay, way to score those tubes :!:

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:58 pm
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The power supply is undisputably the hardest working circuit in any piece of electronic gear. Generally, when it's happy the rest of the chassis is happy. I never scrimp by using shoddy rectifiers.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 7:02 am
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Thanks. Never thought of it that way, but sure does make sense...I guess I need to go to the tube store :wink:

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 7:04 am
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T2stratman
Howdy.

I just happen to have a really good American made 5U4GB if ya cant find one let me know and I'll send it to ya.

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 12:08 pm
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blues bondsman wrote:
T2stratman
Howdy.

I just happen to have a really good American made 5U4GB if ya cant find one let me know and I'll send it to ya.


Thanks. I see you too have a 50th Anniversary Strat...mine is the 50th Anniversary Golden Strat...all gold body, hardware, and annodized pickguard...I posted pic on the Fender Lounge, under the post "Guitar and Amp Porn?" if you care to take a peek.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 12:13 pm
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I understand the NOS rectifiers are still a great value and can be found for under $60. In addition, they are regarded to lasting a lifetime.


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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 3:06 pm
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Yep my #1 is the AMSE limited edition 2004 50th anniversary Strat.

Been through dozens of strats and have yet to find another I like better.

Wish I could find that one Tele that I would never part with !!!!

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:20 am
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blues bondsman wrote:
Yep my #1 is the AMSE limited edition 2004 50th anniversary Strat.

Been through dozens of strats and have yet to find another I like better.

Wish I could find that one Tele that I would never part with !!!!


I found a good (tested) NOS 5U4GB for $30 not too shabby :!:

I have found a good (Tele) in a '85 Japanese '54 reissue Esquire...it has such great tone and I love the neck so much I would never part with it :D ...and now that it has plenty of miles on it it has that truely worn in feel it is my defacto go to for a great tele sound :!: ...good luck finding that special TELE :!:

T2

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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:27 am
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SOLID!

A good NOS 5U4GB should last for the life of the amp.


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Post subject: Re: Rectifier Tube for 72 Super Reverb
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:49 am
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The GZ34 is a much better sounding tube!


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