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Post subject: Re-Tubing my Twin
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:12 am
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Location: Eastern Iowa
I've got a 1972 Twin Reverb. Is there any reason I couldn't buy a set of new tubes and replace them myself, or is this something a repair shop should do?

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Post subject: Re: Re-Tubing my Twin
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:24 am
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New output tubes need a bias check and adjust .

Wrong bias = poor sound and / or short tube's life .

If you look for an amp tech be sure he is qualified , too many are not


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Post subject: Re: Re-Tubing my Twin
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:31 am
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The Tubes need to be biased.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily do it yourself.

But, the fact that you're even asking the question says you either need to learn, or just take it to a qualified Tech.

In addition to biasing the tubes, he can also give the amp the once-over to make sure it's both safe and in top shape.

Bias Tools range from $20 (you supply a DMM) to $125-$200. If you plan on keeping the amp, or have others, investing in these tools is offset by your savings on a Tech. The Search function on this forum, and the Web is splattered with info and How To's on the subject.

But, do it wrong, and you can burnout your tubes, burnout your transformer, or hurt yourself with the high-voltages involved.

Learning to do it yourself gives you more knowledge, a sense of accomplishment, some savings, no turnaround time, and it allows you to easily experiment with a variety of tubes and 'customize' your Tone without a trip to the Tech (and a bill) each time.

I use the Weber Bias-Rite tool (no need for DMM), but there are several others out there which will fill the Bill.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Re-Tubing my Twin
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:07 pm
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For this amp, I'd go with the Tungsol STR-6L6GC or the Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC. Both are tough tubes that can handle the demands of the TR. Good life, too. Try to buy from a dealer that sorts out the poor testing, gassy, and noisy ones from the good ones. Quad matched would be nice. You can get away with two matched pairs, IF you know which ones to replace with which pair.

Checking and adjusting bias is a must when changing any output tube.


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Post subject: Re: Re-Tubing my Twin
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:57 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
For this amp, I'd go with the Tungsol STR-6L6GC or the Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC. Both are tough tubes that can handle the demands of the TR.


The STR's are great tubes but not really necessary for this application. The amp in question is not an ultra-linear. I'd go with the EHX bottles or (if you can find them) some Winged C's.

As with any power-tube change, they should be replaced simultaneously with a matched quartet followed by an idle-bias check (and adjustment if required).

Arjay

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