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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:19 pm
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Hi howardken52,

It is interesting that your amp sounds great with only one output tube. I can't really see how any harm to the amp would be caused from using only one output tube (short term), but if you turn the volume up, it might sound bad at some point, so definitely avoid that. You also will get reduced power from the amp with only one output tube. Generally speaking, it is a good idea (best practice) to put in a new set of two matched output tubes instead of just replacing one. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:40 pm
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Have you checked the bottom of the amp cab for the other tube? It's been known to happen, a tube falling out. If you get new tubes, please post your thoughts on the sound, and which tubes you chose.

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 10:06 pm
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Since the CVR is not equipped with a biasing pot, a matched set of output tubes is recommended. Also, it's critical that the V6 12AX7WA phase inverter has balanced transconductance between its halves to help maintain symmetry within the output stage.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 10:12 pm
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It couldn't hurt to point this out to GC and see if there is a possibility of getting a matched set of tubes from them (even a used set would work). Worth a try. I have always received excellent treatment from GC. I would expect them to make it right for you, after all you expected that you were buying a complete amp, not one missing parts. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 11:40 pm
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Basically you are running the amp in single-ended mode, when it has only one power tube. There will be a impedance mis-matched between the power tube section and the primary windings of the output tranny. But, this shouldn't harm the tranny, as long as you don't push it too hard. Fender's tend to have overbuilt iron---so I wouldn't worry about it. Tonewise, it prolly lack some punch and range---as the amp is not really setup to run in single-ended topology.


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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 10:53 am
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Awesome! That's the GC that I know and love. 8)

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:04 am
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howardken52 wrote:
Yes, Guitar Center's greatest quality might be their greatest flaw. They give everybody and anybody access to anything in the store. So somebody who needed a tube probably just grabbed it out of the amp.


It wouldn't be the first time.

A colleague of mine works at a GC and he's related many remarkable anecdotes regarding pilferage by "customers".

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:47 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
howardken52 wrote:
Yes, Guitar Center's greatest quality might be their greatest flaw. They give everybody and anybody access to anything in the store. So somebody who needed a tube probably just grabbed it out of the amp.


It wouldn't be the first time.

A colleague of mine works at a GC and he's related many remarkable anecdotes regarding pilferage by "customers".

Arjay


Yeah, I was in my local music store and I noticed the Twin they had sitting on the floor was missing the pilot light jewel cover. I told the manager and he just sighed and said, "again... Yeah, we keep a bunch on hand in the back to replace them".

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 4:14 pm
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I recently saw a store video of a young man stuffing an entire guitar down his pant leg and under his shirt, and tried to walk out of the store with it (I don't remember which store). Needless to say, he got caught. But the guy was so stupid that after he got out of jail, he came back to the same store, and did the exact same thing, in front of the same camera, a second time. :shock:

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:46 am
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Congrats on getting things squared with GC!

On the subject of pilferage... seems like every time I go in to GC, I see either a knob missing from a guitar or a jewel light missing from an amp! Always Fenders too. :(

Management knows about it and says they have stories to tell of larger items that almost made it out the door! I say a broken finger would fix those...

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 9:03 am
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tyronne wrote:
I say a broken finger would fix those...


What......and traumatize the thieving little urchins for life?

:lol:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:33 pm
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Whew......that'd be just too much drama for an old geezer like me!

:mrgreen:

Anyway, I hope this latest selection works out for you.

Rawk on

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:17 am
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Will howardken52 be happy with the SS?

Does he miss the Vibrolux?

Does he already have an itch to trade the SS for a HRDlx III?

Will the youngsters get this Soap reference?

Tune in next week to see. :wink:

Congrats again howardken52. At least you are getting to try out all of these cool amps. 8)

BTW, with GCs return policy, you could get a different amp every 30 days. :idea: :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:06 am
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Love that guitar and the color!

MIJ/CIJ?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Can I run my Vibrolux with only one power tube?
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:18 am
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howardken52 wrote:
CS '60 NOS. I shoud have got the surf green SS to match. But I like black amps.


Me too......!

Image

(mostly)

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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