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Post subject: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 7:41 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Hi Guys;
This may be a lengthy post,so be ready! :D Anyway,I am a member of a group on Facebook called "Fans Of Vintage Tube Equipment" and there's an amateur radio operator who has a huge bunch of NOS tubes he needs to get rid of. Now,...I am not sure as to which types he has since he has not replied just yet. So,..BEFORE and IF,...I buy ANY NOS tubes from him,...I need to ask one question in particular. Taking 6L6 power tubes as an example,...is it really a good idea to even use NOS tubes in more modern Fender tube amps such as the two I have,...my HRD III and my '59 Bassman Ltd Reissue? Depending on what the guy would have and what he would ask for them,would they be worth the trouble?

Moving on to preamp tubes,...what about NOS 12AX7 tubes? Let's say,for example,...he has some GE and Sylvania 12AX7 tubes available. If they are any good,what price should I expect to pay for them? And again,...should I EVEN USE NOS tubes in a more modern amp at all? I responded to his post and told him if he had ANY 6L6 tubes that they would HAVE to be a matched pair/set since both my amps are Class AB push-pull type and use fixed bias,...indicating to him that anytime you change tubes in these amps that bias has to be adjusted,...and is adjustable by means of a bias adjustment pot. I would like to help him out,but I think it's wise to check FIRST before even considering NOS tube use in more modern tube amps.

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If it aint' broke,...don't fix it! I like to keep my amps and guitars factory original,...no mods necessary,...don't want them,...don't need them!

My gear as of now;
Standard Strat
Hot Rod Deluxe III amp
Champion 20 amp
'59 Bassman LTD Reissue


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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 7:49 am
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I noticed that your signature says, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." You've got two great sounding amps the way they are. I really can't say whether they would improve the sound of your amps, maybe yes, maybe no. That's a very subjective thing. They will not cause damage to them and I think they would not void your Fender warranty.

KC7LN


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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 9:19 am
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:55 pm
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Unless you can test for yourself how close of a match power tubes are (bias probe), i would'nt buy them unless really cheap.
As to the preamp tubes, its a crapshoot as to their being microphonic or not....or otherwise defective.

If the price is very low, i'd buy nos anyday.......and take the chance.


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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 10:56 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:45 pm
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If you're a set it and forget it type of guy, I'd do it simply because nos tubes tend to last longer than current production tubes and they sound great. If you're a tinkerer, you still might wanna try some just for reference. Last but not least, if you've got money to burn then h3!! yeah. There are many forum members here using nos tubes in their modern amps, including me.
But remenber, anytime you buy nos you're taking a gamble unless it comes from a reputable dealer.

Good luck with your decision.

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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:41 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:44 pm
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Lynn Nicholson wrote:
I noticed that your signature says, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." You've got two great sounding amps the way they are. I really can't say whether they would improve the sound of your amps, maybe yes, maybe no. That's a very subjective thing. They will not cause damage to them and I think they would not void your Fender warranty.

KC7LN


They do sound fine the way they are. My question was to be that if I ever have to replace a tube for whatever reason,...if one should fail,or the amp would just simply be due for a re-tube down the road,can NOS tubes be used over current production tubes if I wanted to try them in my more modern tube amps come time for re-tube? That is what I was trying to get at. I am sure it's probably a gamble with NOS tubes over modern current production tubes. I have NO PLANS whatsoever to do ANY mods on my amps,...hence my signature! I don't view trying different tubes as a modification,especially if I am only going to use the tube types the amp calls for. I'm not going to put a 6V6 tube in where a 6L6 is supposed to be or a 12AT7 where it calls for 12AX7.

_________________
If it aint' broke,...don't fix it! I like to keep my amps and guitars factory original,...no mods necessary,...don't want them,...don't need them!

My gear as of now;
Standard Strat
Hot Rod Deluxe III amp
Champion 20 amp
'59 Bassman LTD Reissue


Last edited by KC9SYJ on Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:46 am
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Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
There is no difference between new production or old production tubes as far as how they affect your amp, use whatever peels your banana. :)

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Post subject: Re: NOS tubes in modern Fender tube amps!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 11:50 am
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Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2013 3:44 pm
Posts: 366
shimmilou wrote:
There is no difference between new production or old production tubes as far as how they affect your amp, use whatever peels your banana. :)


:lol: :lol: :lol: Never heard that expression before,but it makes sense,...and it fits! Thanks for the input,...all of you!

_________________
If it aint' broke,...don't fix it! I like to keep my amps and guitars factory original,...no mods necessary,...don't want them,...don't need them!

My gear as of now;
Standard Strat
Hot Rod Deluxe III amp
Champion 20 amp
'59 Bassman LTD Reissue


Top
Profile
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