Session 400 reverb tank?

Tommy Mc · From: Middlesex VT

I need to replace the reverb tank on my mid 70's Session 400. The numbers are worn off the tank, but from another post, I've been able to determine that it's probably an Accutronics 4EB2C1B. In the same post, I read that the later Sessions used a 3-spring model 9EB2C1B
The input and output specs on the two tanks are not identical, but pretty close. I'm wondering if there's an advantage to the 3-spring tank...deeper or richer reverb? If so, does it make sense to replace the original unit with a 3-spring tank?

FWIW, the current tank still works but is super sensitive to vibration....I yanked a short 3 spring (8EB2C1B)tank out of my old solid state Fender amp and it seems to work okay...

Thanks for any insight on this.

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

The 3-spring tank has a smoother, less choppy effect. You can also get a long-decay tank in either configuration (4EB3C1B, 9EB3C1B) that compliments the pedal steel guitar well.

Craig Baker · From: Eatonton, Georgia, USA - R.I.P.

Tommy,
This subject seems to reverberate around the forum from time to time. I too had a very sensitive tank in my old Session 400. Several years ago, I obtained a book published by Accutronics, at one time, they were the leading reverb tank manufacturer. The book pointed out that Fender, Peavey and most other amplifier manufacturers were mounting the reverb units in the least desirable position. Following is a link that will take you to the company's website. Click on applications, then scroll down and click on mounting considerations, you'll see why reverb tanks are so sensitive and sound like thunder when an amplifier is bumped, and how proper mounting will reduce this problem significantly. Following their suggestions has improved several amplifier over the years for me, and I hope this is helpful for you and others.

http://www.accutronicsreverb.com/

Best regards,
Craig Baker

706-485-8792

cmbakerelectronics@gmail.com

C.M. Baker Electronics
P.O. Box 3965
Eatonton, GA 31024

Tommy Mc · From: Middlesex VT

Thanks Craig and Dave. I've no doubt that the mounting position can have an effect, but in this case, I think the actual tank is the culprit. I've got several other amps with spring reverb units and have tried swapping the tanks to troubleshoot. So do you think the 3-spring 9EB2C1B would be an improvement in performance over the original 2-spring unit?

Craig Baker · From: Eatonton, Georgia, USA - R.I.P.

Yes Tommy,
I believe Dave described it very well. The 3-spring unit offers a smoother and inproved sound all around.

Regards,
Craig Baker

706-485-8792

cmbakerelectronics@gmail.com

C.M. Baker Electronics
P.O. Box 3965
Eatonton, GA 31024

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

I personally prefer the 3-spring long-decay units. They have the longest pre-delay and longest, smoothest tail.

The business about mounting positions refers mostly to the fact that most combo amps place them on the floor near the speaker, where it easily picks up mechanical noise from both. All Accutronics spring tanks have the suspension spring holes drilled out for all orientations, and the suspension springs are attached to the appropriate holes to minimize this interference in the intended orientation, i.e.:

7th character: Mounting plane
A = horizontal,open side up
B = horizontal, open side down
C = vertical wall,long axis horizontal, connectors up
D = vertical wall, long axis horizontal, connectors down
E = vertical wall, long axis vertical, input up
F = vertical wall, long axis vertical, output up

Tommy Mc · From: Middlesex VT

Just an update: I just installed a new 9EB3C1B 3-spring long delay tank. The over-sensitivity seems to be fixed, and the sound of the reverb is much improved. Thanks for the tips.

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