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Topic: Tungsol 6L6 tubes? |
Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 17 Jul 2018 3:42 pm |
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I am going to put a new quartet of 6L6 power tubes in my Twin. What's the difference between a 6L6.....6L6GC.....5881
Tungsol makes all the above. Thoughts? |
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Steve Spitz
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
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Posted 17 Jul 2018 4:27 pm
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Lem,
I’m no expert,but I think the “GC” means “glass case” , which of course they all are. I won’t be upset if someone knows better and can correct me.
The 5881 is a different tube. Maybe one of our tube experts can tell us more.
If you do go with the Tung sol let us know how you like them. Best of luck! |
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Greg Lambert
From:
Illinois, USA
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 17 Jul 2018 7:03 pm
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Greg,
Thanks, that’s the info I was looking for. |
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ajm
From:
Los Angeles
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Posted 18 Jul 2018 7:20 am
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I think that the next question will be: Are 6L6xx versus 6L6 versus 5881 versus whatever interchangeable?
I believe that the short answer is: No.
You need to keep an eye on (among other things):
1) The plate voltage of your amp versus the max that the tube can handle.
2) Heater current required by the tube.
3) And obviously, any rebiasing required.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
And by all means expand on the information. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 18 Jul 2018 11:25 am
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If you want to do tube swaps the best things I can tell you are:
1. *If* you understand electronics READ all the reviews and comparisons you can find, plus the tube specs, to determine which are suitable for use in your amp AND which might get the tone and output you desire.
2. If you don't understand electronics find a reputable tech and change tubes only with his assistance.
It's too complicated a subject for answers on an internet forum (each of which you have to vet for quality based on the poster's background and knowledge - meaning in most cases you have no clue if someone is posting quality information that they understand, just copying something and hoping i'll be right, or "posting as a hobby" without a single clue as to validity.
Your Twin will need to be rebiased when the power tubes are replaced. Depending on its age it may also be due for filter capacitor replacement and other work.
If you don't know the differences between those tubes - or know where to get the information AND how to rebias and service your own amp - you NEED a qualified tech.
Last thought - why are you going to put new power tubes in your Twin? If it's for tone or output purposes there should be no reason for the question - you should know what each type will do.
If it's because you think your old tubes are worn out, what led you to that conclusion? What are your old tubes?
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 18 Jul 2018 1:35 pm
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Firstly, my Twin is an original 1965. I purchased it in 2012 and immediately took the chassis to a tech and had it inspected and at the same time had the cabinet retolexed and grill cloth. The tech replaced several preamp tubes, biased the amp and said the filter caps had been replaced.
I use this amp quite a bit and noticed one power tube and have been noticing a
"POP" when turning it on. i can duplicate the "POP" by tapping on the second from the right 6L6 tube.
I'll check out what tubes are in there but I figured i'd replace all 4 power tubes. BTW, several years ago I bought a bias meter and have been tweaking the bias on my own amps. Very cool! |
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Bob Watson
From:
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
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Posted 18 Jul 2018 11:56 pm
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| I am fortunate enough to know a physics professor who also loves to work on old tube amps. He's the real deal. He worked on my 1965 Fender Super Reverb and told me the power tubes needed to be replaced. He suggested Tung-Sol 6L6GC's. I put them in and they are great tubes, I highly recommend them. |
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Dave Meis
From:
Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA
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Posted 19 Jul 2018 11:16 am
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| +1 on the Tung-Sol 6L6 GCs |
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