59' vibrolux rectifier
Hi, Skip, my vibrolux came with a 5Y3 rectifier, is this the best tube for harp? Would a 5U4 be to hot for this amp? Thanks, Pete
Thanks, again, Skip, when it gets sick, it's coming to Dixon.
I have a 1960 Fender Vibrolux, the tube config is 5Y3 6V6 6V6 12 AX7 12AX7, I haven't had any complaints really but I have recently been advised that the following config could make the amp more harp friendly. The suggested swap out would be 12AY7 12AY7 12AT7 and I guess this would be for the rectifier a 5751. What do you think??? Thanks
Iv'e had my 59' Vibrolux for a few months now and I made a few changes. I took out the Groove tube 5y3 and replaced it with a NOS GE 5Y3, I noticed, maybe a 5% darker, creamier sound. I put a 12AU7 in the socket closest to the rectifier, and left the other tube alone, if you ever want to use the tremolo feature, dropping the gain to much will render that useless. The biggest difference I made was changing out the reconed Jensen P10q speaker for a 55' Rola speaker. That completely changed the sound of the amp for the better. I would say it made a 30% difference. I always thought the P10q was the most sought after speaker ever, well, I've changed my mind on that. First, you really have to crank it to get it to break up, and, I think it's a little thrill and harsh. Granted, it's a recone, but the Rola alnico is the biggest difference I have ever heard for a speaker swap, plus, it's the coolest amp I have ever owned, I want to be buried with it.
Hello kickinmule- Just take a deep breath...... your post indicates that you may need a little advice on tube swapping. First, if it sounds great to you feel free to run it as-is. "Tube-swapping" is helpful, but not always essential. I would also add that a little servicing on an amp that old (and cool!) would be the first step I would take. You can feel free to call.
Skip Simmons
Hello Pete- Thanks for writing. Most of the information about subbing rectifier tubes that you read online concern fairly high-powered Bassman or Bassman-style amps. Your 59 Vibrolux is a great low-power amp that won't derive any benefit or increased harp-ability from different rectifier tubes. PLUS, since it is just so danged vintage and cool, remember that a 5U4 requires more filament current than a 5Y3 (3 amperes compared to 2 amperes) and that extra filament current can overheat your power transformer....not good! Stick with preamp tube swaps only.
Skip Simmons