Output Tubes
Wed, 10/30/2013 - 18:00
Hi Skip, how goes the battle. I know, I know, you think I should be practicing. Well I would be, but the truth is I can't, I have had strep throat for over two months now, with no relief in site. So it has left me lots of time to tinker, and learn more about amps and tubes, plus listening to lots of the old greats play. My question is, can you run vintage 5881 power tubes like tung sol's in a bassman reissue. I read that they are a 400 volt plate tubes and the bassman reissue requires tubes that are 450 volt. Is this correct, and is there any certain kind that should not be used, under any circumstances. Thanks Skip
Hello Bluez- Thanks for writing. Your question brings up a good point. On one hand, the internet says that the original Tung-Sol brand 5881 tubes are "400 volt" and should not be used in an RI Bassman. On the other hand, Fender used them for many years on the Bassman, Twin, and many other late-fifties/early-sixties amps. Who you gonna believe? It's easy for me......I go with Leo and the hundreds of vintage amps I've seen with vintage Tung-Sols in them!
Sonically, you may be dissapointed. I feel that other 6L6s have more bass and a fatter tone for harp. I bet the testers at BH.com's "Bassman Chronicles" agree. If you have some, give them a try, but I wouldn't pay big bucks to put them in an RI Bassman. By the way, this applies only to real 5881s. They are often branded "RCA", "GE", "Dumont" or whatever, but they are all Tung-Sols made in New Jersey. All current-production versions are Russian (even if they say Tung-Sol) and are fine tubes, but not the same thing!