Re: [Harp-L] 59 Bassman (generalizing tube swaps)

[Marion.Spiers@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

If I had a 59RI, I would be contacting Ted Weber for a coppercap rectifier 
module. He can supply one that will lower the working voltage of the amp 
and still have the "sag" characteristics of your favorite rectifier tube. 
Only then can you really go by what came in an original 59, because the 
voltages are too high in the RI, which changes everything. You must have 
the bias set correctly as well. I would also change the coupling caps to 
Mallory 150s or the vintage ones Sonny JR is offering and change the plate 
resistors to carbon comps. 
This still won't make it the same as a real one, but it will be lots 
better than it was, and doesn't cost a lot.

Harp content:   A good amp will inspire you, reproducing and enhancing 
what you're playing (if you have good chops). If you're inspired, you'll 
play better, if you're frustrated with tube swapping you won't. I think a 
lot of the amp/gear obsession comes from amps not letting tone through, so 
the corollary to Bob's motto is,  accoustic tone is a must-have, but I 
don't want to lose any of it playing through a crap amp, I want people to 
hear what I really sound like.

Just my .02
kcmojo