[Harp-L] Re: My favorite big amp is a tubed down Fender Super Reverb Reissue

["Splash!" <celtiac@xxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John F. Potts" xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] Amp Comparisons - Are there any?


> Well, it depends a lot on how you WANT to sound.  My favorite big amp is a 
> tubed down Fender Super Reverb Reissue.
-----------reply------------

I don't understand what is meant by "tubed down."  Using 6V6's instead of 
6L6's ??

I still have a '68 Super Reverb that I converted to AB763 back in 72.  One 
of the best amps I have ever had - for guitar OR harp.  Period!  And I am 
biased!  So there!  After the Pre-CBS Super Reverb AB763 I think the '67's & 
68's are second best of all time when converted to Blackface.  Did I mention 
that I am biased? =8^D

Caveat: I have never owned a real '59 Bassman or a 5e7 Bandmaster. If I ever 
decide to make a clone amp, it will be the 5e7 w3x10"s.

In my '68 Super, I have Vintage GE 6L6GT's in the output section and Vintage 
Sylvania 12AX7 in the Pre of the Reverb channel.  I have a Navy WWII Jan 
12AU7 in V1 (Pre of the clean channel) and if I am only playing harp, I will 
jumper the clean channel (second jack) Lo-Input to the Lo-Input of the 
Reverb Channel with bright switches both in the OFF position.  That gives me 
the ability to use the World Famous spring reverb these amps have.  Usually, 
I play guitar thru the reverb channel and harp thru the normal channel.  And 
I don't play them both at the same time.  Play guitar until it's time to 
take a harp solo and turn vol.off on git to play harp.  I use a Two Timer 
delay with the harp.  Works for me.

Harp-only, Daisy chain the two channels.  Plugging the mic into the Hi-Input 
of the clean channel isn't an issue because of the lower gain of the 12AU7, 
and taking the signal through the parallel 68K/1 Meg voltage divider further 
reduces gain to the input of Channel 2 which in position 2 has a similar 
68K/1Meg divider.  It tames the beast nicely.

I may change tubes whenever I am inspired to do so or find a new batch of 
old tubes.  I have a separate unit tube tester but there's nothing like 
plugging into a real amp and testing a tube.  A "REAL" Tube-Tester!  I have 
a number of class A amps as well and swap tubes all the time.  And they all 
have a different voice... and then each tube has it's own voice... and it's 
a grand chorus.  TONE!

I love those Super Reverbs from the 1960's.  The later amps are more 
difficult to re-wire/cap to BF specs with that crazy tube bias circuit - 
another voltage divider, but I digress.

If you're looking for an old Super Reverb beware of the late 1970's 
Silverface (AA270 or AB270 ?)  They are much more difficult to tame but it 
can be done.  Warning: This device uses high voltage and will KILL YOU if 
you aren't careful!

BTW  I hunt vintage tubes.  "You can't get great tone without great tubes." 
I also like to share my discoveries with appreciative amplifier 
afficionados. <grin>

Splash!