| Letter Code | Vintage Year | Reissue Year | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | - | 1990 | January |
| B | - | 1991 | February |
| C | 1953 | 1992 | March |
| D | 1954 | 1993 | April |
| E | 1955 | 1994 | May |
| F | 1956 | 1995 | June |
| G | 1957 | 1996 | July |
| H | 1958 | 1997 | August |
| I | 1959 | 1998 | September |
| J | 1960 | 1999 | October |
| K | 1961 | - | November |
| L | 1962 | - | December |
| M | 1963 | - | - |
| N | 1964 | - | - |
| O | 1965 | - | - |
| P | 1966 | - | - |
| Q | 1967 | - | - |
How the "Hand Stamped" Date Code Works. The Code on the tube chart
of your Fender Amp is made up of two letters. The First letter equates to the
Year and the Second letter to the Month. Reissue amps also use stamped Date
Codes.
Examples of "Hand Stamped" Date Codes.
QA=Jan 1967
CG=Jul 1992 "Reissue"
| Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 106 | Allen-Bradley |
| 134 | CentraLab |
| 137 | CTS |
| 140 | Clarostat |
| 304 | Stackpole |
| 381 | Bourns Networks |
| Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 67 | Eminence |
| 73 | JB Lansing (JBL) |
| 137 | CTS |
| 220 | Jensen |
| 308 | Stromberg-Carlson |
| 328 | Utah |
| 336 | Western Electric |
| 391 | Altec-Lansing |
| 416 | Heath |
| 465 | Oxford |
| 589 | Bogen |
| 649 | Electro-Voice |
| Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 606 | Schumacher |
| 830 | Triad |
How the Source-Date Code Works.
The source-date code on a pot is a 6 or 7 digit code impressed into the casing of the potentiometer. For speakers this code can be 5, 6, 7 or 8 digits long, and it's ink-stamped or paint-stamped on the "bell housing" of the speaker.
In either case, the code works the same. The first 3 digits on a pot, or the first 2, 3 or 4 digits on a speaker are the source or manufacturer code.
The remaining 3 or 4 digits are the date code. In 3 digit dates code, the 1st digit is the last digit of the year. On 4 digits date codes, the 1st and 2nd digits are the last two digits of the year. In either case, the remaining 2 digits are the week of manufacture (01 to 52). With this in mind, remember if the last two digits of the source-date code are greater than 52, you're not looking at the source-date code!
Also it's worth mentioning:
Examples of Source-Date Codes.
With all this information in mind, can you identify the following manufacturer and date of these source-date codes?
| Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 24 | Becker |
| 101 | Admiral |
| 119 | Automatic Mfg |
| 125 | Bendix |
| 130 | Panasonic |
| 132 | Talk-a-Phone |
| 145 | Consolidated |
| 150 | Crecent |
| 169 | Hitachi |
| 185 | Motorola |
| 188 | General Electric |
| 213 | Dearborn Wire |
| 230 | Littlefuse |
| 232 | Magnavox |
| 235 | Mallory (North American Capacitor) |
| 245 | National |
| 251 | Ohmite |
| 252 | Dukane |
| 260 | Philco |
| 270 | Quam-Nichols |
| 274 | RCA |
| 277 | Emerson |
| 280 | Raytheon |
| 285 | Rola |
| 286 | Ross |
| 296 | Solar |
| 312 | Sylvania |
| 343 | Zenith |
| 371 | Best |
| 381 | Bourns |
| 394 | Foster Transformer |
| 433 | Cleveland |
| 449 | Wilder |
| 446 | Delco |
| 549 | Midwest |
| 575 | Heppner |
| 706 | Pioneer |
| 719 | Carbonneau |
| 742 | Esquire |
| 748 | Russel |
| 756 | Universal |
| 767 | Quincy |
| 787 | Sonatone |
| 789 | McGregor |
| 794 | Harmon Kardon |
| 795 | Atlas |
| 828 | Midland |
| 840 | Ampex |
| 847 | University |
| 918 | Oaktron |
| 1056 | Fisher |
| 1059 | Channel |
| 1098 | Pyle |
| 1113 | Acoustic Fiber Sound |
| 1149 | Curtis Mathis |
| 1191 | Micro Magnet |
DATING FENDER TRANSFORMERS,
SPEAKERS & POTENTIOMETERS USING EIA CODES
EIA (Electronics Industry
Association) Source-Date Codes:
Electronic components such as transformers, potentiometers, speakers, and
some capacitors are often stamped with a date code, which indicates the
manufacturer and the manufacturing date.
The code follows the format: XXXYYZZ,
where:
XXX = a
two or three digit number (possibly four on newer
amps) indicating the manufacturer. (refer to the chart shown below)
YY = is a
one or two digit code indicating the year of
manufacture. If it's a one-digit number you need to determine the correct
decade of the amp some other way.
ZZ = a number from 1 -
52 indicating the week of manufacture.
Remember, your amp is newer than the newest component. For example, if you
find pots from late ‘64 and transformers from early ’65, you can be pretty
sure your amp is a 1965.
COMMONLY USED FENDER EIA SOURCE CODES
|
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For example:
a transformer code of 606432,
in a Blackface era Fender amp (1960’s), would be Schumacher (606),
manufactured in 1964 (4) in the 32nd week (32)
Another example: a speaker code of
220820,
in a Tweed era Fender amp (1950’s – early 1960’s), would be Jensen (220),
manufactured in 1958 (8) in the 20th week (20)
VINTAGE FENDER TRANSFORMER USAGE CHART
The following chart, was originally printed in VG magazine, by Gerald Weber.
If you see any data that is not listed here or notice any errors, for 1970’s
and earlier Fender amps, please send us an email and we will update the
chart.
|
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NOTE: * denotes no transformer used
FENDER TRANSFORMER NUMBER CONVERSION CHART
|
and:
Your ultimate source for historical guitar amplifier information: THE AMP GUIDE
By Eric Barbour - Former Vacuum Tube Valley senior editor
What the tubes do in most Fender tube amps:
The first preamp tube (or the first 2 tubes, in 2 channel amps) provide the
first gain of the guitar signal. It usually drives the tone control "stack",
depending on the model. A low noise, low microphony tube is recommended here.
If the amp has reverb, there will usually be a 12AT7 to drive the reverb
spring. This is severe duty and will use up the tube's cathode quickly. This
tube need not be low-noise or nonmicrophonic. Some early models used 12AX7s
or 7025s for this job, however we still recommend using a 12AT7 here. Reverb
amps will also have an additional 12AX7 to reamplify the output from the
spring. Because this tube amplifies the signal from a reverb spring (which
is inherently microphonic), a really quiet tube is not really needed.
However, it should be a 12AX7 with plenty of gain.
Fender had tremolo or vibrato on some amps. Both terms mean the same
thing--an oscillator makes a low-speed signal that varies the gain of the
guitar signal. If the amp has tremolo or vibrato, it will have at least one
extra tube, usually a 12AX7. This tube need NOT be quiet--any inexpensive
12AX7 type (with adequate gain to oscillate) will work. 12AT7s might also
work.
The last preamp tube before the power tubes is the "phase inverter", seen
only in push-pull amps (those having 2 or 4 output tubes). It makes the "see-saw"
drive voltages that properly drive the output tubes. It was usually a 12AT7,
for the same reasons as the reverb driver above. Fender phase inverters in
later amps used a very crude circuit which also provided some voltage gain.
This tube need not be especially quiet, but its heater-cathode insulation
must be very good. If the heater shorts to a cathode in this tube, the amp
will not work properly. Some earlier Fender models used a 12AX7 or 12AX7 for
the phase inverter--recommend a good-quality tube for such amps (12AT7s will
usually work as well).
The power tubes in almost all Fender tube amps were either 6V6s or 6L6s.
They drive the output transformer, then the speakers. Small amps like the
Champ had one power tube and no bias adjustment. Larger amps had two or four
power tubes in push-pull, which work like a see-saw -- when one tube is
decreasing in voltage, the other is increasing. Most push-pull Fender tube
amps have a tube bias adjustment inside, which varies the idling current in
the power tubes (all at once). Bias should be adjusted when tubes are
replaced. Matched pairs are recommended to keep the amplifier balanced from
side to side -- if you amp uses 4 or more output tubes, you can use groups
of matched pairs, and you do not necessarily need to buy a matched quartet,
sextet or octet. So long as one tube from each pair is on one side of the
transformer, and the other is on the other side, the amp will balance. If
your amp was intended for 6L6s, do NOT try 6V6s, you might damage the tubes.
If your amp was meant for 6V6s, do NOT try 6L6s, as this will overload the
power transformer. It is VERY dangerous to blindly plug different tubes into
a guitar amp. If you have a later silver-face or blackface Deluxe amp, the
plate voltage will be very high--plugging low-cost Russian or Chinese 6V6s
into such an amp is risky. Suggest NOS 6V6GTs or 7408s for such amps.
Note: Since this article was written Tung-Sol, Electro Harmonix and JJ
Electronics have released 6V6 tubes suitable for high plate voltages making
them a great option for these amps.
Many earlier Fender tube amps used rectifier tubes. These were almost always
at the extreme left of the chassis, when looking at the rear of the amp.
5Y3s were seen in small tube amps, while large ones used 5AR4/GZ34s or 5U4s.
DO NOT blindly swap different rectifiers, some consume more heater power
than others and might damage the amp. After 1968, most Fender tube amps
switched to solid-state rectifiers, until recent Custom Shop models
reintroduced tube rectifiers. Solid -state rectifiers do not wear out as
tubes do, nor can they be replaced by the user. The solid-state diodes used
in older Fender amps are rather primitive compared to modern devices--if you
wish slightly better performance, suggest speaking to a service technician
about replacing the diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
By the way, in the past there were all kinds of suffixes on tubes--6L6,
6L6G, 6L6GA, 6L6GB, 6L6GC, etc. Some early Fender 6L6 tube amps can use any
of these types. Later Fender blackface and silverface tube amps should NOT
have 6L6, 6L6G, 6L6GA or 6L6GB installed, due to higher operating voltages
and currents. If you wish to use modern tubes in such amps, stick to a true
6L6GC or KT66. Finally, 5881 meant a special high-quality tube in the
past--it no longer means much today. True NOS 5881s are scarce and costly.
If you really want to know the differences, we recommend you consult past
issues of Vacuum Tube Valley magazine.
In all cases, if you are not certain which amplifier version you have, do
not experiment! You might damage the amplifier and the tubes. See an
experienced technician.
Click a Fender tube amp in this list to jump to its description below...
Champ AA764
Vibro Champ and Bronco AA764
Princeton AA964
Princeton AA1164 with reverb
Princeton 6G2
Harvard model 6G10
Deluxe AB763
Deluxe Reverb models AA763, AB763, and AB868
Deluxe 6G3
Vibrolux models AA763 and AB763; Tremolux AA763, AB763; Pro-Amp AA763, AB763
Vibrolux models 6G9A, 6G9B, 6G11, 6G11A; Tremolux 6G9A
Bandmaster AA763, AB763
Bassman AA864, AA165, AB165
Bassman 6G6
Bassman 6G6A, 6G6B
Concert AA763, AB763
Pro-Amp 6G5, 6G5A; Vibrasonic 5G13
Super 6G4
Super 6G4A
Pro Reverb AA165; Super Reverb AA763 and AB763; and Vibroverb AA763 and
AB763
Showman AA763, AB763
Twin 6G8; Showman 6G14
Twin 6G8A; Showman 6G14A
Twin Reverb AA763, AB763
Vibroverb 6G16
Bandmaster 6G7, Concert 6G12
Bandmaster 6G7A; Concert 6G12A; Vibrasonic 6G13A
Champ AA764 - Tube Package
Preamp tube is a 12AX7. Any 12AX7 type will work here. Recommend a type with
a coiled heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and
Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Power tube (middle socket) is 6V6. Recommend using glass 6V6GTs. Current JJ
6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too hot. DO NOT
use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5Y3GT. Avoid using NOS metal 5Y3s, only glass. You may
also use 5V4 types or 5R4 types (if they fit physically). DO NOT use 5AR4,
GZ34 or 5U4. Inexpensive Russian 5Y3GTs are readily available and suitable.
Vibro Champ and Bronco AA764 - Tube Package
Preamp tube is a 12AX7. Any 12AX7 type will work here. Recommend a type with
a coiled heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and
Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube-- 12AX7 specified. This is the vibrato tube. ANY 12AX7 type is
suitable here--it is NOT critical, because this tube is not in the signal
path, it serves only as an oscillator. 12AT7s and 12AU7s are not recommended.
Power tube is 6V6. Recommend using glass 6V6GTs. Current JJ 6V6S and
Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too hot. DO NOT use other
types.
Rectifier tube is 5Y3GT. Avoid using NOS metal 5Y3s, only glass. You may
also use 5V4 types or 5R4 types (if they fit physically). DO NOT use 5AR4,
GZ34 or 5U4. Inexpensive Russian 5Y3GTs are readily available and suitable.
Princeton AA964 - Tube Packge
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is a 12AX7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. This
tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are
suitable. Good NOS 12AT7s may also be used here. We understand that some
technicians recommend Ei or Preferred Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Princeton AA1164 with reverb - Tube Package
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the reverb driver. 12AT7 is specified. 6201 also usable. This
tube does not need to be low in noise, however it should have good quality
cathodes in order to handle the load. 12AX7 and 5751 types not recommended.
This tube tends to wear out faster than the other preamp tubes.
Third tube is the driver and reverb recovery amplifier. 12AX7 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fourth tube is a 12AX7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. This
tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are
suitable. Good NOS 12AT7s may also be used here. We understand that some
technicians recommend Ei or Preferred Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5U4. Any 5U4 type is acceptable. 5R4 types may be used in
an emergency. DO NOT use 5AR4, GZ34, 5V4 or 5Y3. Inexpensive Russian 5U4Gs
are readily available and suitable.
Princeton 6G2
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is a 12AX7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. This
tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are
suitable. Good NOS 12AT7s may also be used here. We understand that some
technicians recommend Ei or Preferred Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5Y3GT. Avoid using NOS metal 5Y3s, only glass. You may
also use 5V4 types or 5R4 types (if they fit physically). DO NOT use 5AR4,
GZ34 or 5U4. Inexpensive Russian 5Y3GTs are readily available and suitable.
Harvard model 6G10
First tube is preamp, 6AT6 is specified. Only NOS is available. 6AQ6, 6AV6,
6BK6, 6BT6 may also be used, though the amp's sound may vary. Do not use
other types.
Second tube is a 12AX7. This is the phase inverter tube. This tube need not
be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony. It
must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are suitable. Good
NOS 12AT7s may also be used here. We understand that some technicians
recommend Ei or Preferred Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5Y3GT. Avoid using NOS metal 5Y3s, only glass. You may
also use 5V4 types or 5R4 types (if they fit physically). DO NOT use 5AR4,
GZ34 or 5U4. Inexpensive Russian 5Y3GTs are readily available and suitable.
Deluxe AB763 - Tube Package
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the driver and tremolo modulator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
not recommended.
Third tube is the tremolo. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable here--it need not be
low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony.
Fourth tube is a 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. This
tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are
suitable in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Deluxe Reverb models AA763, AB763, and AB868 - Tube
Package
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the driver and vibrato (tremolo) modulator. 12AX7 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Third tube is the reverb driver. 12AT7 is specified. 6201 also usable. This
tube does not need to be low in noise, however it should have good quality
cathodes in order to handle the load. 12AX7 and 5751 types not recommended.
This tube tends to wear out faster than the other preamp tubes.
Fourth tube is the driver and reverb recovery amplifier. 7025 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum might not be required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fifth tube is the vibrato (tremolo) oscillator. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable
here--it need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony.
Sixth tube is a 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 6201
also usable. This tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to
be tested for microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation.
12AX7s or 7025s are usable in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3 or 5V4. The AB868 version uses a 5U4 type.
Deluxe 6G3
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is a 12AX7. This is the tremolo (vibrato) oscillator and driver.
Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable here- -it need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor
does it need to be tested for microphony.
Third tube is a 12AX7. This is the phase inverter tube. This tube need not
be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony. It
must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are suitable. Good
NOS 12AT7s may also be used here. We understand that some technicians
recommend Ei or Preferred Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes are a pair of 6V6. Recommend using matched pair of glass 6V6GTs.
Current JJ 6V6S and Tung-Sol 6V6GT are very good. NOS metal 6V6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Vibrolux models AA763 and AB763; Tremolux AA763,
AB763; Pro-Amp AA763, AB763 - Tube Packages
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the driver and vibrato oscillator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
not recommended.
Fourth tube is 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 6201 also
usable. This tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be
tested for microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s
or 7025s are usable in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
NOS 6L6Gs, GAs, GBs, or WGB, or 5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR and Tung-Sol
5881 reissue are the best option in place of NOS tubes. Also acceptable are
NOS JAN-Philips 6L6WGB, and NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s
run too hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Vibrolux models 6G9A, 6G9B, 6G11, 6G11A; Tremolux 6G9A
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the driver and vibrato oscillator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
not recommended.
Fourth tube is the phase inverter. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 of
reasonable quality and with good heater insulation, though very low noise or
hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable,
5751 not recommended. 12AT7s can be used in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
NOS 6L6Gs, GAs, GBs, or WGB, or 5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR and Tung-Sol
5881 reissue are the best option in place of NOS tubes. Also acceptable are
NOS JAN-Philips 6L6WGB, and NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s
run too hot. DO NOT use other types. Note: early versions of the Tremolux
6G9A used 6BQ5/EL84 tubes instead of 6L6GCs. This version is rare. Current
JJ EL84s are suitable.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Bandmaster AA763, AB763 - Tube Package
These models are identical to the Vibroluxes of the same model number (above),
except the Bandmaster uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube
rectifiers. Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they
be replaced by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps
are rather primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Bassman AA864, AA165, AB165 - Tube Package
First tube is Bass channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is a driver stage for both channels of preamp, 7025 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Third tube is the Normal channel preamp. 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Fourth tube is 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 6201 also
usable. This tube need not be low- noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be
tested for microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s
or 7025s are usable in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Bassman 6G6
First tube is bass channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the bass channel driver. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with
high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not
required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not
recommended.
Fourth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 of
reasonable quality and with good heater insulation, though very low noise or
hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable,
5751 not recommended. 12AT7s can be used in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC (5881s originally suggested). Recommend
using matched pair of 6L6GCs or 5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD
6L6GC-STR, and Tung-Sol 5881 reissue are acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A,
KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Bassman 6G6A, 6G6B
These models are identical to the Bassman 6G6, except they models use
solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers. Solid-state rectifiers
do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced by the user. The
solid- state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather primitive compared
to modern devices--if you wish slightly better performance, suggest speaking
to a service technician about replacing the diodes with modern fast-recovery
epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Concert AA763, AB763
These models are identical to the Deluxe AB763, except the Concert models
use solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers. Solid-state
rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced by the user.
The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather primitive
compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better performance, suggest
speaking to a service technician about replacing the diodes with modern fast
-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Pro-Amp 6G5, 6G5A; Vibrasonic 5G13
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. 7025 specified (12AX7 in 6G5A version).
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fourth tube is the driver. 7025 specified (12AX7 in 6G5A version). Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
might be usable.
Fifth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high
gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC (5881s were originally suggested for the
6G5A). Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or 5881s. Current TAD
6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Tung-Sol 5881 reissue are acceptable, as
are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too hot. DO NOT use
other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Super 6G4
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with
high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not
required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not
recommended.
Fourth tube is the driver. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain
and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 might be usable.
Fifth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high
gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Super 6G4A
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is second channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with
high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not
required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not
recommended.
Fourth tube is the driver and vibrato modulator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
might be usable.
Fifth tube is the pre-driver. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain
and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 might be usable.
Sixth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high
gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Pro Reverb AA165 and AB668; Super Reverb AA763 and
AB763; and Vibroverb AA763 and AB763 - Tube Packages
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the driver and vibrato (tremolo) modulator. 12AX7 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Third tube is the reverb driver. 12AT7 is specified. 6201 also usable. This
tube does not need to be low in noise, however it should have good quality
cathodes in order to handle the load. 12AX7 and 5751 types not recommended.
This tube tends to wear out faster than the other preamp tubes.
Fourth tube is the driver and reverb recovery amplifier. 7025 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum might not be required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fifth tube is the vibrato (tremolo) oscillator. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable
here--it need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony.
Sixth tube is a 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 6201
also usable. This tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to
be tested for microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation.
12AX7s or 7025s are usable in a pinch.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Showman AA763, AB763 - Tube Package
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the driver and vibrato (tremolo) modulator. 12AX7 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable here--it
need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony.
Fourth tube is a 12AT7. This is the phase inverter. This tube need not be
low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony. It must
have good quality heater insulation. 12AX7s or 7025s are not recommended
here.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Twin 6G8; Showman 6G14
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is vibrato channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-
microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with
high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not
required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not
recommended.
Fourth tube is the driver and vibrato modulator. 7025 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
might be usable.
Fifth tube is the pre-driver. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain
and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 might be usable.
Sixth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high
gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched pair of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Twin 6G8A; Showman 6G14A
First tube is first channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low- noise,
low-microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is vibrato channel preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-
microphony 12AX7 or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled
heater, such as NOS 7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol
12AX7 are suitable. NOS 5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the vibrato oscillator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with
high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not
required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not
recommended.
Fourth tube is the driver and vibrato modulator. 12AX7 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is
not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751
might be usable.
Fifth tube is the pre-driver. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain
and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 might be usable.
Sixth tube is the phase inverter. 7025 specified. Suggest a 12AX7 with high
gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum is not required.
Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a quad of 6L6GC. Recommend using matched quad of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Twin Reverb AA763, AB763 - Tube Package
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low- microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is the driver and vibrato (tremolo) modulator. 12AX7 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum is not required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Third tube is the reverb driver. 12AT7 is specified. 6201 also usable. This
tube does not need to be low in noise, however it should have good quality
cathodes in order to handle the load. 12AX7 and 5751 types not recommended.
This tube tends to wear out faster than the other preamp tubes.
Fourth tube is the driver and reverb recovery amplifier. 7025 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum might not be required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fifth tube is the vibrato (tremolo) oscillator. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable
here--it need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony.
Sixth tube is a 12AT7. This is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 6201
also usable. This tube need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to
be tested for microphony. It must have good quality heater insulation.
12AX7s or 7025s are usable in a pinch.
Power tubes are four 6L6GCs. Recommend using matched quad of 6L6GCs or
5881s. Current TAD 6L6WGC-STR or TAD 6L6GC-STR, and Svetlana 6L6GC are
acceptable, as are NOS types 7581A, KT66 or 350B. NOS metal 6L6s run too
hot. DO NOT use other types.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Vibroverb 6G16
First tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Second tube is preamp, 7025 is specified. A low-noise, low-microphony 12AX7
or 7025 is recommended. Recommend a type with a coiled heater, such as NOS
7025s or ECC83s. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable. NOS
5751s recommended if lower gain is desired.
Third tube is the reverb driver. 12AT7 is specified. 6201 also usable. This
tube does not need to be low in noise, however it should have good quality
cathodes in order to handle the load. 12AX7 and 5751 types not recommended.
This tube tends to wear out faster than the other preamp tubes.
Fourth tube is the driver and reverb recovery amplifier. 7025 specified.
Suggest a 12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise
or hum might not be required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are
suitable, 5751 not recommended.
Fifth tube is the vibrato (tremolo) oscillator. Any 12AX7 or 7025 is usable
here--it need not be low-noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for
microphony.
Sixth tube is the phase inverter and vibrato tube. 7025 specified. Suggest a
12AX7 with high gain and reasonable quality, though very low noise or hum
might not be required. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are suitable,
5751 not recommended.
Power tubes are a pair of 6L6GCs. Matched pair recommended. Our customers
have preferred Svetlana 6L6GC, TAD 6L6WGC-STR, and Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC
for this amp. NOS types should be restricted to 6L6GCs, 7581s, 5881s, KT66s
or 350Bs. DO NOT use 6L6Gs, GAs or GBs here. DO NOT try to use 6V6s, 6550s,
KT88s or EL34s.
Rectifier tube is 5AR4/GZ34. This tube should be of good quality. 5R4 types
may also be used, although the amplifier will sound different. Do not
attempt to use 5Y3, 5V4 or 5U4 types.
Bandmaster 6G7, Concert 6G12
V1--7025 specified. This is the channel 1 preamp. A low- microphony 12AX7
type is recommended for this space, preferably one with a coiled heater,
such as NOS 7025 or ECC83. Some technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which
are still available. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are also
suitable. If less gain is required, an NOS 5751 is suggested. 12AT7s and
12AU7s not recommended.
V2--7025 specified. This is the channel 2 preamp. A low-microphony 12AX7
type is recommended for this space, preferably one with a coiled heater,
such as NOS 7025 or ECC83. Some technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which
are still available. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are also
suitable. If less gain is required, an NOS 5751 is suggested. 12AT7s and
12AU7s not recommended.
V3--7025 specified. This is the vibrato tube. ANY 12AX7 type is suitable
here --it is NOT critical, becase this tube is not in the signal path, it
serves only as an oscillator. 12AT7s and 12AU7s are not recommended.
V4--7025 specified. This is the driver stage and gain makeup stage. A
reasonably low-microphony and low-hum 12AX7 type should be used here. Some
technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which are still available. Preferred
Series 7025 and Sovtek 12AX7LPSes are also suitable. 12AT7s and 12AU7s not
recommended.
V5--7025 specified. This is the phase inverter tube. This tube need not be
low -noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony. It does
need to have good quality heater insulation. Good NOS 12AT7s may also be
used here. We understand that some technicians recommend Ei or Preferred
Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes--a pair of 6L6GCs. Matched pair recommended. Our customers have
preferred Svetlana 6L6GC, TAD 6L6WGC-STR, and Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC for
this amp. NOS types should be restricted to 6L6GCs, 7581s, 5881s, KT66s or
350Bs. DO NOT use 6L6Gs, GAs or GBs here. DO NOT try to use 6V6s, 6550s,
KT88s or EL34s.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
Bandmaster 6G7A; Concert 6G12A; Vibrasonic 6G13A
V1--7025 specified. This is the channel 1 preamp. A low- microphony 12AX7
type is recommended for this space, preferably one with a coiled heater,
such as NOS 7025 or ECC83. Some technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which
are still available. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are also
suitable. If less gain is required, an NOS 5751 is suggested. 12AT7s and
12AU7s not recommended.
V2--7025 specified. This is the channel 2 preamp. A low-microphony 12AX7
type is recommended for this space, preferably one with a coiled heater,
such as NOS 7025 or ECC83. Some technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which
are still available. Preferred Series 7025 and Tung-Sol 12AX7 are also
suitable. If less gain is required, an NOS 5751 is suggested. 12AT7s and
12AU7s not recommended.
V3--12AX7 specified. This is the FIRST vibrato tube. ANY 12AX7 type is
suitable here--it is NOT critical, becase this tube is not in the signal
path, it serves only as an oscillator. 12AT7s and 12AU7s are not recommended.
V4--12AX7 specified. This is the SECOND vibrato tube. ANY 12AX7 type is
suitable here--it is NOT critical, becase this tube is not in the signal
path, it serves only as a modulator. 12AT7s and 12AU7s are not recommended.
V5-- 7025 specified. This is the driver stage and gain makeup stage. A
reasonably low-microphony and low-hum 12AX7 type should be used here. Some
technicians recommend NOS GE 7025WAs, which are still available. Preferred
Series 7025 and Sovtek 12AX7LPSes are also suitable. 12AT7s and 12AU7s not
recommended.
V6--7025 specified. This is the phase inverter tube. This tube need not be
low -noise or low-hum, nor does it need to be tested for microphony. It does
need to have good quality heater insulation. Good NOS 12AT7s may also be
used here. We understand that some technicians recommend Ei or Preferred
Series 7025 for this duty.
Power tubes--a pair of 6L6GCs (5881s originally specified). Matched pair
recommended. Our customers have preferred Svetlana 6L6GC, TAD 6L6WGC-STR,
and Electro-Harmonix 6L6GC for this amp. NOS types should be restricted to
6L6GCs, 7581s, 5881s, KT66s or 350Bs. DO NOT use 6L6Gs, GAs or GBs here. DO
NOT try to use 6V6s, 6550s, KT88s or EL34s.
This model uses solid-state rectifiers rather than tube rectifiers.
Solid-state rectifiers do not wear out as tubes do, nor can they be replaced
by the user. The solid-state diodes used in older Fender amps are rather
primitive compared to modern devices--if you wish slightly better
performance, suggest speaking to a service technician about replacing the
diodes with modern fast-recovery epitaxial (FRED) diodes.
|
Model
|
Amp ~Watt
|
Original Speaker
|
Jensen Replacement |
|
Ampeg Gemini l ’64-71
|
20 watt
|
Jensen C12Q, C12N
|
C12Q, P12N, C12N |
| Ampeg Gemini l ’65-’71 | 30 watt | Jensen C15N or JBL D130F | C15N, P15N |
|
Ampeg Super Echo Twin ’63-’64
|
30 watt
|
Jensen C12Q or EM 1201
|
C12Q |
| Ampeg B15N ’61-’67 | 25 watt | Jensen C15N or JBL D130F | C15N, P15N |
| Ampeg B15N ’67-’79 | 30 watt | Jensen C15N or JBL D130F | C15N, P15N |
|
Ampeg Jet ’57-’63
|
12 watt
|
Jensen P12R, P12S
|
P12R, C12R |
|
Ampeg Jet ’63-’69
|
15 watt
|
Jensen C12R
|
P12R, C12R |
| Ampeg Reverbojet ’67-’69 | 18 watt | Jensen C12Q | C12Q |
|
Ampeg Reverberocket ’61-’63
|
15 watt | Jensen C12R | P12R, C12R |
| Ampeg Reverberocket ’63-’68 | 15 watt | Jensen C12R | P12R, C12R |
| Bandmaster Tweed ’53-’60 | 25 watt | Jensen P15N | C15N, P15N |
| Bandmaster Tweed & Brown ’55-’60 | 30 watt | Jensen P10R, C10Q | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Bandmaster Blonde ’60-’63 | 40 watt | Jensen C12N or Oxford 12M6-4 | P12N, C12Q, C12N |
| Bandmaster White ’62 | 30 watt | Oxford 12K5R-1 | P12N, C12N, C12Q |
| Bandmaster Black & Silver ’63-’74 | 40 watt | Jensen C12N or Oxford 12T6 | P12N, C12N, C12Q |
| Bassman ’52-’54 | 26 watt | Jensen P15N | P15N, C15N |
| Bassman Tweed ’55-’58 | 30 watt | Jensen P10R | P10R, C10R |
| Bassman Tweed ’58-’60 | 40 watt | Jensen P10R, P10Q | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Bassman Brown & Blonde ’61-’62 | 40 watt | Jensen C12N or Oxford 12M5-6 | P12N, C12N |
| Bassman Black ’63-’67 | 40 watt | Jensen C12N | P12N, C12N |
| Bassman Silver ’67-’68 | 40 watt | Oxford or Utah 12″ | P12N, C12N |
| Bassman Silver ’67-’68 | 40 watt | 15″ | P15N, C15N |
| Champion 800 ’48 | 4 watt | Jensen P8T | P8R, C8R |
| Champ Tweed ’55-’64 | 05 watt | Jensen C8R or Oxford 8″ | C8R |
| Champ Black ’64-’67 | 05 watt | Oxford 8EV | P8R, C8R |
| Champ II “82-’83 | 17 watt | 10″ | C10Q |
| Champ Super “82-’85 | 17 watt | 10″ | C10Q |
| Champ 12 ’87-’92 | 10 watt | 12″ | P12R, C12R |
| Champ 25SE ’92-’94 | 25 watt | 12″ | P12N, C12N |
| Concert Brown | 40 watt | Oxford 10K5 | C10R, P10R |
| Deluxe Tweed ’48 -’60 | 12 watt | Jensen P12R, P12Q | P12R, C12R, C12Q |
| Deluxe Brown ’61-’63 | 20 watt | Oxford 12K5-3 | P12R, C12R, C12Q |
| Deluxe Black ’63-’66 | 23 watt | Oxford 12K5-6 | P12R, C12R, C12Q |
| Princeton Tweed ’48-’54 | 05 watt | Jensen 8″ 3.2 ohm P8T | P8R, C8R |
| Princeton Tweed ’54-’60 | 05 watt | Jensen P8T, Oxford 8EV-29 | P8R, C8R |
| Princeton Brown ’61-’63 | 15 watt | Oxford 10J4-2 | P10R, C10R |
| Princeton Black ’64-’67 | 17 watt | Jensen C10R | P10R, C10R |
| Princeton Silver ’68-’81 | 17 watt | Oxford 10J4-3 | P10R, C10R |
| Pro Tweed ’47-’53 | 15 watt | Jensen P15R | P15N, C15N |
| Pro Tweed ’53-’55 | 15 watt | Jensen P15R | P15N, C15N |
| Pro Tweed ’55-’60 | 30 watt | Oxford 15M6-4 | P15N, C15N |
| Pro Brown ’61-’63 | 30 watt | JBL D130F | P15N, C15N |
| Pro Black ’63-’66 | 40 watt | CTS 15″ | P15N, C15N, C15K |
| Pro, Black Reverb ’65-’67 | 40 watt | Jensen C12N, Oxford 12L6 | P12N, C12N |
| Pro Silver Reverb ’68-’81 | 40 watt | Oxford 12L6, Utah 12″ | P12N, C12N |
| Showman Blonde ’61-’63 | 80 watt | JBL D130F | P15N, C15N, C15K |
| Showman Black ’63-’67 | 80 watt | JBL D130F | P15N, C15N, C15K |
| Super Tweed ’47-’53 | 15 watt | Jensen P10R | P10R, C10R |
| Super Tweed ’53-’55 | 15 watt | Jensen P10R | P10R, C10R |
| Super Tweed ’55-’60 | 30 watt | Jensen P10Q, P10R | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Super Brown ’61-’63 | 30 watt | Jensen P10Q | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Super Black Reverb ’63-’67 | 40 watt | CTS or Oxford 10L6 | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Super Silver Reverb ’68-’82 | 40 watt | CTS or Oxford 10L6 | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Super 60 ’88-’93 | 40 watt | 12″ | P12R, C12R, C12Q |
| Super 112 ’90-’93 | 40 watt | 12″ | P12R, C12R, C12Q |
| Super 210 ’90-’93 | 40 watt | 2 x 10″ | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Super Amp ’93-’96 | 50 watt | 4 x 10″ | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Tremolux Tweed ’55-’60 | 15 watt | Jensen P12R, P12Q | P12R, C12R |
| Tremolux Blonde ’61 | 20 watt | Oxford 10K5 | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Tremolux Blonde ’62-’63 | 35 watt | Oxford | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Tremolux Black ’63-’66 | 35 watt | Oxford 10K5, CTS | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Twin Tweed ’52-’54 | 25 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Twin Tweed ’55-’57 | 50 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Twin Tweed ’58-’60 | 80 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Twin Blonde ’60-’63 | 80 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Twin Rev Black ’63-’67 | 80 watt | Jensen C12N, Oxford 12T6 | P12N, C12N |
| Twin Rev Silver ’67-’81 | 80 watt | Jensen C12N | P12N, C12N |
| Quad Rev Silver ’72-’79 | 80 watt | Oxford 12T6, Utah | P12N, C12N |
| Super Six Silver ’72-’79 | 80 watt | Oxford 10L6, Utah | C10Q |
| Vibrolux Tweed ’56-’61 | 10 watt | Jensen P10R | P10R, C10R |
| Vibrolux Brown ’61-’63 | 35 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Vibrolux Black ’63-’64 | 35 watt | Jensen P12N | P12N, C12N |
| Vibrolux Rev Black ’64-’67 | 40 watt | Jensen C10Q, Oxford 10L5 | P10R, C10Q, C10R |
| Vibrolux Rev, Silver ’67-’82 | 40 watt | Oxford 10L5 | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Vibrasonic Brown ’59-’63 | 50 watt | JBL D130F | P15N, C15N |
| Vibrolux Rev, Silver ”72-’81 | 80 watt | JBL D130F | P15N, C15N, C15K |
| Vibroverb Brown ’63 | 40 watt | Jensen C10Q, Oxford 10K5-3 | P10R, C10R, C10Q |
| Gibson GA-20 ’52 | 12 watt | Jensen P12R | P12R, C12R |
| Marshall Lead ’58 | 18 watt | Celestion 10″ | P10R, C10R |
| Marshall Lead ’61 | 50 watt | Celestion 10″ | P10R, C10R |
| Marshall Bass/Lead ’62 | 50 watt | Celestion 12″ | P12N, C12N |
| Marshall JTM45 | 50 watt | Celestion G12 Bulldog | P12N, C12N |
| Vox AC 15 | 15 watt | Celestion G12 Bulldog | P12R, C12R |
| Vox AC30 | 30 watt | Celestion G12 Bulldog | P12R, C12R, P12N, C12N |