tube sources
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 07:36
Skip,
I have a Harp King 6x10 with KT 90 power tubes. What is the best source for these? The 4x10 HK uses KT88 tubes and I have seen them available more often - can they be used instead. I would just ask John Kinder, but he sometimes is difficult to contact.
I also have a reissue Bassman - what tube placement works best for harp - it is not used for guitar. This site is so helpful - esp with guys like you on it.
Hello Bob- Personally, I am not fond of the KT-90. I believe they were made by one company (JJ/Tesla) and I'm not sure if they are still in production. On the other hand, Rick Estrin has been running them for a few years with no real problems so I know that if you have some good ones, they will run for MANY years. I am sure that an HK could use another power tube, but I would want to see the amp before making the call.
On the RI Bassman......I would leave the power and rectifier tubes alone (although I DO like the 5R4 rectifier in those amps). Experiment with some lower-gain preamp tubes like 12AU7 and 12AY7. Trust your own ears, and when swapping preamp tubes, leave all the amp/mic settings alone at first to better hear the difference that the TUBE is making.
Skip
Skip Simmons Amp Repair