Replacement tubes for vibro champ?

div · May 13th, 2004, 12:57 PM

I've got a mid 70's VC I got off ebay a while ago. Still has the original tubes, except one of them looks like it was a (very old) replacement. I'm getting some little jingling noises when I hit certain notes & i figure it might be a microphonic tube. The tubes also seem a little loose in the sockets. They're 30 years old anyway & I figure they could use to be replaced.

I know which types of tubes I need (5Y3GT & 6V6GT) but there are a few options out there. Anyone have recommendations for which ones & from which source?

Also- believe it or not I've never in my life had to replace a pre amp tube in any amp I've owned. Any reason to replace the 12AX7's other than for the heck of it? I'm satisfied with the tone.

thanx

Silverface · May 13th, 2004, 01:59 PM

First, the 5Y3 either works or it doesn't. Probably no need to replace it.

The noise you're hearing could be either power tube rattle or the preamp tube might be microphonic. I'd consider swapping out each of them and see if you solve the problem.

The loose sockets should be retensioned by a qualified tech....and if the amp has never been serviced, it's time to have it checked out anyway.

Tremo · May 13th, 2004, 05:41 PM

Champs are hard on their 6V6s. They run them at highish voltages and at high dissipation. Your safest bet for long term reliability is the JJ 6V6, you can get them from Bob at Eurotubes.

I would specifically recommend *against* using the EH.

May 13th, 2004, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
div Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: noo yawk Posts: 284 15 Photos	Replacement tubes for vibro champ? I've got a mid 70's VC I got off ebay a while ago. Still has the original tubes, except one of them looks like it was a (very old) replacement. I'm getting some little jingling noises when I hit certain notes & i figure it might be a microphonic tube. The tubes also seem a little loose in the sockets. They're 30 years old anyway & I figure they could use to be replaced. I know which types of tubes I need (5Y3GT & 6V6GT) but there are a few options out there. Anyone have recommendations for which ones & from which source? Also- believe it or not I've never in my life had to replace a pre amp tube in any amp I've owned. Any reason to replace the 12AX7's other than for the heck of it? I'm satisfied with the tone. thanx

May 13th, 2004, 01:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Silverface Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hermosa Beach CA Age: 56 Posts: 1,934	First, the 5Y3 either works or it doesn't. Probably no need to replace it. The noise you're hearing could be either power tube rattle or the preamp tube might be microphonic. I'd consider swapping out each of them and see if you solve the problem. The loose sockets should be retensioned by a qualified tech....and if the amp has never been serviced, it's time to have it checked out anyway. __________________ “No Chops – Great Tone” ©

May 13th, 2004, 05:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tremo Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,803	Champs are hard on their 6V6s. They run them at highish voltages and at high dissipation. Your safest bet for long term reliability is the JJ 6V6, you can get them from Bob at Eurotubes. I would specifically recommend against using the EH.