I just bought my first reverb tank!

SanchoPansen

Joined: Jan 04, 2011
Posts: 1588
Berlin L-Berg
Germany

Posted on Feb 18 2015 01:14 AM

Better be safe than sorry. But after you did it a couple of times it becomes the same as changing a light bulb.

—

The Hicadoolas

Last edited: Feb 25, 2015 14:09:41

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:38 PM

Would you guys recommend I buy some backup tubes? How long do these (vintage) tubes usually last?

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

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Noel

Joined: Mar 15, 2011
Posts: 8528
Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:58 PM

SixStringSurfer wrote:

Would you guys recommend I buy some backup tubes? How long do these (vintage) tubes usually last?

Backup tubes are always an excellent idea. Because you just never know what might happen. Tubes can last an amazingly long time, or not.

—

This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.

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Surf_Skater

Joined: Sep 06, 2012
Posts: 1300
Lawrenceville , GA
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:58 PM

You have the stock tubes for backup. Reverb tubes last longer than amp tubes. Just play and enjoy!

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:24 PM

Thanks guys, I will probably call Doug and order some backups. Those stock tubes that came with the tank sounded so harsh they went straight into the garbage.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

Surf_Skater

Joined: Sep 06, 2012
Posts: 1300
Lawrenceville , GA
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:28 PM

Never throw out good tubes. It helps to keep a stash for emergencies and troubleshooting.

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:38 PM

You're right, I shouldn't have done that. Noob mistake, it won't happen again.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:42 PM

SixStringSurfer wrote:

You're right, I shouldn't have done that. Noob mistake, it won't happen again.

You are tubified now. Never hurts to keep a little note file on the computer, or old-fashioned style, to you can answer the question "now what exactly do I have in that slot right now?" I almost pitched a particular 12AT7 once that was unimpressive in the tank but made a great phase inverter in a little combo amp. Ya never know...

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 24 2015 04:13 PM

Silly question, but where does the foot pedal plug into?

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Last edited: Feb 24, 2015 16:14:14

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Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Feb 24 2015 04:31 PM

SixStringSurfer wrote:

Silly question, but where does the foot pedal plug into?

There's a 1/4" jack underneath the back of the chassis between the 2 pre-amp tubes.

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

Top

SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:25 PM

I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:34 PM

SixStringSurfer wrote:

I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger.

Your fingers did a drive-by when changing tubes but you were probably focused, rightly so, on "now don't bend a pin..."

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

Top

SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:42 PM

Badger wrote:

SixStringSurfer wrote:

I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger.

Your fingers did a drive-by when changing tubes but you were probably focused, rightly so, on "now don't bend a pin..."

You're exactly right! I was in the zone, and also a bit in "panic mode."

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1433
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Mar 21 2015 07:14 PM

Can someone please help me find out what year my tank is? I guess I fail at using Google, because it has been no help.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale.

Top

Flyer91

Joined: Feb 23, 2015
Posts: 26
California Sierras near Yosemite
United States

Posted on Mar 22 2015 01:34 AM

Mine has a dated inspection sticker on the main circuit board, which can be seen by removing the rear panel.

If you decide to take a peek, just be sure to get the upper left screw back through both the rear panel 'and' the terminal lug at the end of the green wire which makes contact with, and grounds the shielding foil on the inside of the rear panel, when you put it back on.

If there isn't a dated sticker in there, then you might be able to get a code from the main power transformer (depending on what type it has installed) or you can pull the front grill (which will also pull out the pan intact with it) and research the codes on the choke and/or transformer which will be exposed by removing the front grill.

Using these codes obviously assumes that they are original parts.

Last edited: Mar 22, 2015 01:36:33

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Badger

Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
United States

Posted on Mar 22 2015 06:54 AM

Or you can give Fender a call at 800-856-9801 or use their contact form to ask them a question. I've done that a couple of times and within a week had an email back with the specific answer on dating something made in the last 20 yrs.

—

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.

Top

SanchoPansen Joined: Jan 04, 2011 Posts: 1588 Berlin L-Berg	Posted on Feb 18 2015 01:14 AM Better be safe than sorry. But after you did it a couple of times it becomes the same as changing a light bulb. — The Hicadoolas Last edited: Feb 25, 2015 14:09:41 Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:38 PM Would you guys recommend I buy some backup tubes? How long do these (vintage) tubes usually last? — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
Noel Joined: Mar 15, 2011 Posts: 8528 Back in Piitsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I grew up.	Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:58 PM SixStringSurfer wrote: Would you guys recommend I buy some backup tubes? How long do these (vintage) tubes usually last? Backup tubes are always an excellent idea. Because you just never know what might happen. Tubes can last an amazingly long time, or not. — This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got. Top
Surf_Skater Joined: Sep 06, 2012 Posts: 1300 Lawrenceville , GA	Posted on Feb 20 2015 04:58 PM You have the stock tubes for backup. Reverb tubes last longer than amp tubes. Just play and enjoy! Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:24 PM Thanks guys, I will probably call Doug and order some backups. Those stock tubes that came with the tank sounded so harsh they went straight into the garbage. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
Surf_Skater Joined: Sep 06, 2012 Posts: 1300 Lawrenceville , GA	Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:28 PM Never throw out good tubes. It helps to keep a stash for emergencies and troubleshooting. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:38 PM You're right, I shouldn't have done that. Noob mistake, it won't happen again. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Feb 20 2015 05:42 PM SixStringSurfer wrote: You're right, I shouldn't have done that. Noob mistake, it won't happen again. You are tubified now. Never hurts to keep a little note file on the computer, or old-fashioned style, to you can answer the question "now what exactly do I have in that slot right now?" I almost pitched a particular 12AT7 once that was unimpressive in the tank but made a great phase inverter in a little combo amp. Ya never know... — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 24 2015 04:13 PM Silly question, but where does the foot pedal plug into? — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Last edited: Feb 24, 2015 16:14:14 Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Feb 24 2015 04:31 PM SixStringSurfer wrote: Silly question, but where does the foot pedal plug into? There's a 1/4" jack underneath the back of the chassis between the 2 pre-amp tubes. — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:25 PM I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:34 PM SixStringSurfer wrote: I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger. Your fingers did a drive-by when changing tubes but you were probably focused, rightly so, on "now don't bend a pin..." — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Feb 24 2015 05:42 PM Badger wrote: SixStringSurfer wrote: I don't think I would have ever seen it. Thank you, Badger. Your fingers did a drive-by when changing tubes but you were probably focused, rightly so, on "now don't bend a pin..." You're exactly right! I was in the zone, and also a bit in "panic mode." — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1433 Memphis, TN	Posted on Mar 21 2015 07:14 PM Can someone please help me find out what year my tank is? I guess I fail at using Google, because it has been no help. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New EP Louder Than Life available on bandcamp and website. Taking guitar lessons from Jimmy Dale. Top
Flyer91 Joined: Feb 23, 2015 Posts: 26 California Sierras near Yosemite	Posted on Mar 22 2015 01:34 AM Mine has a dated inspection sticker on the main circuit board, which can be seen by removing the rear panel. If you decide to take a peek, just be sure to get the upper left screw back through both the rear panel 'and' the terminal lug at the end of the green wire which makes contact with, and grounds the shielding foil on the inside of the rear panel, when you put it back on. If there isn't a dated sticker in there, then you might be able to get a code from the main power transformer (depending on what type it has installed) or you can pull the front grill (which will also pull out the pan intact with it) and research the codes on the choke and/or transformer which will be exposed by removing the front grill. Using these codes obviously assumes that they are original parts. Last edited: Mar 22, 2015 01:36:33 Top
Badger Joined: Nov 16, 2013 Posts: 4537 Wisconsin	Posted on Mar 22 2015 06:54 AM Or you can give Fender a call at 800-856-9801 or use their contact form to ask them a question. I've done that a couple of times and within a week had an email back with the specific answer on dating something made in the last 20 yrs. — Wes SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices. Top

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I just bought my first reverb tank!