Griff
Joined: Dec 17, 2022
Posts: 4
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Posted on Dec 17 2022 10:11 PM
Hi all - long time lurker, first time poster.
I had read through a few threads about old Gibbs reverb tanks but didn't find an answer to my question.
A local seller has a Gibbs tank for sale. It has the 1122 etched on top, with a date code of 6711. He says it has a B stamped inside. The tank I am trying to replace is from a '66 Vibrolux Reverb, and had an F stamped inside which I assume stands for Fender.
Does anyone know what a B stamp might mean, and whether or not it is compatible with my Vibrolux?
For what it's worth he says it measures 1.3 ohms at input and 170 ohms at output, but he did not tell me the impedance (yet).
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11075
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Dec 17 2022 10:21 PM
Hi Griff, good to have you aboard. The resistance readings look good, how much is he asking? Can you bring your amp to him to test the pan?
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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Griff
Joined: Dec 17, 2022
Posts: 4
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Posted on Dec 17 2022 10:27 PM
Thanks for the welcome! Theoretically I could try the pan in the amp before purchase. Price isn't super high - $50 CDN. I also don't want to damage the reverb transformer or anything if it is the wrong pan, though.
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11075
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Dec 17 2022 10:32 PM
In my experience I've tried a lot of pans and don't recall ever damaging ones that didn't work, it just didn't work 
Price looks good, especially since it's local and you can try it. I'd say go for it. If not, consider buying a surfypan and you can be sure it'll work.
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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Griff
Joined: Dec 17, 2022
Posts: 4
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Posted on Dec 17 2022 10:35 PM
Interesting - hadn't heard of that one before. The amp currently has a MOD tank in it. Sounds okay, just a much longer decay than old Fenders normally have.
Thanks for the replies and advice. Very interesting how little info there is about a B stamp in a Gibbs tank.
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Griff
Joined: Dec 17, 2022
Posts: 4
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Posted on Dec 19 2022 07:42 PM
Just wanted to follow up on this for anyone else looking for info.
I got the tank. On the exterior it is identical to a long Gibbs/Fender tank. Inside, there's a B stamp. The tape on the transducers is yellow for both sides. However the input measures 1.3 ohms and the output is around 165 ohms, just like an old Fender.
Put it in my '66 Vibrolux Reverb and it sounds perfect, just like it should.
I had a newish MOD tank in there and it was always pretty overwhelming. I had swapped the 12AT7 for a 12AU7 but still could barely bring the reverb up to 3. I measured that tank and it's output is 220 ohms... wonder if that has something to do with it.
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DannySnyder
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 11075
Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Dec 19 2022 08:20 PM
Glad it worked out, happy dripping!
— Danny Snyder
"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo
I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'
Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta
Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party
Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF
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edwardsand
Joined: Jun 29, 2018
Posts: 801
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Posted on Dec 19 2022 09:54 PM
I've not seen anything about the B stamp, but it's good to know that it also falls within the specs we look for. You probably say J_Flanders' post on impedances, etc.: https://surfguitar101.com/forums/topic/32671/?page=1#p434413. The main thing is to get the impedance match for input/output, and in my experience, if you hook up a pan that doesn't match up, nothing blows up. At least not very much. But really, it either works or is anemic.
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