Post by NilThe reverb in my Vox AC30CC1 isn't very usable because its length is
far too long - it muddies up the sound. It's a common complaint, and
many people replace it. Reverb tanks are pretty cheap.
The stock verb is marked RRVS 3EB1C1B, badged with a Ruby Tubes label.
A common replacement is an Accutronics 8EB2C1B. I bought what I thought
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BGXW50
I assumed it was comparable to the Accutronics because of the model
number, but lo and behold, it looks physically identical to the Ruby
3EB1C1B. They are obviously made in the same factory and badged for
different companies.
My Fender Blues Jr. has that Accutronics, so I'm able to compare all
three. The Accurtronics does have a shorter dwell time, which I want,
but it's a little sproing-ier and more metallic. The Ruby and MOD units
sound close - *maybe* the MOD's dwell is shorter then the Ruby, but
it's significantly longer than the Accutronics. Maybe my ears are
playing tricks on me.
So, I'm wondering... what does those model numbers represent? Physical
compatibility? Sound characteristics? Are they universal between
manufacturers?
Mainly, what's the difference between 3EB1C1B and 8EB2C1B?
For Accutronics, it's like this -
The first number is the length of the tank and how
many springs are in it. 1 = 9", 2-spring; 4 = 17",
2-spring; 8 = 9", 3-spring; 9 = 17", 3-spring.
The second is the input impedance. A = 8 ohms,
B = 150, C = 200, D = 250, E = 600, F = 1475.
The third is the output impedance. A = 500 ohms,
B = 2.25K, C = 10K.
The fourth is the decay (dwell) time, and it's fairly
wide-range. 1 = Short (1 - 2 sec.), 2 = medium
(1.8 - 3 sec.), 3 = long (2.8 - 4) sec. As you can
see, there's some overlap, so it's a crapshoot
in actuality.
The fifth is the connector scheme...A = IP & OP both
grounded (to the chassis), B = IP grounded, OP floating,
C = IP floating, OP grounded, D = IP and OP both floating.
I think there's an E, but I don't have anything on it.
The sixth tells you whether the tank has one of those
little spring-steel thingies that locks the internal
spring ass'y against the chassis. All the ones I've
ever seen that DON'T have this have a "1" here.
Don't know what goes there if it does - "2"?
The last (seventh) indicates the mounting plane. Most
people don't pay any attention to this, but Accutronics
actually compensates for different mounting schemes
by mechanically "biasing" the tilt on the little hook/magnet
assy to compensate for the sag direction of the springs.
(Gravity, y'know.) A = horizontal, open side up; B = Horizontal,
open side down; C = Vertical, connectors up; D = vertical,
connectors down; E = on end, input up; F = On end, Output
up.
Fender, for instance, mounted their standard 4AB3C1B
tank three different ways - horizontal, open side down,
in most combo amps; vertical, connectors up, in the
standalone reverb units, and on end (don't remember
which connector up) in the Super Six and maybe the
Quad Reverb. (Don't remember about the Quad,
either.) The "replacement" tanks usually follow the
Accutronics protocol, with minor variations. Other
replacement tanks have their own code. You can
probably learn more about the replacement tanks
on the Ruby (Magic Parts) and Mojo sites.
Lord Valve
Expert (please obsess)
- Partial Client List -
* Derek Trucks -
(Allman Brothers Band/Derek Trucks Band/Clapton World Tour/
Soul Stew Revival Tour/Derek Trucks-Susan Tedeschi Band) *
* John Medeski (Medeski, Martin, and Wood) *
* Avery Dylan (Allman-Tyler Band) * Meese * Jill Sobule *
* Meatloaf * Catherine Wheel * Yo La Tengo * Let's Go Bowling *
* Kofi Burbridge (DTB) * Tod Smallie (DTB) * Susan Tedeschi *
* Mike Mattison (DTB/Scrap-o-Matic) * Paul Olsen (Scrap-o-Matic) *
* Rob Hyckys (guitarist for Commander Cody) * Waky Amps *
* Jamie McLean (guitarist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) *
* John Pierce (bassist for Huey Lewis and the News) *
* Bludotone Amps * Rob Eaton (guitarist for Dark Star Orchestra) *
* Rob Barraco (organist for Dark Star Orchestra) *
* Coco Montoya * Clint Black * Bill McKay * Mojo Watson * Dick Dale *
* Fleetwood Mac * Tyrin Benoit * Eugene Fodor * Dale Bruning *
* Komet Amplification * Dr. Z * Maven Peal * Blockhead Amps *
* Jim Kelley * Balls Amplification * Roccaforte Amplifiers *
* Gerhart Amplification * Aiken Amplification * Germino Amplification *
* Reinhardt Amplification * Flyleaf * The Flobots * The Fray *
-LOTS MORE -
Specializing in hand-selected NOS and current-production vacuum tubes!
Vintage Fender amps cloned to order - you won't find better.
NBS Electronics, 230 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209-1510
Phone orders/tech support after 1:30 PM Denver time at 303-778-1156
- Our 30th Year -
VISA - MASTERCARD - PAYPAL - BULLION - FIRSTBORN
Philo T. Farnsworth sez -
"Vacuum tubes kick MAJOR ASS! Be a MAN -
and buy some *today*!"
DISCLAIMER: This post represents the opinions of the author
and nothing more. Inclusion in the client list
does not constitute endorsement of the products
and/or services offered by the author. Your
mileage may vary. Tax, tags, title and monitor
not included. Do not fold, staple, spindle, or
mutilate. Not for consumption by pets or small
children, or adults of similar intelligence.
Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Not intended to cure any disease or other medical
condition. Ingestion may cause heartburn or mental
distress. Kiss my ass if you don't like it. Have
a Nice Fuckin' Day!