Shopping for a new amp..

[Heady Jam Fan]

6L6's are pretty sweet - powerful and articulate. I like the EL34's on the MKIII, particularly for the compression n'at, but the Simul-Class mode has benefits. I find the EL34's to be warmer though.

[fulltone1989]

6L6's are pretty sweet - powerful and articulate. I like the EL34's on the MKIII, particularly for the compression n'at, but the Simul-Class mode has benefits. I find the EL34's to be warmer though.

Yeah I had a nomad with EL34s that was a sweet amp. i thought the Mkiii had 6L6s too for some reason...

[Heady Jam Fan]

The MKIII does have 6L6's - at least two, up to four. The 60-100 watt versions (not Simul-Class) can run 2 6L6's at 60 watts, 4 at 100watts. The Simul Class amps can run 2 EL34's at 15watts (they call it class A) or 2 EL34's along with 2 6L6's for 75watts (15watts plus 60 watts) in simul class mod. Apparently some later simul class amps run the EL34s in pentode (rather than triode like earlier models) mode which adds an additional 10watts (so it is 25watt to 85watt). Finally, it is also safe to run all 6L6's instead of the 2 EL34's (4 6L6's) in a simul-class amp.

[IamWILSON]

The MKIII does have 6L6's - at least two, up to four. The 60-100 watt versions (not Simul-Class) can run 2 6L6's at 60 watts, 4 at 100watts. The Simul Class amps can run 2 EL34's at 15watts (they call it class A) or 2 EL34's along with 2 6L6's for 75watts (15watts plus 60 watts) in simul class mod. Apparently some later simul class amps run the EL34s in pentode (rather than triode like earlier models) mode which adds an additional 10watts (so it is 25watt to 85watt). Finally, it is also safe to run all 6L6's instead of the 2 EL34's (4 6L6's) in a simul-class amp.

Heady, since you've been doing alot of research on the MKIII speaker/tubes/power ratings lately, maybe you can advise me on this.  I'm pretty sure at least one of my EL34's in mine is bad as I'm getting some pops and crackles when I'm in class A mode, but when I go with simulclass (which I happen to like better anyway), it goes away.  I'm considering replacing the 34's with 6L6's, will this make the amp even louder?  Or what kind of effect will it have on my tone anyway?  If I do this and strike a really heavy G power chord across all the strings, will this cause that butterfly in Japan to flap it's wings harder, thus causing Dorothy's house to fly across Wonderland?  Well maybe that last question wasn't as serious, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the serious stuff.

[Heady Jam Fan]

Lol - all I really know anything about are butterflies in Japan.

To be honest, I really don't know the answer to your question. The only thing I have come across is that 6L6's in that position will burn out faster than EL34's.

My assumptions is that the amp would be louder, however I suspect that the 6L6's would be running in triode mode and thus wouldn't be as loud as a non-simul-class amp which is rated at 100watts with 4 6L6's running.

Anyway, sorry I don't have solid answers, but that is weird it only happens in 'Class A' since Simul-Class also uses the EL34's....

[fulltone1989]

Some good news on the amp search - Soul-O 45 man called me back and said the amp was in for servicing at DST in Boston (boutique amp builder, awesome plexi clones) and I could demo it there once it get's a clean bill of health. Its still cheaper than the Express 5:50 and it fitted the bill better as well.

[Heady Jam Fan]

Very cool man - probably rare to find something like that accessible for a trial run!

[fulltone1989]

Very cool man - probably rare to find something like that accessible for a trial run!

My thoughts exactly! I've been chatting with the guy for the past week and I was a bit apprehensive on driving 2+ hrs to demo the amp at his home and I'm psyched that it's getting looked at by a knowledgeable tech. I'll hopefully check it out this weekend after the Worcester run!

[picture_of_nectar]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

[fulltone1989]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

Sweet! Were you the one on TGP placing a WTB for a '65?

Alternatively, I found a '74 SFVR near me thats been blackfaced that I'm gonna go try out. Whats a good price to offer?

[sour d]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

Congrats!

[cactuskeeb]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

Sorry to call upon you once again to step out on a limb, but I would appreciate it if you could snap photos of the inside as well as underside (filter caps).

[Heady Jam Fan]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

Awesome, I was GASing for one when I had a Gilmour-esc rig going!

[picture_of_nectar]

Just bought a 1965 Twin for $1,100. Pretty stoked.

Sweet! Were you the one on TGP placing a WTB for a '65?

Alternatively, I found a '74 SFVR near me thats been blackfaced that I'm gonna go try out. Whats a good price to offer?

No, but I did find it on there. I am going to take the guts out and replace it into my Twin RI Head + Cab unit. I have been looking for a beat up BF Twin so I wasn't paying an arm and a leg for some museum piece.

Cactus i'll snap pics for you when I pop it out and toss it into this baby:



I also decided to get a new, er old guitar while I was at it...


Seems the market price for a SFVR is around $1,200-1,400 depending on how clean it is and if the tubes are vintage. Check and make sure it has been serviced in the last decade...really cool amps, probably the most versatile of the old Fender line, more headroom then a Deluxe but not as loud and boomy as a Twin, nice breakup tones with those 2x10"s.

[sour d]

Look at that beautiful strat!