Vibrolux Reverb (rectifier swap ok?)

[LonesomeCraig]

I have a Silverface Vibrolux Reverb that has the stock 5U4GB rectifier tube. Is it ok to substitute with a 5Y3GT rectifier to get an earlier breakup at a lower volume?

Also any suggestions on some great sounding pre-amp tubes that arent really expensive?

Thank you

[JDW3]

Better check others more knowledgeable, but my '68 blew a PT after some idiot put a 5Y3gt or some such in it. I bought it not knowing, and had to pay for it. Mine wants a GZ34.

[slider313]

If you want early breakup at lower volume, try a pair of old, small alnico magnet Rola 10's or original vintage Jensen C10R's.

For 12ax7's Canadian Electrohome or GE 12ax7a.

[Hangfire]

Check the tube chart on the inside of the cab. My '65 takes a GZ34 or 5AR4...

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by Hangfire

Check the tube chart on the inside of the cab. My '65 takes a GZ34 or 5AR4...

Yes, earlier ones do. Silverfaces use 5U4GBs.

[tlpruitt]

Many silverface amps had power transformers that supplied higher voltages than their blackface counterparts so the 5U4 was specified in those silverface amps to compensate and bring down the B+ voltage to about the same level as the equivalent blackface amp with a 5AR4/GZ34 rectifier.

If you are currently running a 5U4 and want to lower the B+ the 5R4 is a good choice for an amp running 6L6 type output tubes. A 5Y3 will not hold up in an amp with 6L6 output tubes.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by LonesomeCraig

I have a Silverface Vibrolux Reverb that has the stock 5U4GB rectifier tube. Is it ok to substitute with a 5Y3GT rectifier to get an earlier breakup at a lower volume?

Also any suggestions on some great sounding pre-amp tubes that arent really expensive?

Thank you

Before trying the recto swap (which won't likely hold up for too long in a 6L6 amp) have you tried removing V1 and/or putting a 12aX7 in V6?

[RussB]

There are approximately 100,000 boost, overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals available. I recommend you find one to use with your Vibrolux

[LarryN]

Try an RFT 12AX7 in V1. I'd go with a 5R4GB, also (re-bias of course). One or both should loosen it up some.