Lack of lows...

[DanD]

I got an early silverface DeluxeReverb.
Amp has virtually no low end. Lots of highs and upper mids, but none of that fullness that comes from these amps.
I changed to a pair of JJ 6v6's. Biased at 18ma.
12ax7's and 12at7's are recent.
Speaker is a Naylor 12. I know what this amp used to sound like because I owned it previously and then bought it back from the same guy.

Any ideas?

DanD

[phsyconoodler]

18 ma is so low that the amp can't make low end.Bump it up to near 30ma and try it again.
Don't be worried about melting the tubes unless you play at 10 all day.You have to realize that the average DR player only plays at less that 5 or 6 on the volume dial.No where near enough to hurt the tubes biased on the hot side.

And you also have to realize that the plate voltage drops when you bias them hotter too,so they don't get hurt at all.JJ's can take pretty much anything you throw at them.Even other brands of tubes can take 30ma in a DR.The key is don't crank the amp to 10 at that bias setting.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by phsyconoodler

18 ma is so low that the amp can't make low end.Bump it up to near 30ma and try it again.
Don't be worried about melting the tubes unless you play at 10 all day.You have to realize that the average DR player only plays at less that 5 or 6 on the volume dial.No where near enough to hurt the tubes biased on the hot side.

And you also have to realize that the plate voltage drops when you bias them hotter too,so they don't get hurt at all.JJ's can take pretty much anything you throw at them.Even other brands of tubes can take 30ma in a DR.The key is don't crank the amp to 10 at that bias setting.

Note that if you bought your 6V6s from me and you follow these instructions that Phsyconoodler is your man for warranty service

[Axekisser]

30 ma is a bit hot. 20-21ma should be about right. Are the transformers stock? Is the Naylor speaker known for low-end? I don't know much about the Naylors.

[Ronsonic]

Originally Posted by Blue Strat

Note that if you bought your 6V6s from me and you follow these instructions that Phsyconoodler is your man for warranty service

I've got a rule: Tubes have a max Voltage, max Wattage and a max Current rating. Never violate more than one of those at a time.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by Ronsonic

I've got a rule: Tubes have a max Voltage, max Wattage and a max Current rating. Never violate more than one of those at a time.

Good rule! I like the one that says don't ever go above 70% max dissipation.

[slider313]

The JJ's can sound brighter than a true 6V6, more like a 7591. Try them at 24ma. Was the Naylor in the amp when you owned it or added recently? I found Naylor speakers to be on the bright side.

[pdf64]

'Tubes have a max Voltage, max Wattage and a max Current rating'
I don't recall ever seeing a max current (as in plate or screen current, rather than heater) specified in any data sheet -could you point me in the right direction?

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Are the filter caps still from the 70's? When those start going the amp can lose bottom end, and if they're original they're probably nearing the end of their life.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by pdf64

'Tubes have a max Voltage, max Wattage and a max Current rating'
I don't recall ever seeing a max current (as in plate or screen current, rather than heater) specified in any data sheet -could you point me in the right direction?

That would be implied (ohm's law) from max power and max voltage.

[slider313]

Originally Posted by FrankieSixxxgun

Are the filter caps still from the 70's? When those start going the amp can lose bottom end, and if they're original they're probably nearing the end of their life.

I would guess we all figuered the amp was serviced but this is a good point.

[FrankieSixxxgun]

Originally Posted by slider313

I would guess we all figuered the amp was serviced but this is a good point.

I never assume the filter caps have been replaced, especially in Fenders. Out of sight, out of mind, you know? Most people don't even know about the dog house underneath the chassis.

[donnyjaguar]

Did you switch from a Les Paul to a Strat by chance?

[phsyconoodler]

Gee,I bised my DR at 30ma and played it for a decade.

[pdf64]

'Did you switch from a Les Paul to a Strat by chance?'
Or change string brand/gauge?