Vintage Ampeg's and Tube Availability

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs' started by ChrisVereb, Apr 12, 2016.

  1. Apr 12, 2016 #1
    ChrisVereb

    ChrisVereb Member

    Messages:
    1,582
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2014
    I've been considering buying an older Ampeg combo lately and I'm curious if tube availability will be an issue. It seems like the older Ampeg's seem to contain tubes that are less common in amp designs now, and I'm somewhat hesitant to buy an older amp that would present problems with sourcing parts for maintenance. For instance, I was looking at a Gemini VI today and read that it takes a pair 7159A power tubes. That tube turns up 0 results at the tube store. I'm betting there's some supply out there, but what about in 10 years..and a what cost?

    The prices are reasonable (IMO) on older Ampegs, and I realize it all comes down to risk assessment, but I'm curious if TGP has any input on this I hadn't considered. Or possibly alternate amps that sound like an old Ampeg Gemini that use more widely available tubes. I've really been enjoying Heath Fogg's (Alabama Shakes) tone lately for some context on what I'm hoping to get from the amp.
     
    ChrisVereb, Apr 12, 2016
    ChrisVereb, Apr 12, 2016
    #1
  2. Apr 12, 2016 #2
    FFTT

    FFTT Member

    Messages:
    28,401
    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2007
    $120-$160 for a matched pair of NOS power tubes.

    Many original preamp tubes may still be good.

    Make sure tremolo and reverb are working.
     
    FFTT, Apr 12, 2016
    FFTT, Apr 12, 2016
    #2
  3. Apr 12, 2016 #3
    Hallogallo

    Hallogallo Member

    Messages:
    5,922
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Location:
    Fernando Poo
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    #3
    Grasley likes this.
  4. Apr 12, 2016 #4
    ChrisVereb

    ChrisVereb Member

    Messages:
    1,582
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2014
    I guess you can't trust everything on the internet:
    http://www.thegearpage.net/board/in...-the-tube-order-in-an-ampeg-gemini-vi.310171/

    A search for "ampeg gemini vi tubes" led me there, which lists it as 7159A instead of 7591a. There's a few other pages that incorrectly list it as 7159A as well, to where I didn't doubt it. Thanks for the heads up!
     
    ChrisVereb, Apr 12, 2016
    ChrisVereb, Apr 12, 2016
    #4
  5. Apr 12, 2016 #5
    Hallogallo

    Hallogallo Member

    Messages:
    5,922
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Location:
    Fernando Poo

    Well that page is sketchy.......
    I'll check mine when I get home to make sure.
     
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    #5
  6. Apr 12, 2016 #6
    dewey decibel

    dewey decibel Supporting Member

    Messages:
    9,600
    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2005
    Location:
    we eat a lot of cheese and drink a lot of beer
    A lot of those Gemini's have been converted to run 6L6s IIRC, so there's always that to consider. I have a Reverbojet here, runs the 7591As, they're used in old hi-fi gear and I know there are a couple that make them. Also has a 6U10 which I doubt is in production, but I don't think NOS are very expensive.
     
    dewey decibel, Apr 12, 2016
    dewey decibel, Apr 12, 2016
    #6
  7. Apr 12, 2016 #7
    Hallogallo

    Hallogallo Member

    Messages:
    5,922
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Location:
    Fernando Poo
    $10
    http://www.kcanostubes.com/catalog/33
     
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    Hallogallo, Apr 12, 2016
    #7
  8. Apr 12, 2016 #8
    Leonc

    Leonc Wild Gear Hearder Gold Supporting Member

    Messages:
    17,397
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2002
    Location:
    Upstairs, L.A.
    First, as others have pointed out, you gotta spell it right -- it's 7591, not 7159. Makes all the diff in the world ;).

    Meanwhile, here's what used 7591s have been selling for on eBay. If you're value-oriented, your best bet is to find some used old stock tubes that have been tested (and come out pretty good) and the seller will refund if you're not happy. Plenty of sellers will. You'll see you do not need to spend 120 bucks/pair if you're willing to buy tubes that not supposedly "new".
     
    Leonc, Apr 12, 2016
    Leonc, Apr 12, 2016
    #8
  9. Apr 12, 2016 #9
    MrFuzzTone

    MrFuzzTone Supporting Member

    Messages:
    924
    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2007
    a pair of new Electro Harmonix 7591A tubes are about $50
    Certainly NOS could be better but more $$$
     
    MrFuzzTone, Apr 12, 2016
    MrFuzzTone, Apr 12, 2016
    #9
  10. Apr 12, 2016 #10
    zenas

    zenas Member

    Messages:
    6,656
    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2011
    I've hauled home two organs with a pair of 7591s in each. Plus some other nice tubes like a real Mullard British GZ34.
    Cost a little strain on my back and the guilt of saying "I'm hoping I can fix your grandmother's organ". Knowing I'm going to bone it out and toss the leftovers into the landfill.
    99.9% chance it was going there any way and with all those nice tubes.
    .
     
    zenas, Apr 12, 2016
    zenas, Apr 12, 2016
    #10
  11. Apr 12, 2016 #11
    DeaconBlues

    DeaconBlues Member

    Messages:
    2,988
    Joined:
    May 2, 2007
    Location:
    way down below the ocean...
    JJ makes a 7591, also. I've got a set in my Goodsell Black Dog 30.
     
    DeaconBlues, Apr 12, 2016
    DeaconBlues, Apr 12, 2016
    #11
  12. Apr 13, 2016 #12
    Grasley

    Grasley Member

    Messages:
    211
    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2014
    Location:
    Alberta, Canada
    The 65amps Stone Pony runs on 7591's....very easy to find tubes for it.....the JJ's i tried were microphonic. Sent those back and got Tung-Sols
     
    Grasley, Apr 13, 2016
    Grasley, Apr 13, 2016
    #12
  13. Apr 13, 2016 #13
    FFTT

    FFTT Member

    Messages:
    28,401
    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2007
    Mike at KCA has always treated me fairly.

    I tried a guy in Florida and ended up with what was supposed to be a matched pair of 7591's only one was Sylvania, the other RCA.
    I keep them for backup.
     
    FFTT, Apr 13, 2016
    FFTT, Apr 13, 2016
    #13

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice