Attention all 6L6 users................

B Bent

B Bent

Vibroluxologist
I just thought I would share my experience with 6L6 power tubes. Have you noticed that most of the new stock 6L6 power tubes (regardless of who has branded them) rattle? I have owned dozens of amps as most of you know and I don't care what tubes have come installed I always could hear tube rattle that always traced back to the power tubes.

I have some great news to share now!! When I had my Vibrolux Blackfaced I had a new set of power tubes installed as well. I went with the SED Winged C's and so far not even a hint of rattle.

I just figured I would share my experience in case you have shared this frustrating tube experiences like I have.

FWIW nice NOS tubes don't usually rattle from what I have been told.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

these TADs David Allen put in my amp dont rattle either. They are great tubes sound-wise.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

I use the small bottle TAD tubes and don't experience the rattle in my BF Pro Reverb combo amp...I also have had good experience with the Svetlana large bottled 6L6s in the same amp..I used to run into rattle all the time though with both the Sovtek 5881 and the Chinese 6L6 Bottle Rocket tubes.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

flank said:
these TADs David Allen put in my amp dont rattle either. They are great tubes sound-wise.
Click to expand...

Yeah I tried the TADs in the Lux right after getting it, but they rattled like crazy.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

B Bent said:
Yeah I tried the TADs in the Lux right after getting it, but they rattled like crazy.
Click to expand...

maybe the sockets were tightened when you had it restored? These tubes are very good quality according to David Allen, and he seems like a top notch dude when it comes to vintage fender amps. Must of been a bad match for your particular amp or something.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

i dont know how old the sovteks in my amp are, but they certainly dont rattle
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

I've found the same thing. Svetlanas never rattle in my experience. JJ's are hit or miss with 6L6's.

One cheap and easy solution is to buy 'tube dampers' which are silicon rubber bands. They sell them on Ebay.

I'm having this problem with the spring retainers on my Goldtone. I'm thinking of putting the tube dampers around the springs and EL-84's.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

Well, if it's internal components, tube dampeners aren't going to help. Just don't buy junk tubes...it's like buying a nice steak and putting ketchup on it.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

ES350 said:
Well, if it's internal components, tube dampeners aren't going to help. Just don't buy junk tubes...it's like buying a nice steak and putting ketchup on it.
Click to expand...

Yeah but even some of the best tubes today,can rattle.:smack:
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

:doh: I completely missed that one.

I thought for sure Greg was about to offer another amp for sale.

:smack:
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

It's funny that you mention this B because there was a post yesterday on TGP that mentioned SED EL34's. The poster had a pair that rattled. He was wondering if this had happened to anyone else.

I think it can happen to any tube manufacturer at any point in time. Some tube manufacturer's are known for better quality, some are known for a little less quality, and price isn't always a guideline. I have no problem with SED tubes. They are my favorite choice for 6L6's, but not my only choice.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

I am a mere flea when it comes to tube amp knowledge, but aren't heads more resistant to tube rattling, than combos?
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

my tubes never rattled. hmmm...
i use cheapo 6L6s at some point and those didnt rattle at all either.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

Those tube dampers really do help, even for internal rattles. By damping the outside glass, the internal parts are vibrating against a surface that's deadened.
I had some years ago, and accidentally sold them with an amp. They're a cheap solution. Ideally, you end up with a set of tubes that are silent though.
What sucks is that most tube distributors don't like exchanging tubes that work.
 
Re: Attention all 6L6 users................

i am only aware of the groove tube USA doin this. something fierce, too.


B Bent said:
I just thought I would share my experience with 6L6 power tubes. Have you noticed that most of the new stock 6L6 power tubes (regardless of who has branded them) rattle? I have owned dozens of amps as most of you know and I don't care what tubes have come installed I always could hear tube rattle that always traced back to the power tubes.

I have some great news to share now!! When I had my Vibrolux Blackfaced I had a new set of power tubes installed as well. I went with the SED Winged C's and so far not even a hint of rattle.

I just figured I would share my experience in case you have shared this frustrating tube experiences like I have.

FWIW nice NOS tubes don't usually rattle from what I have been told.
Click to expand...
 
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