'63 Fender Reverb Unit Tube Question

[59Pro]

Is is ok to run a 12ax7 instead of the 12at7 in V2?
I know the reverb unit is sucking some power/ volume from the amp. A friend of mine somewhat compensate this with a 12ax7 in the V2 position instead of a at7. Is that safe?

[selloutrr]

yes

- It's safe to run any 12at7, u7, x7 - bepending on the gain you want. they are interchangeable no need to bias or adapt the circuit. just power down between tube swapping.

[59Pro]

yes

- It's safe to run any 12at7, u7, x7 - bepending on the gain you want. they are interchangeable no need to bias or adapt the circuit. just power down between tube swapping.

Oh cool ! Thanks for your reply.

[amplifiednation]

I understand the different gain factors associated with this family of pre amp tubes, but what differences does the lower gain tube make as a reverb driver or recovery tube? Does it decrease the amount of effect?

[selloutrr]

Yes it effects how hard the tank can be slammed with MAX signal, granted you still have a volume control.

in the gain position it's how hard or driven the tank is by the signal.

on the recovery side it's how much volume the reverb signal is boosted.

different tubes for different styles. keep in mind when they were designed distortion was something they wanted to cancel out and not have effect the circuit. modern day music is very gain friendly.

Using a lower gain tube will soften the max hit of the reverb and give a different tone.