Reverb Tanks

[surfsup]

I would really appreciate any current feedback you guys have on tanks. My next build has reverb included and although I could "just pick one", I am interested in any experienced comments on certain tanks.

If anyone has any comments on these Accutronics, I would appreciate it:

4AB3C1B
9AB3C1B
8AB2C1B

[selloutrr]

4AB3C1B. Is the fender standard reverb replacement tank.
9AB3C1B. Is similar to the long spring tank found in ampeg
8AB3C1B. Is the short tank used sound city 120R. Not the best tail but if you want tight focus almost an echo it's cool. Mixed much over 30% it starts to make note defenition confusing.
What circuit are using the tank in?

[Andy Le Blanc]

theres a little input impedance difference between types 9/8 and 4/1

the second letter denotes output impedance

the third letter is how the tank in/out are grounded watch out there its
easy to set up a loop, C here will get you a insulated input

the old tanks were pretty easy to mod or mix and match bobbin to custom
your own, but now the new ones are mfg to be unworkable, plastic and epoxy

the last letter is mounting...

A... horizontal open side up
B... horizontal open side down
C... vertical connectors up
D... vertical connectors down
E/ F ... on end (like in some old ampeg)

theres several ways to rig drive and recovery which makes the
impedances important

input A has the largest drive current figure 28ma

[Firestorm]

This whole thing is made more complex by the fact that Accutronics has been acquired by Belton and (for the moment) you can buy all major types in both "Belton" and "Accutronics by Belton" brands. (As well as CE Distribution's "Mod" brand). All Korean I believe.

Just did an A/B/C/D comparison of tanks for a Fender Deluxe reverb: Mod 4AB3C1B vs. Accutronics/Belton 4AB3C1B vs. Belton 9AB2C1B vs. Accutronics/Belton 9AB2C1B.

The "winner" in this case was the Belton 9AB2C1B. Close second was the same type of the Accutronics/Belton brand.

What I've found is that if you go with the 3-spring tanks in a Fender application, it's better to get medium decay rather than long decay.

[surfsup]

thanks for the info on designations...

the old tanks were pretty easy to mod or mix and match bobbin to custom your own, but now the new ones are mfg to be unworkable, plastic and epoxy

I am leaning to one of these three because people seem to like them. I realize recently they switched to overseas mfg. Is this a deal-breaker? I don't mind paying $5-10 more for a good solid unit. Seems like people like the accutronics though.

EDIT: does a 10% impedance swing really make an audible difference?

[M Fowler]

I like the 8AB2A1B Reverb Tank (Mesa Boogie Style 3-Spring) for subtle reverb just enough to color the sound.

Mark

[surfsup]

Sellout, the HoSo56 that is over at el34world

Mark, thx

I just saw some are longer than 16" and i don't want that so i'll figure it out...

[selloutrr]

Sellout, the HoSo56 that is over at el34world

Mark, thx

I just saw some are longer than 16" and i don't want that so i'll figure it out...

EDIT: - Figured it our

[dartanion]

The Belton made Accutronics tanks are quite inconsistent from my experience. I have had to weed through a few of the exact same type to find ones that sound right. Didn't have to do that before they were off-shored. YMMV.

[Colossal]

I like the 8AB2A1B Reverb Tank (Mesa Boogie Style 3-Spring) for subtle reverb just enough to color the sound.

Mark

Yep, me too. Sounds very good with a modded Fender circuit. Very lush and ambient without that annoying metallic overtone. It will do surf just fine though if that's your thing.

[Andy Le Blanc]

I've had to bone yard tanks, mix and match drives and recovery's
kind of fun, truly custom...

any body wind your own yet, always curious about the wire used

a magnetic armature on both ends ferrite beads and a cat whisker