6v6 tubes in an express.

[andresound]

Have to say, really enjoying a set of NOS NEC 6v6's in my express clone. Highly recommend for helping with the volume issue of these amps. Mine are biased for 8w of power each. Totally manageable 😁. Sweet! Have ordered another set.

[RJ Guitars]

Ken Fischer was really fussy about tubes and he seemed to think there were 6V6GT's that were worthy of the Express build... maybe you'll get a chance and send us some sound clips?

[Stevem]

I sure Ken would have had praise for the JJ 6V6s also!
I haves used them at 500 + volts in a pals Highwatt 50 to knock it down to 29 watts!

[andresound]

Have heard and noticed numerous conflicting reports on JJ's not being a true 6v6 and sounding "veiled" after time. Reported to be more like a 6L6. Also, as Im enjoying the NEC 6v6GT, wanted to know suggestions on NOS.
Thanks for the input guys.

[Stevem]

In regards to NOS tubes I have Brimars and CBS/ Hytrons in that I have had in two different Amps and they both sound nice and round and not spiky on the top like GEs can get when pushed, and they are priced all to crazy either!

Both of these Amps where running them at between 340 and 365 volts, and the lower voltage one is cathode biased.

[andresound]

Thanks for that Steven, my Express has 385v on the plates and the 6V6 GT'S are biased aT 22ma.Sounds great

[redshark]

As far as I know Ken only tubed Express amps with either RCA or Sylvania 6V6's and that was a customer request, otherwise he would do EL34's.

[RJ Guitars]

http://www.trainwreck.com/?page_id=7

This link has a few notes of interest on this topic as well as some other insights into the the mind of Ken Fischer

[David Root]

My favorite 6V6s are the gray/black glass GT/Gs from the '40s and early '50s. RCA, Ken-Rad, Tung-Sol, Sylvania, National Union etc. None of them like +380V though, and NOS are getting pricey.

In an Express, I wonder if the later GTA/B/Y would not work real well too. Have heard that the Sylvania GTY has good mids and punchy bass.

[andresound]

Rj, in light of your previous post and the link (at the end regarding the use of 6L6's), could I use MULLARD EL37's with a bias adjustment in my express.? I have 6!!! NOS NIB They have a higher current rating than EL34.

I would appreciate some advice

[RJ Guitars]

Andre, i think it would be pretty straight forward in that you are safe to do so as long as you watch your voltages and currents and verify that everything is within spec. The PTs have a massive amount of heater current available and the secondary windings for the B+ is also pretty stout. You might have to change some resistor values in the bias supply to make everything work right but beyond that, i don't see any problem.

Anybody else?

[beasleybodyshop]

Has anyone tried running a pair of 6V6s in an express in Cathode bias?

[andresound]

Been thinking!!
I should sell the 6 ultra rare NOS NIB MULLARD EL37's and order a parts kit from Rj instead. Much better fun. I see these tubes run @ 250 dollars a peice. I also have 4x NOS MULLARD EL84's. Good for a 18w rocket build with spare tubes.