first tube set for Bassman kit

[deafman]

After making a mess with some soldering I am having Billy Penn (Pennalizer Amps) do the major work on my Mojo blackface chassis. He is going to burn it in for 24 hours with his tubes. I should be getting the chassis in about 2 weeks. Any complaints with Electro Harmonix tubes? Are TAD tubes worth the premium price? As an alternate I could order the tubes from Mesa store. They are about the same price as TAD and wouldn't have to travel too far in the mail.
My hearing isn't very good so I am not picky, just aiming for relaibility. I play for relaxation and couldn't play without sheet music in front of me. Any sugestions?

[jimmy rocket]

I've built several tube amps now and I've run everything from EHX to NOS Telefunkens.

EHX are fine tubes. JJs sound nice in a blackface (especially in the power section)

I'm running mine with a mix of Mullard and NOS JAN tubes.

Really, you'll hear more of a difference in your bedroom than you will on a stage anyway. I'd say stick with something reliable and not too pricey in the power section and spend your money in the preamp. At the end of the day, let your ears be your guide.

[deafman]

Mojo seems to be out of JJ 12AX7S right now. I will order some Electro Harmonix AX7 for the preamp.
Anybody tried the SS rectifier plug-in or should I go with the JJ GZ34 rectifier tube instead?

[jimmy rocket]

You might try Tubedepot.com

12AX7 / ECC83 / 7025 / CV4004 Tube Types

They've got a great selection and they run specials from time to time.

I've got no experience with that solid state rectifier, but as long as everything is biased right you probably won't notice a significant difference.

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by deafman

After making a mess with some soldering I am having Billy Penn (Pennalizer Amps) do the major work on my Mojo blackface chassis. He is going to burn it in for 24 hours with his tubes. I should be getting the chassis in about 2 weeks. Any complaints with Electro Harmonix tubes? Are TAD tubes worth the premium price? As an alternate I could order the tubes from Mesa store. They are about the same price as TAD and wouldn't have to travel too far in the mail.
My hearing isn't very good so I am not picky, just aiming for relaibility. I play for relaxation and couldn't play without sheet music in front of me. Any sugestions?

Antique Electronic Supply has any tunes you might want, as well as Tube Amp Depot. Both are very helpful if you have questions.

[johnk_10]

Originally Posted by deafman

Anybody tried the SS rectifier plug-in or should I go with the JJ GZ34 rectifier tube instead?

blackface bassmans don't have a tube rectifier. they are all SS rectified.

the only bassmans that had tube rectifiers were the 4x10 tweed bassmans, and the first blonde 6G6 models ('61-early '62). the 6G6A and 6G6B, also blonde from late '62-'64 were also SS rectified.

so on your blackface bassman kit, ix-nay on the ube-tay ectifier-ray (pig latin )

[jimmy rocket]

Originally Posted by johnk_10

blackface bassmans don't have a tube rectifier. they are all SS rectified.

the only bassmans that had tube rectifiers were the 4x10 tweed bassmans, and the first blonde 6G6 models ('61-early '62). the 6G6A and 6G6B, also blonde from late '62-'64 were also SS rectified.

True enough, but the Mojo kits come with a tube rectifier and you either have to build around that or use one of those solid state rectifier plug-in units that fits the octal socket.

So I guess, (to the OP) a SS rectifier would be more true to the original.

[johnk_10]

for a bass amp i'd definitely go SS rectified. on a 50 watt bass head, the higher plate voltages and less power supply sag = a little more headroom.

[jimmy rocket]

Definitely a plus.