I am a guitar player and an avid tube nut case. My favorite amp that I have
kept after selling a lot of tube amps over the years is a pre CBS Black Face
Fender Super Reverb which of course is all point to point - no PCB's. Tube
rectified - the thing is incredible.
Tubes are still used by audiophiles seaking the best in stereo sound - but be
ready to shell out a few bucks. And true, if you touch a large filter cap
it will send you accross the room and likely take your life. Those big tall
filter caps store a massive charge.
Sounds like the amp you had - had exposed components (from the top side).
This is common in stereo amps. Just looking at those filter caps and having
small children in the vicinity would give me the creeps as well!
The guitar player years ago for a Kenny Rogers band called the First Edition
literally died on stage when his amp shorted back through his guitar. True
story - and a very rare thing to happen. I have no idea how a filter cap could
run a ground out back through a guitar - but something happened for this poor
guy to get zapped like he did.
That is also a heck of a lot of 6550's! There is enough power in that thing
to drive a professional bass cabinet and fill a large venue.
Mesa Boogie, who built their reputation on tubes (amongst a long list of
other historical things) either still does or they used to make an amp for
audiophile use as well.
The 6550's give the best headroom before participating in break up. Used
also on a run of Marshall amps built during the late 70's due to a shortage of
EL34's (at the time). They have since garnered their own limited following
amongst Marshall players. They have to be cranked LOUD before they begin to
saturate - but when they do the sound for a guitar player is out of this world.
However, cranked for a stereo - the sound would be counter productive.
Since the 6550 has such a high tolerance to break up - they are favored for
stereo equipment. Also used in tube bass amps for the same reason.
Thanks for sharing -
Kirk
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