songsmith1950
New member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2005
- Messages
- 213
These are amps I bought on Ebay because I either liked the looks of them or they have different preamp or power amp tubes. Most were made between 1937 and 1950.
My first was a 1938 Wabash, identical to the one used in the early days of Hubert Sumlin and Howlin Wolf. What a tone it has. Push Pull 6V6's with octal preamps and an output of probably 12 watts at most.
Another Wabash is a 39 or 40 Wabash with single 6V6 output. Again an octal pre as that was what they had back then.
Also a 36 or so Oahu. Not sure but will check the dates when I go through it. This one is unique in that it uses a single 6N7 for output and if I read right has a grand output of about 1 watt. Seems like that is what so many are looking for now, doesn't it?
There is no high gain here at all. Just warm and very full octal preamps that have a magical sound. Not much for distortion either but so full you might just not need it.
I have the advantage of 30 years as an electronics tech on everything from tubes to microprocessors and that helps, but each time I bring one of these back by replacing filters and such it is like beginning all over again.
If you ever want a really full sound with no fizz or high gain character, try one of these oldies. It might just become your favorite. They are surely mine.
Tom
Songsmith
My first was a 1938 Wabash, identical to the one used in the early days of Hubert Sumlin and Howlin Wolf. What a tone it has. Push Pull 6V6's with octal preamps and an output of probably 12 watts at most.
Another Wabash is a 39 or 40 Wabash with single 6V6 output. Again an octal pre as that was what they had back then.
Also a 36 or so Oahu. Not sure but will check the dates when I go through it. This one is unique in that it uses a single 6N7 for output and if I read right has a grand output of about 1 watt. Seems like that is what so many are looking for now, doesn't it?
There is no high gain here at all. Just warm and very full octal preamps that have a magical sound. Not much for distortion either but so full you might just not need it.
I have the advantage of 30 years as an electronics tech on everything from tubes to microprocessors and that helps, but each time I bring one of these back by replacing filters and such it is like beginning all over again.
If you ever want a really full sound with no fizz or high gain character, try one of these oldies. It might just become your favorite. They are surely mine.
Tom
Songsmith