Rectifier switch from tube to diode

MickeyB · 03-20-2008, 07:52 PM

Just finished a Vibroverb 6G16 build. I did the tube rectifier for the vintage sound. Like it a lot. But I just read a column where Diaz changed a lot of these to diode because after playing it a while the tube breaks up the sound. So I want to put a switch in to have both. Here lies the questions. Leave the yellow 5v wires hooked up to keep the rect tube warm? Switching the red wires from tube to diode. I'm running a 380-0-380 PT. Is a 250vac toggle gonna handle it? thats the heaviest I can see available.
Or is the copper cap rectifier the best of both worlds?

Earl · 03-20-2008, 09:34 PM

I've never had any issues with rectifier tubes doing anything weird....not sure what the Diaz comment means.

Although, you could just get ya one of them SS plug-in's ( like what comes with the Bassman RI ), and try the SS route before making the mod.

You'll alos, most likely, need to re-set the bias of the output section, as the B+ is going to rise with the diodes.

I'd just say that I tried this with a SFDR (using a SS plug-in), and it made it very "Twin" sounding. Not a bad thing in itself, except that I thought the Deluxe 'sound' was better.

stokes · 03-21-2008, 07:47 PM

Connect the red HV taps from your PT to both the plates of the tube and the diodes.Place your switch to select the output of the diodes and the output (pin 8) of your tube.As such your tube will always be connected to the B+ but when you switch in the diodes,they will take over for the tube.Look at a schem for a Mesa amp with multiple rectifiers,like the Heartbreaker for instance.

03-20-2008, 07:52 PM	#1
MickeyB Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan USA Posts: 69	Rectifier switch from tube to diode Just finished a Vibroverb 6G16 build. I did the tube rectifier for the vintage sound. Like it a lot. But I just read a column where Diaz changed a lot of these to diode because after playing it a while the tube breaks up the sound. So I want to put a switch in to have both. Here lies the questions. Leave the yellow 5v wires hooked up to keep the rect tube warm? Switching the red wires from tube to diode. I'm running a 380-0-380 PT. Is a 250vac toggle gonna handle it? thats the heaviest I can see available. Or is the copper cap rectifier the best of both worlds?

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03-20-2008, 09:34 PM	#2
Earl Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 100	I've never had any issues with rectifier tubes doing anything weird....not sure what the Diaz comment means. Although, you could just get ya one of them SS plug-in's ( like what comes with the Bassman RI ), and try the SS route before making the mod. You'll alos, most likely, need to re-set the bias of the output section, as the B+ is going to rise with the diodes. I'd just say that I tried this with a SFDR (using a SS plug-in), and it made it very "Twin" sounding. Not a bad thing in itself, except that I thought the Deluxe 'sound' was better.

03-21-2008, 07:47 PM	#3
stokes Old Timer Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 1,305	Connect the red HV taps from your PT to both the plates of the tube and the diodes.Place your switch to select the output of the diodes and the output (pin 8) of your tube.As such your tube will always be connected to the B+ but when you switch in the diodes,they will take over for the tube.Look at a schem for a Mesa amp with multiple rectifiers,like the Heartbreaker for instance.

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