Yet another EF86 question.

[nuttmeg1]

Hey guys,

I'm brand new to this forum and (believe it or not) the Marshall 18watt. I got the chance to play the reissue combo today at Guitar Center in Nashville. Even though I don't have to say it, WOW!!!!! Since I'm an admitted gear builder/tinker'er/repair kinda guy, I decided that this is THE next project. I want to do one with the Volume-Tone channel and EF86-Tone channel. This FINALLY brings me to my question.

According to dboul at 65amps these things reduce vibration on the EF86 tube:

1. Enlarge the tube socket hole slightly to mildly separate the socket from the chassis and put a large fiber washer between the tube socket and chassis.

2. Put rubber washers above and below the tube socket mounting screws.

3. Use Micalex tube sockets for the EF86 (they seem to be better at absorbing vibration)

4. Use a hi-fi style dampening ring on the tube, works great.

This all creates a "shock mount" that should help.

Where do I get this stuff?

Thanks,

Brian K. Nutter

[Plexi]

Sounds like very good suggestions,similar to what was used in some old Gibson amps and a few others.... And then also find a good EF86 to use.

Richie

[JonFrum]

Hey guys,

I'm brand new to this forum and (believe it or not) the Marshall 18watt. I got the chance to play the reissue combo today at Guitar Center in Nashville. Even though I don't have to say it, WOW!!!!! Since I'm an admitted gear builder/tinker'er/repair kinda guy, I decided that this is THE next project. I want to do one with the Volume-Tone channel and EF86-Tone channel. This FINALLY brings me to my question.

According to dboul at 65amps these things reduce vibration on the EF86 tube:

1. Enlarge the tube socket hole slightly to mildly separate the socket from the chassis and put a large fiber washer between the tube socket and chassis.

2. Put rubber washers above and below the tube socket mounting screws.

3. Use Micalex tube sockets for the EF86 (they seem to be better at absorbing vibration)

4. Use a hi-fi style dampening ring on the tube, works great.

This all creates a "shock mount" that should help.

Where do I get this stuff?

Thanks,

Brian K. Nutter

For washers try your local hardware store or Lowes Depot.


Antique Electronics Supply - tubesandmore.com - has a shock mount micalex tube socket. I'm getting ready to order one and try it.

The damping rings are available from audiophile suppliers. Jim McShane is a tube dealer who sells them - he also has NOS EF86 tubes.


http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/


If you do a search here, there's a nice picture posted of someone's shock mount setup.


Here it is:

[herr-uuns]

5. Build it into a head

You can buy all that stuff (except for sockets) at McMaster-Carr

http://www.mcmaster.com/

6. DON'T put the head on top of the speaker cab


boo........

[nuttmeg1]

Thanks guys.

Brian K. Nutter

[cloudhopper]

Lord Valve tells me a new Tung-Sol EF806 is soon to be in production. It's supposed to be much less microphonic. I guess time will tell.

[stu]

I played the same amp at the Nashville Guitar Center and was equally impressed by both the tone and the price. $2000 plus is a lot for any amp which is why I started searching the net and found this sight. I have been interested for several months now in building amps and would like some advice on some of the kits available. I emailed Graydon at GDS amps and he replied that I needed very little electronics experience ( I have none) to assemble his amp. Interested in the head kit. Any advice would be appreciated from the 18watt.com locals.