6BM8/ECL82

[michaelrosas]

I recently acquired an Epiphone 1x12 combo from the 50s that uses one 12AX7, two 6BM8s, and one 5Y3. I want to retube it but the 6BM8s have me stumped. I have no idea what brand to look into. Until a few days ago, I didn't even know that this tube type existed! First of all, does anybody recommend a particular make? Second, are there any general thoughts on this power tube, and how it affects the overall sound of a low wattage amp versus other more common power tube types? I have a JJ ECC83/12AX7 in the preamp section and a NOS RCA for the 5Y3 rectifier.

[markh]

If you search for '6BM8' you'll find a few threads here where it is discussed. I imagine it wouldn't be hard to find NOS, but you won't find 100s of opinions on brands, since it's relatively obscure...

--mark

[zaphod_phil]

These tubes contain a triode, which is similar to a 12AT7, and a pentode similar to an EL84, but with a lower power rating and slightly less gain. They are also known as ECL82s, and were used in the 10W Watkins Westminster amplifier. You can't really substitute these tubes for anything else. At one time Svetlana were making them. I don't know if SED has continued to build them or not. Otherwise NOS tubes are easy to get on eBay - I have a couple myself.

[dartanion]

Electro Harmonix makes them.

Shoot me an email as I can get these easily if you can't find them elsewhere.

[heresrobert]

I've picked up several NOS pairs of the 6BM8. Ask the Sarge or Jim McShane. You can also find those tubes on ebay. The price is reasonable for NOS stuff. They sound great, just not the same wattage as the EL84. Plenty loud with a quality EF86 and a 120pf brightness switch, no tone stack.


Robert

[engels]

I usually buy tubes at Antique Electronics -
www.tubesandmore.com
They list 6BM8 for $15 and japanese 6BM8 for $11.95
I understand this must be NOS american for $15 which is not that bad.
Add $2 for each tube for matching and you've got a pair for $34. A little bit expensive but it's not a popular tube.