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I need to replace the reverb tank in my Ampeg 212 reverberocket. I can't find the specs for the original tank so I don't know what to replace it with. I found a post where someone said they replaced it with Accutronics 4BB3C1B and it sounded "lush". the nearest I can find is 4AB3C1B. Can anyone tell me what's the difference between 4AB &4BB? Anyone tried something different?
BluesHack huh. . . . :D
Difference between the 2. . . .well one has one 'a' and one 'b' and the other has two 'b's? Two 'b's have to 'b' better than one 'b' surely?
Seriously though :) I better not hang too much sh1t on my brother in law lest his sister punches me in the nose.
Can you get either of them? Is one more expensive than the other? What about replacing it with a Fender?
this is a good read, sounds like some people in the know...WR says some interesting things...
http://surfguitar101.com/modules.php...=viewtopic&t=4
If the tank and spring lengths are the same on the A as the B then I'll bet you can't tell a difference in sound.
Ok I've got it sorted. (no thanks to you FusedGrooves!) The letters refer to the input and output ohm value. So the 'a' is for a tank with an 8 ohm input, the 'b' is for a 150 ohm input. Turns out I need the 4BB3C1B. So, in this case 2 bs ARE better than 1!
I noticed the Accutronics (purchased by Belton) web site has some charts on it for decoding the alpha numeric designations. This might be helpful to you if you are still deciding what to do.
Some of the tanks are interchangable. Some have smaller tanks with shorter springs, while others of the same ohm ratings have longer or more springs.
Link to the type 4 accutronics tank specs.: http://http://www.accutronicsreverb.com/
Link to non-belton/accutronics upgrade, same tank: http://http://www.amplifiedparts.com...P-RMOD-4BB3C1B
Link to Tube Amp Doctor site for other replacements for the same tank: http://http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/...an-pid-276.htm
I'm sure you know, but output impedance and connector types are also things you may want to consider.
Evidently production has moved offshore and the quality of the new units is yet to be fully determined, but Accutronics was a very old US company with a work force that had developed a skill set, over the period of many years, that led to excellence in the production of the final product. Whether or not the new workers offshore have developed such skills is debatable.
I was told by a master amp tech that the new units are not close to being equal to the old units, but that was a couple years ago. R and D may have progressed very rapidly under the new ownership.
I'm not sure how much competition they have. More would obviously be better, but some other reverb tank mfg's are out there and you might be able to find one that sells retail. Since you are outside the US, Accutronics is probably readily available since it has Worldwide outlets.
Thanks Duffy, Options are definately limited, but you have put me onto a winner with Tube Amp Doctor. They still have a few of the US made Accutronics tanks, so I bought two of them! I've heard good things so fingers crossed......