What is the Best Modern Tube for Blackface Super Reverb?
The legendary blackface Super Reverb series of amps from Fender set a new standard in the mid-1960s.
The warm, glassy guitar sound from Fender's Blackface reverb series has been heard on more classic recordings than you can count.
Replicate that smooth tone (or create your own) with the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb amps now, in the 21st century.
There are a lot of different tubes out there that you can use, and it can be tough to decide which one is best for you. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best modern tubes available and see how they compare to each other.
We'll also take a look at some of the factors you should consider when choosing a tube for your reverb amp, be it a pre or power tube.
Keep reading to find the best tubes for your needs.
How We Choose the Best Modern Tube for Blackface Super Reverb
Finding the right tubes can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with tube types and ratings.
Not only do you need to find the right type of pre or power tube, but you also need to make sure that it is compatible with your amplifier and that it has the correct voltage and noise rating. If you choose the wrong tube, it could damage your amp or cause unwanted noise.
In addition to trying them out for ourselves, we have searched countless reviews and star ratings to help you find the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb, based on your needs and how much you are willing to spend, and compiled the results here.
We look at examples of the preamp tube, the power tube, and also rectifier tubes. We analyze modern top-name brands such as Tung Sol, JJ, Genalex, Sovtek, Mullard CV, Svetlana, and Electro-Harmonix.
We have done all of the research for you and compiled a list of the best, whether your priorities are plate voltage, low noise in a power tube, clean headroom, phase inverters, a smooth, warm tone, affordability, or just overall quality, we've got you covered, and are here to help you find the perfect tube for your needs.
Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759
Why It Rocks
Widely considered to be among the greatest 12AX7 type tubes ever produced, you can always depend on an ultra high-quality, balanced sound from this Genalex preamp tube.
These reissues faithfully recreate the sound signature of their original preamp tube, featuring a tight low end with a smooth, natural top end.
They aren’t easy to find, and they can be relatively expensive, but you can trust that this super premium preamp tube is worth every penny, which is why they have been prized by serious audio enthusiasts for years.
This could be your solution for the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb if top-notch quality is your main priority in a preamp tube, regardless of cost.
What Else
The Gold Lions feature dual triode gold plated pins, which result in greater connectivity, a gain and transconductance matched to within 10%, and reduced oxidation in the socket of the preamp tube.
In addition to the dual oversized plates, the spiral wound filaments and thick structural mica spacers combine for an unmatched tonality in a preamp tube.
Tung-Sol 6L6GC
Why It Rocks
Known for their smooth overdrive, this power tube is one of the most reliable and rugged power tubes around, capable of handling the most demanding amp circuits, producing a relatively high gain along with relatively low noise.
Considered to be arguably the ideal power tube for classic guitar amp tones, this tube is designed for performance.
This Tung-Sol could be your top option for the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb if you need a power tube that can handle such a demanding rig.
What Else
This power tube is a beam-powered tetrode, rate for plate voltage up to 500 volts and 30 watts of power.
They also feature extra cooling wings to help with potential power tube overheating issues.
The “STR” refers to the Special Tube Request power tube specifications made of leading amp makers back in the 1960s.
Sovtek 12AX7LPS
Why It Rocks
This preamp tube is known for its warm, clear, smooth, round tones, with a consistently full sound across the frequency spectrum.
Used by the largest amp manufacturers around, they are considered to be an ultra low-microphonic preamp tube.
What Else
They feature long, ribbed reverb plates, and are matched for both gain and conductance, resulting in exceptional reproduction of sound.
The long plate filament in this preamp tube allows for high gain, clear treble, and a well-balanced overdrive, all with reduced noise.
This is a 9-pin miniature preamp tube with a amplification factor of 100.
Electro-Harmonix 12AX7
Why It Rocks
This is one of the best preamp tube options around for attaining an exceptionally high gain with an exceptionally low amount of noise, microphonics, and unwanted feedback.
This Electro-Harmonix preamp tube could be your solution for the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb if low noise is your primary concern.
What Else
One of the most unique features is the spiral filament, which gets rid of the hum common on many amps that utilize a filament-to cathode setup, and contributes to the low noise found in this preamp tube.
The triodes in this preamp tube are balanced for both transconductance and gain, within 3%.
Many original equipment manufacturers actually use relabeled Electro-Harmonix vacuum tubes in their amps, a testament to the appeal of the high-gain and low-noise capabilities of this preamp tube.
JJ 12AX7 / ECC83
Why It Rocks
An exceptionally versatile preamp tube, these are capable of handling all types of playing styles, in all types of music.
This preamp tube offers an incredible dynamic response in clean amps, but also offers low noise and considerably less microphonics than its peers when used with a high gain amp.
This modern classic could be your solution for the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb if versatility is your primary concern in a preamp tube.
What Else
When using a clean setting, this preamp tube offers more headroom than other higher-gain types; and in overdrive, they deliver a smooth, clean, strong distortion, featuring balanced and defined mids and lows.
The flexibility in this preamp tube makes it a great choice for any position in the amp, and has made it a favorite of amp builders and touring musicians.
Best Modern Tube for Blackface Super Reverb FAQs
For different musicians playing different styles of music, it’s difficult to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution.
This is especially true since, even within similar styles of music, the guitar playing styles of individual musicians vary tremendously, with different emphasis being placed on considerations such as phase inverters, a smooth warm tone, how much bass or low end, which type of guitar amplifier they are using, and whether they are more in need of a preamp- or power tube.
So to help steer you to the best option for you personally, whether looking for a power tube, preamp tube, or rectifier tube, here is a brief FAQ section we’ve compiled for you.
What tubes does a Super Reverb use?
Generally, the classic Super Reverb uses (2) 12AT7 preamp tubes, (4) 12AX7 preamp tubes, (1) 5U4 rectifier tube, and (2) 6L6 power tubes.
The exact tube types and configurations of the Super Reverb can vary slightly from one version to another, but these are the most common standards.
The 6L6 is a beam tetrode power tube that was originally designed for use as an audio power amplifier.
It has a power output of 40 watts and is used in guitar amplifiers, public address systems, and studio amplifiers.
The 12AX7 and 12At7 are dual triode vacuum tubes that were originally designed for use as a preamplifier in radio receivers.
Today, they are commonly used in guitar amplifiers, high-end audio equipment, and recording studios.
What brand of tubes are in Fender amps?
Whether preamp tube or power tube, originally they were predominantly RCA or GE.
Although Fender no longer manufactures its own tubes, the company has always been careful to choose high-quality tubes for its products.
In recent years, Fender has used tubes from companies like Tung Sol, Svetlana, JJ, Genalex, Sovtek, Mullard, Groove Tubes, Mesa Boogie, Saga Musical Instruments, and Electro-Harmonix.
These are all respected manufacturers of quality tubes.
Fender reverb amps are known for their clean sound and reliability, and part of that is due to the quality of the tubes used in them.
What is the warmest-sounding Fender amp?
Obviously this is, to an extent, a matter of opinion.
However, the reverb amps that are almost universally considered to be contenders would be the ones from the Tweed or Blackface lines.
The Bassman, Twin, Deluxe or Champ would be good places to start.
Some people say that the Fender Twin Reverb amp is the warmest-sounding, as it offers a very mellow sound with a lot of low end and midrange frequencies, which makes it perfect for blues and jazz music.
Others argue that the Fender Deluxe Reverb amp is warmer because of its smaller size, which gives it a tighter bass response.
Plus, many guitarists prefer its breakup sound when it's driven hard.
So it really depends on your personal preferences as to which sounds the warmest to you.
How many watts is a Fender Super Reverb?
The classic Super Reverb has an output of approximately 40 watts.
Its wattage output makes it one of the most powerful amps in its class, making it ideal for gigging and recording.
With its flexible controls and clean tone, the Super Reverb is a great all-around amp for any style of music.
What is the difference between 12AX7 and 12AT7?
The 12AX7 and 12AT7 are both vacuum tubes of the same family, known as twin-triode preamplifier valves. They're used for amplifier stages where high voltage gain is required, such as in a guitar amplifier. The difference between the two lies in their characteristics.
First of all, the 12AX7 preamp tube has a high gain output of 100, versus a high gain output of 60 for the 12AT7 preamp tube.
This difference in gain results in the higher gain of the 12AX7 preamp tube being more likely to experience distortion and clipping, as opposed to the additional headroom offered by the 12AT7 preamp tube. The higher cathode-emitter voltage of the 12AX7 means that it can handle more gain before distortion sets in. The downside of this is that the 12AX7 isn't as well suited to lower impedance loads, like those found in some types of headphones.
Additionally, the 12AX7 preamp tube is predominantly used in preamps to boost the signal, while the 12AT7 preamp tube can also feature in pedals and with a phase inverter.
How often should you change tubes in an amp?
It depends on the type of amp and how often you use it. For example, if you have a tube amp and you use it regularly, you might want to change the tubes every six months. If you have a valve amp, you might want to change the tubes every year.
Some say tube amps should be serviced every 6-12 months, depending on how often they're used, and tubes should be changed every 2-3 years.
Typically you can expect a service life of up to 10,000 hours, and even the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb should be no exception.
This is the same whether considering a preamp- or power tube.
Can I replace 12AX7 with 12AT7?
Since these preamp tubes have the same pin structure, you technically can.
As long as the voltage and impedance are compatible, 12AT7 can be used in place of a 12AX7. The only difference is that the 12AT7 produces less gain than the 12AX7. This may or may not be an issue depending on your specific needs. If you find that you need more gain after substituting a 12AT7, you can try a 12AU7 or 12AY7.
Just be aware that since they have different gain factors, you’ll be producing a different sound, depending on which preamp tube you're using.
Is 7025 the same as 12AX7?
In construction and performance, they are nearly identical.
They are both vacuum tubes, but they have different numbers of active elements. 7025 has 9 active elements, while 12AX7 has 7 active elements. They also have different power ratings. 7025 is rated for 12.5 watts, while 12AX7 is rated for 15 watts.
Theoretically, the 7025 preamp tube produces a lower hum and noise – but the difference is so slight that they are essentially interchangeable (especially with the same 9-pin design).
So for players on a budget, the higher price of the 7025 preamp tube might not be worth it.
What is the difference between 6L6 and 6V6 tubes?
The 6L6 tube was originally designed as a power amplifier tube, while the 6V6 was designed as a voltage regulator tube.
The 6L6 is a larger, beefier tube with more power than the 6V6. It also has a wider plate dissipation rating, meaning it can dissipate more heat without damage. This makes the 6L6 a better choice for power amplification applications.
The 6V6 power tube is smaller and lighter than the 6L6, making it better suited for applications where weight and space are limited, such as guitar amplifiers. It also has a lower plate dissipation rating, making it less suitable for power amplification applications.
The 6L6 power tube is capable of handling up to 10.8 watts of output, while the 6V6 power tube is designed for 5 watts.
What amp did Kurt Cobain use?
This is a common question for fans of 1990s music.
While he occasionally used a Mesa/Boogie, a Bassman, a Mustang, and a modified Champ, by far the one he played through most was a Twin Reverb.
Summary
Unlike the amplifiers in home stereos or headphones, the amps used by guitarists are intended to add tonal coloration instead of just presenting a pristine, unaffected sound.
Tube amps (as opposed to solid-state amps) are intended to be pushed to their maximum output – and while that can result in those beautiful overdriven tones we love, it also puts a strain on the tubes themselves, which is why they eventually need to be replaced.
Hopefully this guide has provided you with some useful information and recommendations about the best modern tube for Blackface Super Reverb, for when it’s time to order those replacements.
Here are the recommendations from above, summarized:
Best Overall: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759
Best for Demanding Amp Setups: Tung-Sol 6L6GC STR
Best Value for the Money: Sovtek 12AX7LPS
Best for Minimizing Hum Noise: Electro-Harmonix 12AX7
Best for Versatility: JJ 12AX7 / ECC83
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin'!
*FYI, when you make a qualifying purchase through one of our links, we might receive a small commission from Amazon or other retailers, at no additional cost to you, which helps us to fund this site. It's a way to find what you're looking for while supporting us in the process!