6L6GC vs. 6L6GB & 6L6GA

[Dave Axt]

I have a box of old 6L6 style tubes that I am considering using in my Fender
Bassman Ten amplifier which uses 6L6GC power tubes.

Can I put 6L6GB tubes in this amp? How about old coke bottle 6L6GA tubes?
I have already been instructed not to use the 6L6 metal tubes due to their
inherent microphonic problems.

I seen by the RCA manual that the 6L6, 6L6GA and 6L6GB tubes have lower
voltage ratings. Will I destroy these tubes if I use them in an amp
designed for 6L6GC tubes?

Thanks!

David Axt
Amatuer Amp Technician

[TubeGarden]

>destroy

yes

Al B^}

Alan J. Marcy
Phoenix, AZ

PWC/mystic/Earhead

[R. Guy Trépanier]

The different versions of the 6L6 are upgrades which means you may substitute a
6L6cc for a 6L6 Ga but not the other way around. GUY

[Fred Nachbaur]

Quite possibly. The 6L6G, 6L6GA and 6L6GB are essentially in the same
family of devices, whereas (as someone else has pointed out recently)
the 6L6GC is quite different, and really should have had a new number
assigned to it. You can safely sub a 6L6GC for the earlier ones, but not
the other way around. Not only is the voltage rating lower on the
G/GA/GB, but the power dissipation is also only around 18 watts.

If you do try it, keep an eye out for plates glowing red... and throw
the switch if they do!

Fred N

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