5751 / 12AT7 for reverb

[domct203]

Someone please recommend me a good 5751 or 12AT7 for the reverb driver in my Roadster. None of my reverb settings go above 9:00, so I want to drop down the gain factor a bit, and maybe add some depth as well.

NOS, current production, whatever.

I was leaning towards the 5751, as I believe it is closer to a 12AX7 sub than the AT7 (someone correct me if I'm wrong there).

Thanks,
Dom

 

[212Mavguy]

Hi Dom,

I just searched "5751 tube" on ebay and have found some GE's that are going for pretty inexpensive, the cool thing about vintage 5751's is that they tend to be built more ruggedly than most 12ax7's, and almost any of them sound great in a V1 position too. Hard to beat the GE for low price, great construction, tone and longevity. The ebay seller reedl1712 has a buttload of them up right now. They are currently going for 12-20 bucks each for triple mica gray plate. At that price spending retail for new production ones is laughable to me.

My fave 5751's for tone are vintage, Tung Sol long grayplate and Raytheon blackplate triple mica, rectangular and windmill getter. The Tung Sol is the fave of boutique amp builder Chris Siegmund for V1 and V2 in his Midnight Blues amps...

You might find that there is not all that much difference in knob setting using a 5751, perhaps a vintage 12at7 might do more of what you want, I've had good luck with Mullard, Philips (euro), Raytheon, and Sylvania, but frankly have not tried them as a reverb driver. Peace.

 

[domct203]

Thanks for the tip 212Mavguy

That's funny because I have a bid on another item from him right now.

I know I have some kind of 12AT7 somewhere, a Mesa from a Studio Pre I had some time ago. I'll pop it in if I find it and see what happens.

Dom

 

[loudguitars]

I use an Amperex NOS 12at7 for a reverb driver in my LSC. I have used Mullard 12at7s as well. I perceive more warmth, but there is not too much difference from 12ax7s.

 

[Anonymous]

I love the Mullard 12AT7. I've got mine for the FX loop in my TR and it works very well. I'm sure it would be amazing for reverb too.