Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Solid State => Topic started by: FREYES_7 on May 17, 2026, 09:43:36 pm

Title: Can Princeton tremolo triode be replaced with a transistor?
Post by: FREYES_7 on May 17, 2026, 09:43:36 pm

Hello All,

Been checking more schematics to build, and noticed the princeton reverb and it look like my next build hehehe

but without reverb, the princeton's tremolo tube would be left with an unused triode, which bothers me hehe

could I replace it with a transistor?

Title: Re: Can Princeton tremolo triode be replaced with a transistor?
Post by: acheld on May 18, 2026, 09:55:11 am

Yes, but only with major (and I mean BIG) changes to your circuit.

Real answer is no.  You can parallel the triodes in the tube safely enough. 

Title: Re: Can Princeton tremolo triode be replaced with a transistor?
Post by: Lectroid on May 19, 2026, 08:50:35 am

Quote from: FREYES_7 on May 17, 2026, 09:43:36 pm

but without reverb, the princeton's tremolo tube would be left with an unused triode

If this is a std Fender 3-tube reverb circuit, you might investigate the designs for one-tube reverb. That frees up one entire 12An7. I’ve  done this with a no-Trem Princeton and it works very well, with a smooth full-throated overdrive. Maybe the  added current available from leaving off one double triode makes it a little hotter? 

Title: Re: Can Princeton tremolo triode be replaced with a transistor?
Post by: passaloutre on May 20, 2026, 05:40:10 pm

You could replace it with LND150