Within reason, rectifiers are a matter of choice, but they do usually need a rebias after a change. Most people like Tube, GZ34. Doug sells a strong Sovtek. Has less sag than other tubes, but a little more than SS. Then there re 5u4 and variations. Prettycheap NOS on ebay. Had a little more sag than GZ34. Then the 5y3 which has the most sag of all mentioned. I personally like either 5u4 or 5y3 in tweed amps as I prefer the sag. Weber sells a copper cap SS rectifier with sag as well which is a good choice for durability, but if you fine a Bendix 6106 NOS which is the same as a 5y3, it will last longer than people usually have amps. If you plan to roll Rectifier tubes, you will need to learn how to bias the amp. It will cause a resistor change or conversion to adjustable bias. IMO, the rectifier tube is the most important tube for overall tone. It sets the stage for how the amp will operate. It all comes down to playing style. I just built a Bassman and the tubes I ended up with are V-1-5751 RCA NOS, V-2 12ax7 RCA NOS, V-3 12ax7 RCA NOS all black plates. Power Tubes are very well matched Winged "C" 6L6GC and a Bindex 6103 5Y3. Power Tubes bias set -40mv. I am waiting on some NOS 5881 Tung-sol to try out. Word is these have the sweetest sound in a tweed bassman.
Sorry for so much info, but if you can get NOS tubes IMO there is a significant tone enhancement. For new Rectifier with medium sag I think the EH 5u4gbeh is the best for the money. They are around $15. Lots of people like JJ's, but for a rectifier they do not have very much sag. Might as well use GZ-34. BTW, the Mullard GZ-34 NOS is the best, but they are overpriced for Guitar amps.
BTW, Doug sells all the tubes I mentioned except he does not deal in NOS tubes. I assume it is because it is difficult to warranty old tubes. Just look above and you will see a link to Tubes/Valves.
Topic: Biasing- do newer re-issue Fender Bassman' have bias pots? (Read 7237 times)