4AB3C1B vs 9AB2C1B

[LooseChange]

I find that the Reverb tank length is crucial. 4AB3C1B seems to be too long.
Which one do you prefer.
FWIW, I am not a fan of the Dwell control... Does not really shorten only reduce the effect. I like the pan to be hit hard for the shimmer effect.
Thanks!

[Fresh_Start]

Depends on whether you want to shimmer or surf I guess.

 I'm kind of disappointed with the Dwell control on my PR build.  Does just what you say so why have two controls for the reverb return level.

Cheers,

Chip

[LooseChange]

I want nice tone and just not too long.
Problem is that the length does vary with each pan with the same part number.

[Fresh_Start]

I want nice tone and just not too long.
Problem is that the length does vary with each pan with the same part number.

Big time!  At one point I tried 3 different Accutronics pans in the same amp.  All the same part # and no two sounded exactly the same.  Much bigger variations than swapping tubes.  Biggest difference was reverb output level.

Cheers,

Chip

[HotBluePlates]

Which one do you prefer.

I very much prefer the "6 spring" medium delay 9AB2C1B.

The shorter delay time allows you to use more of reverb pan's output without getting into novelty-effect territory. You can also realistically use a dwell control to get actual reduced reverb density.

I replaced the stock reverb pan for a 9AB2C1B in a reissue 6G15 Reverb I used to own. Suddenly all the range of dwell and mix settings became usable. I don't play surf, but you could still get all but the most extreme surf-drip reverb sounds.

[LooseChange]

I collected three of each and I am going to hook each one up for a tone test.

[HotBluePlates]

It would be cool if that were 6 springs but it's only 3.  Is there a 6 spring model? 

The tank starting with "9" is what Accutronics/Belton calls a "6-spring reverb".

Yes there are only 3 delay lines. But there are 6 individual springs, with 2 springs joined in the middle by a brass rivet. So three pairs.

Once upon a time, Thunderfunk amps used to build guitar amps with the "12-spring reverb". This connected two 6-spring tanks in a kind of humbucking fashion to generate a more complex reverb sound. According to Dave Funk, one of the tanks was the standard Accutronics 6-spring tank, and the other was special-made for his arrangement with different delay lengths to complement the stock 6-spring tank.

I don't think even Thunderfunk still makes a 12-spring setup though.

[Willabe]

The tank starting with "9" is what Accutronics/Belton calls a "6-spring reverb".

one of the tanks was the standard Accutronics 6-spring tank, and the other was special-made for his arrangement with different delay lengths to complement the stock 6-spring tank.

The other tank is a "99" tank. I called Accutronics one time years ago and they said it was their idea/design and that they don't make it any more. But would if you ordered a run of, was it 100 tanks?


                         Brad       

[plexi50]

I just got a 8AB2A1B 3 spring reverb tank and the decay rate is way too long. Now my Dwell pot makes hardly any difference in taming the decay rate.  I had better results using a Solid State reverb tank i was playing around with a few days ago