reverb tank mounting

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rutledj
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reverb tank mounting

Post by rutledj »

How do you normally mount your reverb tank in fender style builds? Having never actually purchased a Fender amp, only built clones, I don't really know the proper way to install one. Is a bag necessary?
I have been putting grommets in the screw holes and loosely screwing them to the bottom of the cabinet.
Stevem
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Re: reverb tank mounting

Post by Stevem »

A bag helps, but it’s not a necessity because it’s really just to keep crap out when it mounted to the bottom.

In many Ampeg combo amps they were mounted vertically on a side wall and with no bag.

The main thing for having a low 60 hz noise floor is to keep the output side of a tank as far away from the amps power transformer as possible.

Also tanks are sprong for different mounting positions.
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martin manning
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Re: reverb tank mounting

Post by martin manning »

You will need a bag to prevent feedback. Typically the tank is slipped into the bag and the bag is attached to the floor of the amp cabinet. I can recommend Tuki reverb tank covers.
nuke
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Re: reverb tank mounting

Post by nuke »

Well, this is actually a somewhat complex topic.

First, there's the Accutronics Reverb Tank part number secret decoder ring:

https://www.tubesandmore.com/tech-artic ... ifications

The "classic" Fender amp reverb, from the mid-60's till about 1980-ish is part number 4AB3C1B

If you use the linked decoder:

4: Type: Long (2 Spring) tank
A: Input: 8 Ω
B: Output: 2,250 Ω
3: Long decay (2.75 - 4.0 s)
C: Connectors: Input insulated/output grounded
1: Locking: No lock
B: Mounting: Horizontal/open side down


Mounting is important. Part of mounting is what hole the springs that suspend the inner sled are in, which you could mess with. But the other part is how the actual reverb springs are mounted in the pickup coils inside, and that, you cannot easily change.

The usual manner that Fender and many others used was open-side down, on the bottom of the amp. In the classic vintage amp, Fender put cardboard or thin plywood cover on the bottom side of the tank and then stuck it in a heavy vinyl/tolex bag, which is screwed down at either end to the bottom of the amp. Also, put the "output" (return side) away from the power transformer, as it can pick up hum.

In modern era, Fender skips the bags on a lot of amps, just screws it to the bottom of the amp with rubber grommets. True of Peavey and a lot of others.

But if you want to orient the tank a different way, then pick one with the right orientation. Some amps have them vertical along one of the side walls. Outboard reverb units usually have them vertical on the front panel and also have a locking tab for transportation. Some head-style amps use the open-side-up mounting.
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