Fender Blonde Vibrato question

[sluckey]

In a common cathode amp stage with cathode (self) bias, the grid has to have a dc resistance to the cathode in order for proper biasing. Doesn't matter if it's a 12AX7 or a 6SL7. You must have that grid return resistor. Some people call it a grid leak resistor, although I like to use the "grid leak" term for grid leak biased circuits only.