Reverb Tank

jorgemg1984 · #1 08-12-2011, 05:02 PM

I recently bought a 80s Fender M80 that I really like. Already did some mods on it but I still like the improve the spring reverb, The tank that comes stock is a small Accutronics like the Blues Junior one, a 8EB2C1B. I didn't like the reverb on the blues junior and don't like the reverb on the M80.

I was thinking about getting a new tank. I put a Ruby Reverb on a Blues Junior and didn't like it much, too long decay, a little unnatural. I love the reverb on my Bandit 65 which is similar to the one on the M80 but its a long tank - 4EB2C1B. I have read the impedance is not exactly the same but you could replace a 4EB2C1B for a 8EB2C1B.

What I would like to know is:

Has anyone tried the new Accutronics? I have read too many diiferent opinions about Korean vs USA and old ones vs new ones. Has anyone tried one of the brands that supposedly make tanks like the old ones - TAD (germany) or MOD (USA)? Since I didn't like the Ruby that's not an option and I have read Belton are pretty similar.

Do you think that just for the fact the tank being long can sound better than a short one? The reverb on the Peavey is very similar to the one on the M80 (Accutronics 4 springs medium decay), its just a much longer tank and sounds much better.

PS - I don't like that huge church reverb or surf reverb but I also don't want a barely noticeable one. Thats why I don't want 6 spring reverb or long decay. I want a reverb that adds sustain / air / presence to my sound but doesn't mess with my clean sound. A good reverb for clean jazz to sum up.

Thanks in advance!

spiral · #2 08-12-2011, 06:23 PM

I have an answer to your question which has nothing to do with guitar amps, but is relevant to the topic.

A few months ago i replaced 2 tanks in my Orban 111B stereo spring reverb. It has 4 tanks total (2 for each channel) and was concerned about the stereo image sounding weird because it would have 2 tanks from the 70's and 2 from the 10's. I emailed Belton (who owns Accutronics now) and they were very cool to let me special order 2 of the tanks i needed. Ultimately i installed the tanks and they sounded identical to the original ones. The stereo image was balanced.

I'm not sure what could be bad on a reverb tank, they are literally springs and 2 transformers. Either way, if your concern is quality with the Korean Accutronics tanks, i didn't hear a difference.

As for how big the reverb is--that has mostly to do with the circuit driving it. I had a Laney amp that had very wimpy reverb, i swapped another tank in with more springs (6 possibly) and all it did was make the reverb have more dimension, but it was still wimpy... if you know what i mean. It wasn't louder or more of it, just the quality of it changed.

kawa · #3 08-12-2011, 06:29 PM

Untitled Document

::::::::: Accu Bell Sound Inc :::::::::

jorgemg1984 · #4 08-12-2011, 06:35 PM

Hi Spiral,

Yes thats my main concern, but I have decided to go with Accutronics. Everyone raves TAD reverb but I have seen so many people rave crap on foruns...

I am glad to know Accutronics keeps quality and Korean stuff is well made. I don't want the reverb to change completely different, I want it to be a little more deep than it is. I think I don't like small tanks, every time I heard one they had that "boing" sound. Long ones usually sound a lot better, I hope it fixes the problem... If it doesn't I will ask the tech to take a look at the circuit!

billkath · #5 08-12-2011, 06:56 PM

Me? I'd take that tank out of there and patch in a Lexicon MX200 or something similar. At the end of the day, you'll definitely be able to find and sculpt a tone and effect you like.

The_Dude · #6 08-12-2011, 07:45 PM

I recently replaced the reverb on my Fender Jazz King with an Accutronics Korean tank (went from a 9EB3C1B to 9EB1C1B, or long decay to short). I tell you, these Koreans are doing everything right: really great service and a great product. I'm very pleased with the swap.

jorgemg1984 · #7 08-12-2011, 10:06 PM

I am aware of the quality of lexicon racks and I like my RV7 reverb pedal and Nova System reverbs, I just want the amp to have a better spring reverb.

Good to know Korean Accutronics tanks are working well. I see you went to a short decay tank, my favorites are the medium ones. I assume the stock tank was a little bit too much no? 6 springs and long decay must be good for surf or steel not jazz.

spiral · #8 08-12-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgemg1984

I want it to be a little more deep than it is.

That is exactly right: more detail. The Orban had 2 6-spring tanks per channel, so 24 spring tank total! It sounded amazing. I don't think you can go wrong with the 6 spring tank. Spring reverb is the best in guitar amps. Space Designer is the closest virtual version I have heard. Good luck with your project and post clips!

jorgemg1984 · #9 08-12-2011, 10:30 PM

Do you think 6-spring is good? I am positive I want medium decay but I was thinking about 4 springs, I am scared 6 springs being too much...

It might take a while until I have everything set, the amps are at my tech and he does a lot of other stuff and I will be away from Lisbon in the next few weeks (and Banzai is terrible sending stuff and I have to order from there).

Maybe in September I will have it and then I will try to post some clip

jorgemg1984 · #10 09-01-2011, 11:46 AM

A little update, put on my M80 the Belton Reverb I had on my Blues Junior. With the reverb on 1 sounds very good and gets the job done. On the Blues Junior it was always not enough or too much reverb (even with a taper pot) but in the M80 sounds right if you don't pass 1. Easy and cheap solution since I am selling the Blues Junior.

Thank you all again for your help!