Up for bid is my beloved Carvin V3M 3 Channel Tube Amp Head.
I bought this amp new back when they briefly shipped with faulty reverb boards.
Of course, I replaced it with the updated one and never had another issue.
I also upgraded the tubes.
The preamp tubes are vintage.
I used AI to get this info, I have no idea if its accurate or not.
(I was under the impression these were 12AX7s)
V1 is a Mullard, here is what AI said about the photo & code:
The code gf1 confirms this is an ECC82 / 12AU7 tube, specifically the first design iteration of the short-plate version.
If the second line is B4B2 (which can easily look like "242" or a backwards "54B2"), the breakdown is:
B: Blackburn, England factory.
4: 1964.
B: February.
2: Second week of the month.
This "Gf1" code is highly sought after by audiophiles for its warm, classic British tone.
V2 is a Hammond, here is what AI said about the photo & code:
The code △7J2 indicates the 12AU7/ECC82 tube was manufactured at the Philips/Mullard Heerlen plant in Holland.
7J typically indicates a specific production batch or date code (often October 1957 or October 1967 depending on the specific model's era).
v3 is a Sylvania tube.
(Sylvania): This is also a 12AU7 variant
Now to be clear, 12AX7s are what's recommended for V1, V2 & V3 & V4.
V4 is a new production Sovtek 12AX7, that are highly recommended as rectifiers.
The Power Tubes are vintage Baldwin. EL84
Gemini said
The code 35-15 on your General Electric-made power tubes decodes to the 15th week of 1965. they were manufactured General Electric's Owensboro, Kentucky plant, which used the manufacturer code 22..
These tubes were produced during the "Golden Age" of vacuum tube manufacturing in the United States. GE tubes from this era are known for their ruggedness and longevity.
Plates: The "Long Black Plate" design is highly sought after by audiophiles and guitarists. Black plates are often preferred over later "grey plate" versions because they are known for a specific "warm" or "rich" harmonic detail in audio amplification.
... yes, I adjusted to the proper bias point.
Also, this amp has my 3 Color Mod.
Stock amps only had a choice between Red or Blue.
I did a simple mod so you could turn them both on for a pseudo Purple.
(relax, I have been a pro tech for 30 years)
This amp is very hard for me to let go but I am using a Carvin X1 now.
INCLUDED:
The 4 U Head case shown was originally a Carvin Bass amp head case, so I was told.
I added some extra plastic strips to let the convection push heat away from the front and towards the back.
(yea, she throws heat)
I also added aluminum tape to reflect the heat away from the top and because it looks cool with the lights.
INCLUDED:
A custom tube socket that your tech can use to make rebiasing safer and simpler.
INCLUDED:
A new super HD power cord, just because.
What is NOT included:
No Footswitch is included.
I never bought one.
(They are available on eBay if needed)
The original giant aluminum top case is NOT included.
Local pickup is cool too.
~D