In a message to Tom Scioscia  Rich Lockyer wrote:
RL>  clean. They ran the B+ levels too high (FAR above spec) and biased
RL>  the tubes back down on the cold side so they wouldn't explode.  Some
RL>  old Fender 6V6 amps run the plates in excess of 500v... AES will not
RL>  even sell you a NEW 6V6 if they know it's going into an old Fender...
RL>  they max out absolutely at around 400v, and that's pushing it.  The
RL>  higher plate voltage allowed more headroom, but delayed the onset of
RL>  clipping.  They've practically gotta be on 10 before there's a hint
RL>  of distortion.
I recently bought the first tube Fender I've had in 20 years - a silverface 
(73) Champ.  I never had trouble back then getting tubes, and hadn't 
considered the possibility that it would be a problem now.
Any hints?  I haven't found any mods for the Champs.
I'm also looking for an original speaker.  Someone put a University 8" in it, 
and I'd rather have one a little more stock.  Unfortunately, there aren't 
many sources for good 8" speakers.  (grin)  
 
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