Fender de Luxe, PR 246, 2004

[N Cook]

Only used , not abused, domestically, ie not bumped around ina van at any
time.
Mechanically broken dome end of GT badged Sovtek 5881, neat circular crack.
Black deposit around a jet out of the envelope matching a black deposit on
the metal "protection" cage screwed to the cab back panel. Gripper function
around valve base was fine. Not obviously valve/cage touching, but close, I
will reposition this cage 1/4 inch lower down. Is this a recognised
design/construction failing perhaps Russian 5881 a bit longer than 6L6.

 

[N Cook]

Only used , not abused, domestically, ie not bumped around ina van at any
time.
Mechanically broken dome end of GT badged Sovtek 5881, neat circular crack.
Black deposit around a jet out of the envelope matching a black deposit on
the metal "protection" cage screwed to the cab back panel. Gripper function
around valve base was fine. Not obviously valve/cage touching, but close, I
will reposition this cage 1/4 inch lower down. Is this a recognised
design/construction failing perhaps Russian 5881 a bit longer than 6L6.

This model should have the plastic/wood composite back board braced back to
the front as it has 2 large openings that seriously weaken it, but the
speaker is in the way. Or a vertical bar from top to bottom to prevent the
panel flexing inwards if pushed up against something.
Have repositioned the "protection" cage down 1/4 inch and bent the
horizontal part of the cage downwards a bit to give about 3/4 inch clearance
from the bottles when no flexure of the back board.