Carr Rambler Retube Kits

All of our Carr Rambler full Retube Kits are designed specifically for these amps. Every kit is configured to provide a specific sound/experience.

The default power tubes for all of our Carr Rambler kits are the Special Double Mica JJ 6L6GC-DM’s. These tubes follow the classic 6L6GC sonic archetype with big lows, smooth mids and crystalline highs. What sets them apart is their low end clarity, mid-range detail and very clear highs without being overbearing or harsh. Other 6L6 family options include the JJ 5881’s. The JJ 5881’s are a Classic 23 watt 5881 in a traditional stubby bottle. “Jangle” for days and a very warm full tone. Right in-between the JJ 6L6GC and the JJ 6V6S in power.

These are cathode bias amps so both the JJ 6L6GC-DM’s and 5881’s are plug and play.

The Standard Retube Kit is as close to OEM as possible. Maintaining the amps stock level of headroom and gain while providing a warm but even handed overall sound. The kit includes one matched pair of JJ 6L6GC-DM’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V4, closest to the power tubes), one Standard JJ ECC81 for V2, and two Standard JJ ECC83S’s for V1 – V3.

The Gold Pin Retube Kit uses the JJ ECC83S Gold Pin variants to provide a smoother, creamier, and more singing overall sound. This option is less aggressive and has less “teeth” when driven hard. If you like a classic raunchy gritty overdriven tone, we recommend looking elsewhere… If sweet, open, and more refined is what you’re after this kit will do it. The kit includes one matched pair of JJ 6L6GC-DM’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S Gold Pin for the phase inverter (V4, closest to the power tubes), one Standard Gold Pin JJ ECC81 for V2, and two Standard JJ Gold Pin ECC83S’s for V1 – V3.

The High Gain Retube Kit uses our hand picked high gain selected JJ ECC83S’s. If you’re looking for maximum crunch and grind this is where you want to be. Sonically this setup is very similar to our Standard Retube Kit but with a little extra gain on tap. The kit includes one matched pair of JJ 6L6GC-DM’s by default, one High Gain Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V4, closest to the power tubes), one Standard JJ ECC81 for V2, one Standard JJ ECC83S for V3, and one Handpicked High Gain JJ ECC83S’s for V1.

The SRV Retube Kit uses the JJ 5751 in the V1 position. The JJ 5751 is a purpose built low gain 12AX7/ECC83 substitute. Stevie famously used these to eek out a little extra clean headroom, and you can too. Expect about a 25% reduction in gain, which is like having an extra click on the dial before breakup sets in. Great for clean players and pedal users. The kit includes one matched pair of JJ 6L6GC-DM’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V4, closest to the power tubes), one Standard JJ ECC83S for V3, one Standard JJ ECC81 for V2, and one Standard JJ 5751 for V1 (closest to input jack).

The Gold Pin SRV Retube Kit uses the Gold Pin tubes for a smoother richer tone. The kit includes one matched pair of JJ 6L6GC-DM’s by default, one Balanced Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V4, closest to the power tubes), one Standard Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for V3, one Standard JJ ECC81 for V2, and one Standard Gold Pin JJ 5751 for V1 (closest to input jack).