Any amp techs in here familiar with Red Bears?

Matt300ZXT

Matt300ZXT

Well-known member
Or does anyone know a tech that is, whether or not they're on here? I have an MKE120 that YEARS ago had the treble pot farting out, killing the output. I put in all new pots, with the correct values (even though they're single gang vs the stock junky dual gang) and put in new tube sockets and was working on building a new board to house the giant capacitors but I never finished it.

Just curious if anyone is familiar with them so maybe I can talk to them about finishing up what I started and double check my wiring placement and solder joints.
 
I thought it was just a JCM800 circuit? That's what my tech told me years ago. The only difference between yours and mine is the effects loop, which actually makes me jealous.
 
They basically are, but with way more bass response than any human being needs. I've never felt an amp so ready to shake pictures off the wall as when I was jamming on this amp.
 
I had one, and sent it to Nick K for his Aldrich style mod. The amp is more of a Plexi clone from what I remember. But, the challenge was that they use a different set of preamp tubes, not 12ax7s. So it became a difficult process if I remember right.
 
Racerxrated said:
I had one, and sent it to Nick K for his Aldrich style mod. The amp is more of a Plexi clone from what I remember. But, the challenge was that they use a different set of preamp tubes, not 12ax7s. So it became a difficult process if I remember right.
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The Russian preamp tubes aren't that dissimilar to 12AX7s. It's the same socket, only the voltage and pin out it different. If I remember correctly, it's 3v to two of the pins instead of 6v to a pair wired together. I think you do that and a ground wire. I had my tube sockets rewired, and mine takes 12AX7s.
 
BeZo said:
The Russian preamp tubes aren't that dissimilar to 12AX7s. It's the same socket, only the voltage and pin out it different. If I remember correctly, it's 3v to two of the pins instead of 6v to a pair wired together. I think you do that and a ground wire. I had my tube sockets rewired, and mine takes 12AX7s.
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I hope Putin doesn't find out you changed the wiring on that amp and are no longer buying 6n2p tubes.
 
Is there a schematic available?

Might also help to list where you are located.

Never worked on a Red Bear myself, but with a schematic all things are possible.
 
BeZo said:
They don't make them anymore.

Besides, the 12AX7s I put in it are probably Russian anyways.
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Oh damn, I just looked at the current prices and they have gone up since I purchased a bunch like 15 years ago. Still pretty affordable, but I can understand why most people switch over to AX7s. Still, Putin might send some guys to rough you up, I'm worried about you :cool:
 
Isn’t Red Bears out of MD? I thought he was having unfortunate serious health issues and had to shut down his business to take care of himself and health costs?
 
glpg80 said:
Isn’t Red Bears out of MD? I thought he was having unfortunate serious health issues and had to shut down his business to take care of himself and health costs?
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Nope, Red Bears are Russian made JCM clones made by Novik for Gibson back in the 90s.
 
I was thinking of red beard amplifiers or red beards. Something like that. Cheers!
 
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