If you are looking for the best tubes for Fender Deluxe Reverb, you’ve come to the right place.
The Fender Deluxe Reverb amplifier, first introduced in 1963, is heavy yet considered mobile and can be used in outdoor and indoor guitar practice and performance sessions.
Amplifier tubes usually last about 2500-5000 even if you are very cautious and use them correctly in your Deluxe Reverb. So, sooner or later, there comes a time when even the most reliable tubes need quality replacement.
This great amplifier uses 2 x 12AT7 and 4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 2 x 6V6 power tubes, and a GZ34 rectifier, and it’s surprisingly hard to find a perfect set(-s) when you want a replacement/upgrade in terms of tubes.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of replacement tubes for Fender Deluxe Reverb.
Best Replacement Tubes for Deluxe Reverb
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Harmonix 6V6GT Tubes (Top Pick for Power Tubes) | Check Price |
 | Tung-Sol 5AR4 Tube (Top Pick for Rectifier Tube) | Check Price |
 | Mullard 12AX7 Tubes (Top Pick for Preamp/Tremolo Oscillation) | Check Price |
 | Mullard 12AT7 Tubes (Top Pick for Reverb/Phase) | Check Price |
Electro-Harmonix 6V6GT (Editor’s Choice for Power Tubes)
Electro-Harmonix 6V6GT is a beam power tetrode that is made with a special cathode coating. Grid is carefully aligned along with superior quality tri-alloy plate material. All these offer the perfect performance of 475 volts. It is ideal to use in amplifiers such as Fender Deluxe Reverb that have high plate voltage. This Russian-made tube is noticeably better and gives new life to an amp. They offer crunch and clean tones, making it musically rich.
This beam power tetrode is rugged and delivers terrific sound. Electro-Harmonix 6V6GT tubes offer high-end sound definition with a smooth and clear top end for warmth and balance. The sound quality is appreciable with an attractive price range.
These tubes are warm and detailed at different gain levels; they work especially great in a high gain application. In addition, the amplifier drives hard because of the elimination of background noise.
When considering the built quality, these tubes are high quality. They are extremely popular among guitarists because of their fantastic sound. The tone these tubes offer is thick, straightforward, and warm. These are a fantastic choice for a full-bodied tone. If you want to get high performance from your Fender Deluxe Reverb, this set of tubes is the best to use.
Tung-Sol 5AR4 (Editor’s Choice for Rectifier Tube)
Tung-Sol 5AR4 tube is an ideal choice for instrument and Hi-fi amplification, and it is a perfect replacement for the 5AR4 tube of any Deluxe Reverb amplifier.
This rectifier tube offers a low drop in internal voltage and controlled heater warm-up time. These premium tubes are manufactured in Russia. It boasts of vintage construction and superior performance with unmatched tone and reliability.
It is an ultra-efficient full-wave rectifier with an indirectly heated dual diode which provides only a 10V voltage drop in plate voltage at full current. As a result, you can experience dynamic and strong sound responses.
It is going to be a reliable and excellent choice. Tung-Sol 5AR4 features a tandem support getter cup with a classic brown base, 30mm full-length internal plate structure, and dual mica spacers. This tube is a perfect replacement for a 5AR4 rectifier tube used in your Deluxe Reverb amp. These are excellent in terms of built quality.
Mullard 12AX7 (Editor’s Choice for Preamplification/Tremolo Oscillation)
The Mullard 12AX7/CV4004 is a low noise and high gain valve with a short plate structure for minimized microphonics. These are perfect to use in high gain preamp circuits where the big problem is microphonics and noise. It is among the best tubes for guitar amplifiers.
This tube is a military designation and rugged counterpart for the 12AX7. The short plate design of this tube reduces microphonics and noise. This attribute is necessary for this tube as they skew high on gain rating. These tubes rival their competitors with their sweet and clear sound. Mullard 12AX7 tubes are a good choice for those who want little extra performance from their amplifier.
This high-performance amplifier tube is budget-friendly and delivers high-quality tone. With improved and full great sound it is reliable too. Mullard 12AX7/CV4004 offers an excellent tonal range in the high top end in audio usage.
This is a tough soldier on the battleground, and it is value for money. When paired with the Fender Deluxe Reverb amplifier, these tubes do not lose their detail and offer improved audio texture. This authentic tube with vibrant sound maintains low and high tones effectively.
Mullard 12AT7 (Editor’s Choice for Reverb and Phase Inverter Circuits)
Mullard 12AT7 is a medium gain preamp tube with low noise and reduced microphonics. The pair is matched within 10% for conductance and gain. These are consistently long-lasting and have a tight triode balance. The quieter performance will impress you for sure.
They are not too expensive, but it does not mean that they will not perform well and fool you. After using this tube, you will be convinced that a higher price does not mean high quality always. These tubes are exceptionally well when handling classic and contemporary sound. The durable build is obtained as it is made with high standards.
The high quality and robust construction make it one of the premium tubes that effortlessly transform your amplifier.
This high-quality tube is a perfect way to upgrade your Deluxe Reverb amp, as these are excellent replacement tubes. These tubes give superb power and room to breathe with excellent headroom. Get the best performance of your guitar with this premium quality tube. Superior quality construction is done by carefully selected electronic components that are carefully matched. You can expect long-lasting performance from this tube. The build quality meets the sonic requirements.
Clear and concise sound with no muddiness is what makes it popular among guitarists. When you are looking for a budget option, this tube is one of the best and offers excellent sound. These are among the best tubes available on the market when quality is considered.
This review wraps up our list of the best tubes for the Deluxe Reverb amplifiers. However, we have a hope that our recommendations will be helpful for you.
What Tubes Are Used in a Fender Deluxe Reverb?
The Fender Deluxe Reverb is considered the most used amplifier when considering amplified music. It has been played by guitarists, especially in country, rock, blues, and funk. The Fender Deluxe Reverb features 2 x 6V6 power tubes plus a GZ34 rectifier and 4 x 12AX7 and 2 x 12AT7 preamp tubes for optimal function and performance.
6V6 are beam tetrode power tubes that were originated in 1936 when launched as the 6V6G. The company was keen to search for a low-powered viable choice for 6L6 that needs less heater power. As a result, 6V6 is a scaled-down category of 6L6, making it perfect for home use. A single tube can produce continuous power of 5 watts.
The GZ34 is a rugged and sturdy rectifier that is available at an affordable price. These are reliable rectifiers that are commonly used in Fender, hi-Fi, and Vox amplifiers.
12AX7 was designed as a replacement for the 6SL7 family. These dual-triode amp tubes are ideal for audio applications. These guitar tube amplifiers are a popular choice and make use in high-performance equipment.
12AT7 is a commonly used tube in an audio instrument. These tubes were first introduced in the 1940s, and it is in continuous production and use in audio equipment. You will find these tubes generally in all guitar amplifiers, commonly in the preamp.