Oh
My
God.
What an incredible amp. A Langner is one of only a couple modded Marshalls left for me to try. Ted (@Exo-metal) knew Todd personally, and owns a 71 SL modded by Todd, and a DCP-1 preamp...a while back he mentioned his 71 needed servicing, and I suggested he talk with Mike(46-2)...
Looks killer..congrats!!
I am also a Superstrat player, USA Charvel/Jacksons....for my LP itch, I have a Greco Sykes and a History flame top. Both MiJ LPs, not the real deal but close enough for me.
I still may pull the trigger on a 70s LP at some point.
I also had a similar tube failure, in my new to me Snorkler. But, it was an old vintage Tungsram pre, also in V1. First vintage tube, pre or power that's given up the ghost. In 10 years, all my vintage tubes have lasted and lasted....until this one.....it also lost its vacuum.
My thoughts on...
If you're interested in the Chinese 8th/9th gen, skip the 12ax7Bs and look for the 6N4, which are the military version and will be the best of the best. I've not had 1 go bad, or be microphonic. Great tubes.
Cancer can be very Insidious. As we get older, any and every little pain COULD be cancer. Definitely get yourself checked out, even if it seems no big deal.
Best wishes to him; that band has done a TON of USO shows for the military over the years.
F Cancer.
Keep it stock, use pedals….and, find another already modded, or not and mod it. If you don’t mind combos you can find vertical input 81-83s for 1600 or so.