[robert casey]

I need to replace a faulty one and am having difficulty sourcing the part
Fender use (R3000). Does this need to be a specific type of diode or can I
make up the 3kV diode required using standard 1Kv rectifier types?



Looks like the circuit is expecting the diode to start conducting when
the voltage gets higher than the 3KV, so a generic replacement might not
cut it.

I've seen (in solid state "hot chassis" radios, yes, those were made
back in the early 70's) neon bulbs (with a resistor about 5K in series)
placed across the primary of the audio output transformer. Presumably
to limit voltage excursions, to avoid blowing the output transistor up.