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Frequency of tube changing is ?

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4/23/2000 7:13 PM

Frequency of tube changing is ?

I have seen recommendations to change tubes annually. If the amp sounds alright do you need to bother? I have also heard that you can get an idea of the state of the tubes by looking at the colour of the glow, blue good , yellow bad? I frequently have seen written that the only way to check a tube is to replace it. I have a Traynor YGM3 reverb, which has several tubes so the longer I let it soldier on, cash wise the better.

ps the amp is not used for gigging (it would need miking up for that, as output is modest).

4/23/2000 9:12 PM

there are so many factors to consider that affect tube life that saying they sould be changed after a certain amount of time is rediculous. it can range from a few months to many years. but the problem is it happens so gradually that you can't be sure if you're really hearing someting thats not quite as good as it was when new. so heres what i consider the best way to do it. you're gonna get new tubes when they go bad, correct? BUY THEM NOW !!!! the point is that if you have a new set waiting in the wings, all you have to do is install them and compare. you'll immediatly hear the diff if the old ones are worn. and if they're still good, put them back in. plus, when you do need new tubes they're right there, and if the old ones go out at a gig, you have a new set to pop in. [assuming of course you know the current draw of the new ones and they're within a safe range for where your amp is biased with the old ones]

dale

4/23/2000 11:53 PM

Dale,

Agree. I have an amp w/4-6L6GCs. I bought a matched quartet and use only two of them at a time. After all, 60-watts is more than a non-professional will ever need right?

I bought them from Antique Electronic and when I got them, they weren't that close. So, I picked the two pairs that we closest to each other. And installed , they aren't out enough to matter for a short time, i.e., until I can rebias them.

Not really stressing them, mine last a very long time. Being cheap I tend to use them until they're obviously checking out.

But, it's important to not push them 'till they go. Bad things can happen then, man. Bad things.

Cheers,

Steve Slick

4/26/2000 7:28 PM
JohnnyB	Thanks guys, I'll get a set of spares, next purchase.

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