Re: Amplifier shock absorbers
Yeah, agreed -if you transport an amp in a car with s stiff suspension or bad struts and shocks you can really do a number on your amp over time. Anytime I ship expensive amplifier and vintage studio equipment -I specify carriers with air ride truck suspensions or a "white gloves" shipper who specializes in this. Otherwise, they will get beat to hell. I used to haul amps across the country and back in 3-8 hr rides between each gig -thats when it really gets bad.
Though tubes are not the only components that die over time from vibration -they potted into solid state all of the Apollo capsule components for a reason -too much vibration or hits are bad -especially caps and solder points on perf.
Also -putting an amp on it's side or back where the tubes are horizontal is bad -because gravity is making the upper sockets which are away from the fulcrum point pull down and out at a different angle from the lower pins being pushed in -at the fulcrum point -which over time in a long ride with normal jolts in the car/truck cause the socket to open very slightly -not to mention creates deflection on the pins -which over a long time creates issues. Pulling tubes is a great practice -but I get that it's not practical for regular daily practice.
If you are going to a gig, stand your amp on a small block of foam or even a blanket in a pinch or in the seat, if you want to better mitigate long term wear. -Anything to de-couple the tubes from the bumps and jolts of the car chassis.
Originally posted by Gtrjunior
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Though tubes are not the only components that die over time from vibration -they potted into solid state all of the Apollo capsule components for a reason -too much vibration or hits are bad -especially caps and solder points on perf.
Also -putting an amp on it's side or back where the tubes are horizontal is bad -because gravity is making the upper sockets which are away from the fulcrum point pull down and out at a different angle from the lower pins being pushed in -at the fulcrum point -which over time in a long ride with normal jolts in the car/truck cause the socket to open very slightly -not to mention creates deflection on the pins -which over a long time creates issues. Pulling tubes is a great practice -but I get that it's not practical for regular daily practice.
If you are going to a gig, stand your amp on a small block of foam or even a blanket in a pinch or in the seat, if you want to better mitigate long term wear. -Anything to de-couple the tubes from the bumps and jolts of the car chassis.
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