how do you know when to change tubes?

[StratTom]

I was playing last night and was wondering when I should change the tubes in my 5150. I've only had it for a few months now, but its used and I believe that they are the original tubes. I know that it depends on how often you use the amp, but are there any ways to tell when you need to get a new set of tubes?

Thanks!

 

[rinse_master]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

If they are crackly or hissy, that's one way of telling

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

as for preamp tubes...when they start making noise that they never made...replace them.. As for power tubes...when you tone startes to "fall apart", or when your bass gets all muddy, and or begins to lack defination, get new ones.

 

[StratTom]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

Cool. Thanks for the quick replies guys! BTW, is it easy to change tubes?

 

[Thames]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

Yes and No.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

The ease of replacing them depends on the amp. I'm not sure on the 5150. On both my Mesa power amp and pre-amp its not hard at all. I bought my power amp new at the end of June, and just changed the power tubes in October. I don't gig, but I do play it every day for an hour or two, and I did notice a drop in the "crispiness". Then again I have no idea how long those tubes had been in there and they were stock tubes. I think a good general rule of thumb is, if you play regularly, replacing the power tubes every 6 to 9 months and the pre-amp tubes every 12 to 18 months. Depend on how much you use them, model of the amp, and personal preference.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: how do you know when to change tubes?

I'd spend the money, and keep your current tubes as spares. I don't think there's a bias pot in the 5150, so all you have to do is get some Svetlana or JJ 6L6's and pop them in. I'd strongly suggest seeking out Shuguang 9th Generation Chinese 12AX7's on Ebay for $6 each, or buy the same thing from Groove Tubes, 12AX7C's for $14.
I've tried most current tubes in amps like Bogner, Marshall, Peavey, and those are the ones that perform best in those amps. Click the link in my signature, and you'll get the best prices and fast shipping from Todd at Revolution. Change all of them, and the amp will sound better than it did when it was new.

I found the ebay link where a guy's selling a bunch of those good tubes real cheap....the Chinese unlabeled ones.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43375&item=3759229370&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW