how does humidity affect tubes?

[rashayritto]

I know that climate and such affect how tube amps perform, i just dont know how. I was practicing in a small garage with no air conditioning for 4 hours with 3 other guys, and this is in the middle of the Alabama summer. The heat and humidity were no fun, but i noticed my tone was notably different. when fully cranked it had a really smooth and sweet overdrive, making the sustain almost violin like. it sounds awesome but...

what exactly is going on and how bad is it for my tubes?

 

[PaulReedSmith]

Re: how does humidity affect tubes?

the heat and humidity made you delirious haha

 

[rashayritto]

Re: how does humidity affect tubes?

probably... but seriously i wanna know whats going on under the hood

 

[Christobevii3]

Re: how does humidity affect tubes?

It could effect how the sound travels slightly and if the speaker absorbed mosture that could do it too.

 

[aleclee]

Re: how does humidity affect tubes?

Temperature and especially humidity can affect the capacitance in the high voltage circuits found in a tube amp. In my experience it definitely has an effect on tone, particularly in a high gain application.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: how does humidity affect tubes?

The tubes are sealed, so any differences are going to be in how the other components react to the humidity.