How often do tubes need to be changed?

[StratTom]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering how often do tubes need to be changed? I'm guessing it depends on the usuage of the amp. Also, which go faster, pre or power tubes?

Thanks!

 

[Curly]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

from http://www.drifteramps.com/safety.html

RETUBING -- Its ALWAYS better to change your power tubes before they go on you. When a power tube fails, a lot of times it takes other components out with it. How often should you retube? There is no set-in-stone amount of time they last, since there are many factors affecting tube life. A rule of thumb, however is if you gig more than a few nights a week, every year you should retube at least. If your amp doesn't seem to have the power that it used to have or just sounds dull and lifeless, chances are its time to retube. Preamp tubes tend to last much longer. In fact, there are amps out there today that have been used heavily for 20 years or more with the original preamp tubes. ALWAYS BIAS YOUR NEW TUBES! IF YOU CAN'T DO IT YOURSELF, TAKE THE AMP TO A QUALIFIED TECH!

 

[StratTom]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

from http://www.drifteramps.com/safety.html

RETUBING -- Its ALWAYS better to change your power tubes before they go on you. When a power tube fails, a lot of times it takes other components out with it. How often should you retube? There is no set-in-stone amount of time they last, since there are many factors affecting tube life. A rule of thumb, however is if you gig more than a few nights a week, every year you should retube at least. If your amp doesn't seem to have the power that it used to have or just sounds dull and lifeless, chances are its time to retube. Preamp tubes tend to last much longer. In fact, there are amps out there today that have been used heavily for 20 years or more with the original preamp tubes. ALWAYS BIAS YOUR NEW TUBES! IF YOU CAN'T DO IT YOURSELF, TAKE THE AMP TO A QUALIFIED TECH!

Thanks Curly! What do you mean by bias the tubes? Sorry I'm still learning all this tube talk


P.S. That link is very useful, you should have that added to the Vault.

 

[Curly]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

biasing is the electronic equivalent to setting the idle on your car ...

http://www.aikenamps.com/WhatIsBiasing.htm

 

[StratTom]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

Thanks a ton Curly! Those are some great links!

 

[Artie]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

biasing is the electronic equivalent to setting the idle on your car ...

Thats one of the best analogy's for that I've ever heard.

 

[mrid]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

Power tubes go faster. After about 6-12 months, depending on use, I'd change them.

 

[Humphrey Bear]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

I usually change my tubes ever 2 or 3 weeks. As for my strings I change them once a year.

 

[Curly]

Re: How often do tubes need to be changed?

for those interested in more tube info, I recommend Myles Rose's site:
http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/

also, there are several other amp links on my link page:
http://www.bluestheater.net/guitar-links.html