Keeping it clean

[deadloak]

When changing your amp valves, it is important for longevity to keep them free of skin oils.
Although you don't need to go to the lengths of imitating a snooker referee with white cotton gloves.
A clean cloth, ie a cotton hanky will do the job just as good.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Keeping it clean

NOT TRUE

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Keeping it clean

Tubes do not get hot enough (like halogen bulbs do) for oils to have a negative effect on the glass.

 

[Kam]

Keeping it clean

One post to your name and it's incorrect?

Won't everyone join me in crying troll?

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Keeping it clean

One post to your name and it's incorrect?

Won't everyone join me in crying troll?

I am willing to reserve judgement; the thread title doesn't indicate troll bait, and the post itself isn't insiteful, just grossly inaccurate.

In boutique/ hi end audio/ audiophile circles (where I spend the majority of my day gig), this myth is alive and well!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Keeping it clean

I'd think that any oily fingerprints would burn right off in about 2 hours. It happens in a pan.

I'm always more concerned with finger smudging the chassis, especially if it's raw metal. I always wipe it down with a WD-40 soaked rag just so I don't add to the number of rusty chassis I always see in vintage amps. That's the thing that leaves bad rusty fingerprints.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Keeping it clean

I always give the valves a wipe with a soft cloth before installing them for a final time, not because i specifically believe or disbelieve, but because it only takes a few seconds, and then there's no doubt ... if it matters, I cleaned them ... if it doesn't, i only lost a few seconds of my time. I have peace of mind for a very small price. It's really a non-issue for me this way, regardless of the science.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Keeping it clean

I think the OP is just trying for that set of Zephyrs.

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Keeping it clean

One post to your name and it's incorrect?

Won't everyone join me in crying troll?

This

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Keeping it clean

i too beleive i want to enter the contest

so Like Crusty
I take not the chance
and wiper the mothers
beforst the powerund

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Keeping it clean

ive never bothered to worry about it. Tubes wear out from the inside cos thats where all the action is. But i try not to touch the glass on power tubes anyway - preamp tubes i cant really avoid it.