old tube amp

[baritone]

I have heard that if a tube amp hasn't been used in a long time, it may have to have some parts replaced, or else it will be destroyed when turned on next. How long does it take for this to happen?

 

[jeremy]

Re: old tube amp

usually they are talking about filter caps but any electronic componant that has sat for a long time unused could dry out or fail

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: old tube amp

I have heard that if a tube amp hasn't been used in a long time, it may have to have some parts replaced, or else it will be destroyed when turned on next. How long does it take for this to happen?

I hear people say that if a capacitor isnt turned on every 6 months it will fail in less than 10 years... That being said my uncle had a old Supro that he gave to me that amp sat completely unused (with the back removed!) from 1968 until 2005 and it fired up and ran like a champ. So take it FWIW but my preference is to replace things as needed and not worry about it. I'm almost certain the guys who say to replace caps preventativly sell caps or service amps for a living if you get what I mean.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: old tube amp

What amp is it, and how old is it.?
REALLY old and unplaced filter caps can fail short...and that can be bad.
There may have been (unresolved) problems with the amp, and they may still be lurking.
Not fail safe, but if you pull the tubes and disconnect the OT primary.....
good luck

 

[baritone]

Re: old tube amp

The amp is a one-off by Jim Frenzel. I don't know exactly how old it is. He extracted it from an old Lowery organ and converted it into a guitar amp with a pair of 6L6 output tubes and a 5u4 rectifier. It's class AB1 (I think) with 35wRMS.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: old tube amp

The amp is a one-off by Jim Frenzel. I don't know exactly how old it is. He extracted it from an old Lowery organ and converted it into a guitar amp with a pair of 6L6 output tubes and a 5u4 rectifier. It's class AB1 (I think) with 35wRMS.

Sorry, I had meant to delete my(previous) post.
I think your questions have already been answered.
Anyway...cool amp. He has built some neat stuff over the years.
best

 

[Detroitblues]

Re: old tube amp

Back in the day, capacitors were paper and oil. They eventually dry out. Some other components may leak or dry rot...

 

[jeremy]

Re: old tube amp

if its only been two years and the amp has been stored in a comfortable environment then it should be ok