BigAlTheBird
Guest
I'm looking to buy used tubes, mostly because I don't want to spend money (and I have 14 tubes to buy). On the 0-120 scale, I've heard that 100 should be your minimum, others say 90, etc. What are your opinions?
On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
- Thread starter BigAlTheBird
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BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
:haha: Thanks anyways.
Anybody?
:haha: Thanks anyways.
Anybody?
schecterplayer
New member
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
i am seriously confused
i am seriously confused
Christobevii3
New member
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
Do you have a link that explains what is going on?
Do you have a link that explains what is going on?
wixedmords
New member
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
I think what your seeing BigAl is that we are unaware of the scale that you speak of.
I think what your seeing BigAl is that we are unaware of the scale that you speak of.
disturb
New member
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
I think you're talking about the gain rating of preamp tubes. It does go up to 120. The higher the number, the more gain of the tube. The answer is whatever gain you are looking for. I have some 120's in certain positions/amps, and some 80's in certain positions/amps.
I think you're talking about the gain rating of preamp tubes. It does go up to 120. The higher the number, the more gain of the tube. The answer is whatever gain you are looking for. I have some 120's in certain positions/amps, and some 80's in certain positions/amps.
wahwah
GumbyLoveologist
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
I think you might be referring to the dynamic mutual transconductance measurement, which essentially measures the amount of "life" left in the tube. Different tube testers use different scales, but usually "minimum good" is around 70% of the "new" rating. That would make a rating of 90 out of 120 just over 80%, therefore still in the "good" range, but obviously not as good as 100. It just means that you will get less use out of the lower rating tube. It is more relevant for "golden era" tubes from the 50's and 60's, because that difference could amount to several years of tube life in a preamp tube like a 12AX7. Buying used current production tubes seems like a complete waste of money.
Cheers......................wahwah
I think you might be referring to the dynamic mutual transconductance measurement, which essentially measures the amount of "life" left in the tube. Different tube testers use different scales, but usually "minimum good" is around 70% of the "new" rating. That would make a rating of 90 out of 120 just over 80%, therefore still in the "good" range, but obviously not as good as 100. It just means that you will get less use out of the lower rating tube. It is more relevant for "golden era" tubes from the 50's and 60's, because that difference could amount to several years of tube life in a preamp tube like a 12AX7. Buying used current production tubes seems like a complete waste of money.
Cheers......................wahwah
Curly
Moe's Bluesman
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
^^ Good answer
I don't think it's best to look at one parameter, but rather to look at the tubes on a one by one, by position, by tube type basis
spend your money where it counts, such as V1 of the channel your using. other positions are more mechanical than tube generating, so not as critical.
Some positions are prone to microphics also, so you will want a known good tube in those positions.
I'd suggest maybe looking at some of the articles in KCA NOS's tech section for a little more detail. He also has some reviews of tubes which might help your search.
^^ Good answer
I don't think it's best to look at one parameter, but rather to look at the tubes on a one by one, by position, by tube type basis
spend your money where it counts, such as V1 of the channel your using. other positions are more mechanical than tube generating, so not as critical.
Some positions are prone to microphics also, so you will want a known good tube in those positions.
I'd suggest maybe looking at some of the articles in KCA NOS's tech section for a little more detail. He also has some reviews of tubes which might help your search.
BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
lol
I have no idea what I'm talking about. Any time I say anything, save yourself time and assume I have no friggin idea what I'm saying.
But on eBay, every single used tube that's sold (that I've seen) is rated on a 0-120 point scale. I assumed this was some sort of standardized scale.
90 is probably fine though. I appreciate the help guys! Sorry I'm not the brightest bulb in the garden.
lol
I have no idea what I'm talking about. Any time I say anything, save yourself time and assume I have no friggin idea what I'm saying.
But on eBay, every single used tube that's sold (that I've seen) is rated on a 0-120 point scale. I assumed this was some sort of standardized scale.
90 is probably fine though. I appreciate the help guys! Sorry I'm not the brightest bulb in the garden.
Curly
Moe's Bluesman
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
np, Al ..
we know you are just starting down the road with tube amps ... don't take my "?" as being wise-a$$ed ... I sort of assumed you were talking about gain ratings, but I think wahwah is correct
I think it's best to get a tube chart if possible -- there might be one in your cab, like Fenders have, but I'm not sure
then make a list of the tubes, and we'll take a look ... if your talking about your Gibson amp, they sometimes used odd tubes. Also, since you are trying to save $$, if possible, try to determine which tubes are good and which really need replacing, rather than just replacing everything
np, Al ..
we know you are just starting down the road with tube amps ... don't take my "?" as being wise-a$$ed ... I sort of assumed you were talking about gain ratings, but I think wahwah is correct
I think it's best to get a tube chart if possible -- there might be one in your cab, like Fenders have, but I'm not sure
then make a list of the tubes, and we'll take a look ... if your talking about your Gibson amp, they sometimes used odd tubes. Also, since you are trying to save $$, if possible, try to determine which tubes are good and which really need replacing, rather than just replacing everything
BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
lol Yeah I've owned 7 of them in the last year, but I never really looked under the hood until now. Just started fixing wiring and stuff on my own. So, relative to some thing in life (and to people like Scott), I'm definitely a noob when it comes to amps.
lol Yeah I've owned 7 of them in the last year, but I never really looked under the hood until now. Just started fixing wiring and stuff on my own. So, relative to some thing in life (and to people like Scott), I'm definitely a noob when it comes to amps.
BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
Oh and the ones I was looking at are all from the 60's, 70's. No way I'd buy a used 'new' tube.
Oh and the ones I was looking at are all from the 60's, 70's. No way I'd buy a used 'new' tube.
wahwah
GumbyLoveologist
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
I was hoping you'd say that. Check out the blackplate RCA 12AX7's from the 50's while you're there.
Cheers......................wahwah
I was hoping you'd say that. Check out the blackplate RCA 12AX7's from the 50's while you're there.
Cheers......................wahwah
BigAlTheBird
Guest
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
I've got no use for 12AX7's at the moment, but what's cool about those particular ones?
I've got no use for 12AX7's at the moment, but what's cool about those particular ones?
schecterplayer
New member
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
RCA tubes are great, sound awesome and last forever.
RCA tubes are great, sound awesome and last forever.
wahwah
GumbyLoveologist
Re: On the 0-120 scale, what's the lowest a good tube will be rated?
These were the tubes that came standard with 50's tweed Fenders. They are fat and warm whilst still being very open with a full frequency response. Not so good in Marshall style hi gain amps, but in anything Fender-ish, they are supreme. They have long (17mm) plates and rival anything ever made. Tough as nails, last for years and sound superb.
Cheers........................wahwah
These were the tubes that came standard with 50's tweed Fenders. They are fat and warm whilst still being very open with a full frequency response. Not so good in Marshall style hi gain amps, but in anything Fender-ish, they are supreme. They have long (17mm) plates and rival anything ever made. Tough as nails, last for years and sound superb.
Cheers........................wahwah
