Tube-change time periods...

[B2D]

Just a general question for all the tube amp players here...

What seems to be the time frame for a tube change if you play your tube rigs at gigging volume at least 16-20 hours a week?

My MESA has been sounding a little weaker in some frequencies than I'm used to, the harmonics dont pop out as much anymore, and the mids sound a little strange... I bought it in April '04 and have used it anywhere from 10-20 hours per week since. I'm thinking of getting a Eurotubes package for it.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

I'd make the analogy that it's like changing tires. It's more about the tread than the miles or calendar.

If it's not sounding the same, that's probably an indication that it's time.

 

[B2D]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

I'd make the analogy that it's like changing tires. It's more about the tread than the miles or calendar.

HUH?

 

[RGN]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

16-20 hours per week is a good amount.. I'd say it would make sense getting new power tubes once per year with that kind of usage. My DSL 50 has had the same tubes since '99 but that sucker has been a back-up head most of its life.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

Threre are so many factors involved in whether a tube needs replacement, it's not practical to say that they need replacing after X hours of use. Just as factors like driving habits, road conditions, and alignment can affect tire life more than just miles travelled, there are factors more important than hours of operation that affect tube life.

Rather than using a calendar to determine when it's time to replace tubes, it's more practical to use your ears to judge when they need replacing just as visual observation of your tread is going to more accurately judge tire wear than checking the numbers on your car's odometer.

 

[pac112]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

ahem.. *solid state* ahem ahem..

 

[aleclee]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

ahem.. *solid state* ahem ahem..

It's all fun and games 'til you need to replace some power transistors. I have a variety of sources for new EL34s and 6L6s. Do you even know the type of devices in your power section?

Before you say "transistors don't fail", I had that happen during a gig sound check back in the 80's. If it hadn't been for a distortion pedal and a Fender tube amp, I would've been SOL.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

I'd make the analogy that it's like changing tires. It's more about the tread than the miles or calendar.

If it's not sounding the same, that's probably an indication that it's time.

The only problem with that is that it's hard to notice a substancial difference with such a slow process. Usually I change power tubes once a year and preamp tubes every couple. It's not very strict though.

 

[pac112]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

It's all fun and games 'til you need to replace some power transistors. I have a variety of sources for new EL34s and 6L6s. Do you even know the type of devices in your power section?

Before you say "transistors don't fail", I had that happen during a gig sound check back in the 80's. If it hadn't been for a distortion pedal and a Fender tube amp, I would've been SOL.

yup. you're right. tubes are easier replacable than trans.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

Threre are so many factors involved in whether a tube needs replacement, it's not practical to say that they need replacing after X hours of use. Just as factors like driving habits, road conditions, and alignment can affect tire life more than just miles travelled, there are factors more important than hours of operation that affect tube life.

Rather than using a calendar to determine when it's time to replace tubes, it's more practical to use your ears to judge when they need replacing just as visual observation of your tread is going to more accurately judge tire wear than checking the numbers on your car's odometer.

+1

aleclee is right on the spot.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

JJ or Svetlana 6L6's. GT12AX7C's or Sovtek 12AX7LPS. Then, since your current tubes still have life in them, put them in the new boxes, and use them as spares.

Use the tubes I mentioned and your amp will sound better than it did when it was new.

 

[B2D]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

JJ or Svetlana 6L6's. GT12AX7C's or Sovtek 12AX7LPS. Then, since your current tubes still have life in them, put them in the new boxes, and use them as spares.

Use the tubes I mentioned and your amp will sound better than it did when it was new.

I prefer EL34s actually... I'm running the head with the EL34 option. I've tried JJ EL34s before and they sounded pretty damn good.

 

[marvar]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

Threre are so many factors involved in whether a tube needs replacement, it's not practical to say that they need replacing after X hours of use. Just as factors like driving habits, road conditions, and alignment can affect tire life more than just miles travelled, there are factors more important than hours of operation that affect tube life.

Rather than using a calendar to determine when it's time to replace tubes, it's more practical to use your ears to judge when they need replacing just as visual observation of your tread is going to more accurately judge tire wear than checking the numbers on your car's odometer.

I agree with this, use your ears, I can remember an old Guitar Player interview years ago with Jeff Beck, he said that the Marshall he was using was at least 10 yrs old at that time, and he had NEVER changed his tubes.

 

[B2D]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

Yeah... Tom Morello has used the same 2205 head with the same tubes in it for everything since the 1st Rage album :saeek:

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

I skipped all the responses and will just say this, preamp tubes tend to last a very very long time (20 years in some cases!)

When your amp starts to sound like ****, put in some new power tubes. It sounds like you're not hearing what you should. pop some new power tubes in now.

recitifers last one helluva long time as well.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

heres a quickie question-which new tube when run at moderate bias lasts the longest?

Do smaller tubes that breakup sooner tend to die quicker than big bottle tubes? (same bias, same playing conditions)

 

[aleclee]

Re: Tube-change time periods...

heres a quickie question-which new tube when run at moderate bias lasts the longest?

Do smaller tubes that breakup sooner tend to die quicker than big bottle tubes? (same bias, same playing conditions)

Are you asking about EL84s vs EL34s or same-type tubes like small- vs. large-bottle 6L6s? The former case is hard to say because there are more variables (e.g., plate voltage & amp design). The small bottle vs. large bottle probably depends on the properties of the tube's design and construction rather than the size of the bottle.