Tube Explosion?

Bikeage

New member
First things first. One of the tubes (el84) in my classic 30 popped out during moving. After readjusting the pins, I popped that sucker back in and turned it on (the pins were still not perfectly straight, but enough so that the whole tube fit in the socket). I hadn't played this amp in about 6 months (my guitar was stolen), but I finally was able to borrow an epiphone from a friend. After about a minute or so it proceeded to emit a bassy hum (dead tube I assumed). So I turned it off for about 30 seconds then back on. 20 seconds after powering it up, there was a flash of blue/red light, a bang, some smoke, and some ****e in my pants. I immediately turned the amp off. After a few minutes I took a look to see what was wrong, and lo & behold, the same tube I had put back in was completely cracked near the pins. There was also some dust that I didn't realize that had collected on the pins as well. I'm not sure if I blew a fuse, or if it was the tube, so I come here seeking answers! :D

I was drinking from a cold class seconds before I put the tube in (I should have thought of this before hand), so that may have caused the glass to crackle & break. Is this something that sounds plausible? Is it a tube problem, or did I perhaps break a fuse (or worse, circuitry) in the amp? None of the other tubes are broken/cracked.

Thanks for the help in advance!
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

Think of it like a light bulb. Once you break the vacumm, it's essentially dead. Time to buy a new set of power tubes. Better yet, take it to a tech to have it checked out and let him put the tubes in for you.
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

Oh, I know the tube is totally FUBAR, but my concern was if this was SOLELY a blown tube. I've never had a tube explode like that on me before, and was wondering if perhaps this had happened to anyone & realized something else (circuitry, fuse in the combo, etc) was damaged/broken as well.

Also metlking, I prefer eurotubes. About to order me a fresh set :D
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

Bikeage - Did you smell any smoke etc? Funny smells or blue smoke is usually an indicator of other more serious problems. If none of that happened, you probably just have to replace the output tubes.
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

There wasn't any smoke (I was sitting on the edge of the combo for a brief second), but I did catch wind of it smelling a little strange for a few seconds after.

It did make noise though. I guess the only thing i can do is order a new set of tubes & hope it works
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

you can always remove the fuse and see if it's blown, if you're concerned about it. you'll be able to identify a blown fuse just by looking at it, usually the filament in there will be broken and often times the inside of the glass will be charred a little from it going "poof".

but i wouldn't be worried about it, if your amp doesn't power up when you get the new tubes, you'll want to look at the fuse first. and if it's blown, go spend a buck at radioshack and you'll be up and running.
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

alright, I'll give it a shot once I get my tubes in. Thanks again for the help everyone
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

alright, here's an update. I just put in new tubes, and although the amp turns on, absolutely NO sound comes out (not even a peep). should I take it to a technician?
 
Re: Tube Explosion?

If you don't feel comfortable, yes. But, I would as others have said, change the fuses first. Remember just because a fuse looks good, it may not be.

Yeah, I most definately am not. To be honest, I'd rather not play with fire :D

So, how does one go about finding an amp repair tech? Guitar center?
(I live in the OC)
 
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Re: Tube Explosion?

Yeah, I most definately am not. To be honest, I'd rather not play with fire :D

So, how does one go about finding an amp repair tech? Guitar center?
(I live in the OC)

To tell you the truth, that would be one of the last places I would go. I would look up a couple of Mom & Pop guitar stores in the phone book and see who they recommend.

You may want to ask in a new thread if anyone knows of a decent repair shop in your area. The forum is pretty far reaching.
 
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