Tubes & quick temperature changes

[Kommerzbassist]

Hey guys, can daily, more or less quick changes in temperature (i.e. opening a window for 20 minutes while it's having -10°C outside) damage the tubes in an amp over time? (we're talking about a shut off amp that hasn't been used before)

thanks

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

Turning on....no. The standby gives it ample time to heat up.

The only time it would be an issue is if you got off a hot stage, then the amp got taken offstage and put outside in 10 degree winter weather.

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

Turning on....no. The standby gives it ample time to heat up.

The only time it would be an issue is if you got off a hot stage, then the amp got taken offstage and put outside in 10 degree winter weather.

So if it's turned off, there should be no issues when it's gettinga bit colder inside the room right? Ok thank you GJ

 

[Bludave]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

Turning on....no. The standby gives it ample time to heat up.

The only time it would be an issue is if you got off a hot stage, then the amp got taken offstage and put outside in 10 degree winter weather.

Yes... The one advantage to SS amps(at least here on the East Coast) is you don't have to worry about cracking a tube when you bring tha amp in from outsde and the air temp is below freezing into a room that is 70 degrees. Years ago I would show up about an hour before Gig time and place my amp reasonably close to the heater for at least 20 minutes and let it warm up befor turning anything on!

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

Yes... The one advantage to SS amps(at least here on the East Coast) is you don't have to worry about cracking a tube when you bring tha amp in from outsde and the air temp is below freezing into a room that is 70 degrees. Years ago I would show up about an hour before Gig time and place my amp reasonably close to the heater for at least 20 minutes and let it warm up befor turning anything on!

But I don't want to buy a SS amp instead :smack:

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

One thing you have to consider is that tube amps are similar technology to old military radio equipment. Weather changes aren't going to mess with an analog tube rig very much. I'd be more worried about digital equipment being effected by moisture.

Tubes are more durable than people think........look at the heat they can withstand!

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

One thing you have to consider is that tube amps are similar technology to old military radio equipment. Weather changes aren't going to mess with an analog tube rig very much. I'd be more worried about digital equipment being effected by moisture.

Tubes are more durable than people think........look at the heat they can withstand!

Right... but I don't have digital equipment in my rig... again, thanks man

 

[Scott Miller]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

I played literally thousands of gigs in the mid-west, and taken my tube amp out of a trailer after driving through 20-below weather for hours, and never had a problem of any kind. Maybe I was just lucky, but that was my experience for what it's worth.

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

I played literally thousands of gigs in the mid-west, and taken my tube amp out of a trailer after driving through 20-below weather for hours, and never had a problem of any kind. Maybe I was just lucky, but that was my experience for what it's worth.

Hmm ok then if it worked for you, I shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Tubes & quick temperature changes

But I don't want to buy a SS amp instead :smack:

I'm not suggesting that you do... I was making a statement. In all the years I have played I had a SS amp for about a year and quite honestly it was the worst sounding amp I ever owned. Just do what I do. Wrap the amp in a shipping blanket to keep it warm and show up early... at least 30 minutes to let the amp warm to room temp. This is also good for your guitar, you should never bring a guitar in from the cold and open the case....... let it warm up first, a nitro finished guitar will laquer check badly going from cold to warm very quickly.