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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 9, 2014 8:01:54 GMT -7
Anybody know where a brother can get his shoebox full of "barely used and probably still pretty good" tubes tested and/or graded? I've mostly got tubes that are practically new but I pulled 'em in favor of a different type. For example, I yanked a 12AX7 out of my new 5E3 tweed's V1 not because the tube was bad, but because I wanted a proper 12AY7/6072 in there. So that 12AX7 is still a good tube, but where do I use it now? (Since I didn't select/buy the tube in the first place, I don't know its proper rating.)
I think it would be helpful to know stuff like, "this tube has matched triodes" and thus would be a good PI, or "this one's a little microphonic" so I wouldn't use in a combo's V1 position. I don't suppose I'm the only one who could use this service, either. Anybody know who'd do this for me?
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Post by kustom250 on May 9, 2014 8:20:36 GMT -7
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 9, 2014 9:01:00 GMT -7
Yeah, these days I'm looking to not accumulate any more "accessories" related to my G.A.S., if possible. Besides, I hardly think I have enough tubes and/or true vaccum-tube knowledge to warrant going down the road of operating a tester. I'm just a guy with some tubes looking to reuse and not waste/hoarde perfectly good stuff (or even resell 'em).
I should probably give a call to Mike @ KCA.... Or perhaps my thread should be moved to "ask the experts" for Myles or the Doc to comment on, as well—I wouldn't be opposed to that.
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Post by doctorice on May 9, 2014 10:31:12 GMT -7
Mark,
If there's anyone who would know about a reliable testing service, it would be Myles Rose. You might try posting in the Ask Myles section or send him a PM.
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Post by Lefty on May 9, 2014 10:33:54 GMT -7
Your best bet would be by ear. As for life left in them, that would be hard to say. If they are preamp tubes, I'd just plug them in and give them a tap with a chop stick, if they ring, toss em. If they are power amp tubes you'd need to see some specs re: matching etc. Just have some fuses handy.
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Post by zpilot on May 9, 2014 12:42:13 GMT -7
Honestly, if they aren't USA or old stock Euro they probably aren't worth enough to pay to have them tested. Lefty has pretty much nailed it. Myles has weighed in on the Orange tester and he wasn't impressed. I keep a good old Triplett tester around but using it properly is time consuming. If I wasn't into vintage radios and also doing repair work on other peoples amps I probably wouldn't even own one. I'd sell it and invest the $400 or so I would get into NOS tubes.
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Post by hymns on May 10, 2014 11:17:56 GMT -7
Yea that would be a time consuming job. I agree about using your ears. If the sound good, use it until it stops. Then put another that you like and so on. It really only matters if you like it.
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Post by BradPaisleyFan (Pat) on May 10, 2014 14:13:13 GMT -7
I actually have a tube tester on the way made by orange. For those who don't know, it's seems to be a great little unit. Runs about 20 complete tests on the tubes and gives you an accurate rating when the tests are done.
I'd be more then happy to run the through the tester if your willing to ship. I prefer not to ship the machine if possible as I don't know if it is sensitive to movement.
The only tubes it won't test are rectifier tubes which I wish it did since some other tubes can be taken out of service if the rec. tube goes bad.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on May 10, 2014 17:02:47 GMT -7
Hey thanks, man--actually two other forum members have offered to test some tubes for me as well (one has a Hickock, the other has the Orange). You guys are all awesome for offering!
I might take one of you guys up on the offer, but I think it'd be best if I weed out those "functional, but not worth testing" ones (heavily used & replaced but I kept them as "working spares") and just test the "hey, these could still be good" ones (pulled when new or almost new). Probably about 1-2 dozen of the 2-3 dozen I have would be worth testing...
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