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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2008 12:41:04 GMT -7
Ok since I now will be the owner of 2 Dr Z class A amps I'm going to have to learn more about the tubes. Most amps I've owned that were tube were class A/B the twin type amps. I never kept an amp more than 3 or 4 years and pretty much never changed tubes. The oly other amp like this that I owned was a Mesa Lonestar special and I didn't keep it long as I found it didn't cut well through a band mix. The odd time that I did change tubes I just took it in and had it done. With the EL84's and how frequent I'll have to change them it looks like I'll want to learn some basic maintenance on my own. So does anyone have a link with a primer for tube maintenance on these types of amps. Preferably one relating to Dr Z amps. Some troubleshooting techniques such as common problems that bad tubes cause (like the rectifier tube being the cause of fuses blowing.) and how often tubes should be changed. I know that is based on how often I use it. I'll be using my amp about 3 gigs a month with an even mix of mostly 1 and 2 nighters and the odd 3 nighter. And probably 5 hours a week per amp of home and band rehearsal use. So if anyone can give me an estimate of tube change frequency I'd appreciate it. A run down of the different tubes and approximate life span would be nice.
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Post by Ed M. on Feb 22, 2008 13:04:31 GMT -7
There is a ton of information in this forum and these questions have most likely been answered here already. Search is your friend ;D That being said you didn't mention which Dr. Z amps you own so it would probably be helpful to know that first. Another good source for tube info is www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/index2.html , probably more than you'll ever need to know. If you purchased your amps used than I would recommend a re-tube right from the get go, if they are new then you'll have some time to get your feet wet.
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Post by bluzman on Feb 22, 2008 13:18:05 GMT -7
+1... Myles site will teach you more in a few minutes of reading than you ever knew about tubes!! Chock Full Of Knowledge... A huge resource. THANKS MYLES!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2008 13:41:22 GMT -7
There is a ton of information in this forum and these questions have most likely been answered here already. Search is your friend ;D That being said you didn't mention which Dr. Z amps you own so it would probably be helpful to know that first. Another good source for tube info is www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/index2.html , probably more than you'll ever need to know. If you purchased your amps used than I would recommend a re-tube right from the get go, if they are new then you'll have some time to get your feet wet. Thanks for the info. The 2 amps are the Maz 38 Senior 2X12 combo and the Maz 38 Senior Head NR. They are both new. I have the combo and the head was just ordered today. I've heard about a 2 and a half month wait.
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Post by Ed M. on Feb 22, 2008 14:33:54 GMT -7
Well the good news is that the Maz Sr. is cathode biased wich means you can change the el84 output tubes without having to change the bias setting, they are sort of self regulating in this configuration. A new set of matched tubes are all that is required You should get about 200 hours out of the output tubes and the pre-amp tubes should last years. You cant' go wrong with replacing the worn out tubes with exactly the same ones it came with. The one thing I personally do is replace the Rectifier tube with a good NOS one. The new production tubes aren't the best for this application and good NOS could last many many years.
Good luck and I can't wait to hear your impressions of the two amps.
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Post by guitarboy02451 on Feb 22, 2008 17:07:22 GMT -7
Ed, I think Myles is rethinking the 200-300 hours rule... He had a recent post that he may even change them sooner, but that is in his Ghia...
But +1 for mentioning Myles's Guitar Amp Blueprinting site... It's amazing and filled with tons of info.
Golfnut, don't forget to lurk in the Ask The Experts section, especially the Ask Myles or Chat post... Tons of information.
pg
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2008 17:07:24 GMT -7
The one thing I personally do is replace the Rectifier tube with a good NOS one. What, exactly is a good NOS rectifier tube. What benefits are gained by doing this?
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Post by zdogma on Feb 22, 2008 17:36:59 GMT -7
The one thing I personally do is replace the Rectifier tube with a good NOS one. What, exactly is a good NOS rectifier tube. What benefits are gained by doing this? Mullard GZ 34 is a good one, when you can find them. Mainly you win in reliablility, but it also firms up the bottom and opens it up a bit.
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Post by mitch8686 on Feb 22, 2008 17:45:44 GMT -7
The one thing I personally do is replace the Rectifier tube with a good NOS one. What, exactly is a good NOS rectifier tube. What benefits are gained by doing this? Any NOS (new old stock in case you weren't sure- basically tubes from the '50, '60, '70, and sometimes '80's that are unused so essentially "new") is better than a current new production one. I personally use KCAnostubes.com for my NOS needs but there are other reputable vendors out there. The tubes themselves are a little expensive, but, will last decades and the reliability is exponentially better. As far as brand names, the most sought after is Mullard. But, like I said, any brand will do such as RCA, GE, Sylvania, Ratheon. Each have their own small differences such as sag, but they are all great.
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Post by dixiechicken on Feb 23, 2008 4:13:14 GMT -7
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