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Post by jzguitar on Apr 7, 2008 13:10:12 GMT -7
Hey! The music store up the road from me has this big tube tester. I was just wondering if it was worth bringing a bunch of my used tubes there to test them (it's free, but takes some time). Myles, I'm sure you've probably seen these - are they any good?
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Post by dnoseworth on Apr 7, 2008 16:26:03 GMT -7
Years ago those tube testers were every where. Radio Shack you name it. They work just fine.
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SG123
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by SG123 on Apr 7, 2008 16:40:18 GMT -7
Interesting to still see one of those. They're more for pass/fail - what's commonly called an emissions tester. They work at lower voltages than guitar amplifiers. Better for preamp tubes than output tubes, if one had to make a choice.
That being said, they're all I used throughout my younger years keeping my parent's TV and stereo and my guitar amps "maintained" - and nothing ever blew up. We're all a lot smarter now, but ignorance was bliss..
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SG123
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by SG123 on Apr 7, 2008 16:42:19 GMT -7
...and if there are any RCA 7025 or black plate 6L6 in the bottom of that thing at '70s prices - snatch 'em.
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Post by myles on Apr 7, 2008 18:34:06 GMT -7
No good at all for output tubes as they did not develop guitar plate voltages and the testing is totally random and worthless for output tubes such as 6V6 tubes unless they are going into a car radio.
For preamp tubes ... they are better than nothing but usually only test one out of about six parameters. Remember .... these things were put in stores TO SELL PEOPLE NEW TUBES.
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Post by myles on Apr 7, 2008 18:35:52 GMT -7
Interesting to still see one of those. They're more for pass/fail - what's commonly called an emissions tester. They work at lower voltages than guitar amplifiers. Better for preamp tubes than output tubes, if one had to make a choice. That being said, they're all I used throughout my younger years keeping my parent's TV and stereo and my guitar amps "maintained" - and nothing ever blew up. We're all a lot smarter now, but ignorance was bliss.. I should read what others wrote BEFORE I write anything! You are 100% on the money and said this in a more elequent and to the point way than I did! I should have you be my editor and collaborator.
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SG123
Full Member
Posts: 221
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Post by SG123 on Apr 10, 2008 16:45:05 GMT -7
Thank yuh verry much ;D [ in my best Elvis voice ]. I had considered using the phrase "better than nothing" in my original posting..
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Post by jzguitar on Apr 20, 2008 0:47:26 GMT -7
Thanks! I kind of figured that. I had a bad feeling when the guy at the store saw the EL84s I had brought with me and said "oh man - power tubes? Those last forever - just run 'em til they die". Myles - I wanted to call you right then and there and put you on the phone with him.
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Post by myles on Apr 20, 2008 11:48:51 GMT -7
Thanks! I kind of figured that. I had a bad feeling when the guy at the store saw the EL84s I had brought with me and said "oh man - power tubes? Those last forever - just run 'em til they die". Myles - I wanted to call you right then and there and put you on the phone with him. If it is M-F when I am in town you can always call between 8-11am toll free over at GT at 1-800-459-5687
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