|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 17, 2014 17:12:14 GMT -7
Hey guys, My new Therapy has an output tube that's doing something I've only seen a preamp tube do...when I first turn the amp on, the filament lights up like a flashlight for a second or so. Then it calms down and behaves normally. I mean, it's BRIGHT! It looks like it is a heater support pin that is heating up, but I can't be sure. The tubes are JJ 6L6GC, and like I say, only one of the two in the amp does this. The amp has probably 30 hours of use on it so far, and it sounds terrific. I emailed Dr. Z repair department about it, and they haven't answered me. In all my years, I've never seen an output tube do this. Preamp tubes, yes. Power tubes, no! Do you think I have anything to worry about in regards to reliability of the tube? I've got a half dozen or so 6L6GC tubes in my tube rack, but I am thinking it would be a good idea to order some new tubes.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 17, 2014 17:54:05 GMT -7
Check out a post from MarkT. Titled: Therapy owners
|
|
|
Post by BritInvasion on Dec 17, 2014 18:18:07 GMT -7
I've had that happen with output tubes , but they didn't go back to normal. In my case there was internal arcing on start-up ( VERY bright light) , and they quickly red plated FWIW.
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Dec 17, 2014 18:34:32 GMT -7
Don't fire it up again.... Get new Power tubes.....
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 18, 2014 5:40:59 GMT -7
Thanks guys. I emailed Dr. Z and told him about it too. I'm bummed...man I wish that tube manufacturers would get it together like they did back in the good old days. Those days are long gone, I'm afraid. Nothing sounds like a great tube, but they're such a PIA to deal with. I hated to ask Z for help but I would think that he's covered by the tube manufacturer's warranty. You have to feel for companies like Dr. Z who have to deal with tube problems, and the dismal quality control that tubes have nowadays....they are probably responsible for 98% of the failures in the equipment they operate in. And then the amp maker gets blamed for the failure! It sucks.
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Dec 18, 2014 7:15:09 GMT -7
^^^^ Very True~! Sad state of affairs for amp builders. Certainly not their fault. Z will ALWAYS help you. He's a great man!
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Dec 18, 2014 8:13:12 GMT -7
^^^^ Very True~! Sad state of affairs for amp builders. Certainly not their fault. Z will ALWAYS help you. He's a great man! Lee, whatcha doing dawg?? Perro Rabioso ??
|
|
|
Post by zpilot on Dec 18, 2014 8:25:44 GMT -7
I know that tube vendors claim to burn-in and test the tubes that they sell but I burn them in myself also. When I get a new set of power tubes I will run them in an amp at rehearsal or home practice for about 10 hours so that they have several on/off cycles. Then I label and store them so I am sure they are good for future use. I try to have at least two new sets of every tube I use in addition to what I carry for repair work. I know that may sound excessive but that's the nature of the game if you are going to use tube amps.
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Dec 18, 2014 9:11:02 GMT -7
^^^^ Very True~! Sad state of affairs for amp builders. Certainly not their fault. Z will ALWAYS help you. He's a great man! Lee, whatcha doing dawg?? Perro Rabioso ?? Jus feelin' a little espanole, Pete. Google the English/Spanish translation....
dictionary.reverso.net/spanish-english/perro%20rabioso
|
|
|
Post by BritInvasion on Dec 18, 2014 11:06:14 GMT -7
I thought it would sumpin' like El Loco Canino
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Dec 18, 2014 11:42:49 GMT -7
Yep, I guessed what you meant, but couldn't figure out why Then again, I suppose the "whatever mood he's in today" Poodle started it all off..............
|
|
|
Post by Maddog on Dec 18, 2014 11:49:04 GMT -7
^^^^ Yup Pete, we'll blame it all on that dang poodle....
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 18, 2014 13:19:05 GMT -7
Two new output tubes coming from Z Repairs. Thanks, Z!!!
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 19, 2014 16:41:44 GMT -7
Got the new tubes this afternoon, fast delivery. They're installed and the Therapy sounds better than ever. I'll send the old ones back to Z so he can get replacements from JJ. Great customer service. Thanks, Dr. Z.
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Dec 19, 2014 19:45:44 GMT -7
That right there is one of the biggest reasons to buy a Z amp. Best customer service anywhere!
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 20, 2014 8:25:18 GMT -7
Indeed so! I told them that I had gigs this weekend and they sent the tubes overnight. Great service!
|
|
|
Post by digs57 on Dec 21, 2014 8:20:16 GMT -7
I also have a compartment box w/lots of fresh one's....
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Dec 21, 2014 8:30:23 GMT -7
I don't have any new ones, just a bunch of pulls from other amps, some good, some not so good... The tube chart on my Therapy specifies "JJ 6L6GC" on the tube ID sticker inside the amp cab. The amp sounds really great with JJ tubes, so I guess I'll stock up on some while they are still available as they are!
|
|