#1
|
|||
|
|||
Is changing tubes something to worry about
I was reading on another forum about a kid who got killed taking apart a microwave oven and a capacitor discharged and killed him.
Do I need to be aware of anything when changing tubes on an amp? Is there something that could hurt me. Of course, the amp would be unplugged. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
I do not know because I've always had a tech do it. Hope this helps:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...mp&FORM=HDRSC3 |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Don't change them when they're hot; you'll definitely burn your fingers and possibly damage the tubes. Don't ask how I learned that....
Most tune amps won't discharge the caps on you while you're swapping tubes, and you'd have to grab the connectors at the bottom to get shocked, anyhow. Be gentle, do it when the tunes are cool, and use a gentle circular motion and they'll pop right out and install easily. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Yeah, it's not really a problem - just don't stick your fingers into all those wires and electronic parts and you'll be fine. Grab only the tube. I've been changing 'em for decades and I've never had an issue.
|
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Also, if they have a plastic base, only pull on the base. The glass envelope is only glued to the plastic bass and the heat eventually cooks the glue so it crystallizes and turns to powder.
Of course, if we are talking about a modern design with two tubes set in an A-B configuration, you have to think about biasing the tubes as well. Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
In addition to the above, replace them one at a time with the new ones or take other steps to make sure the right tube is in the right spot. I had an amp in for repair where the owner pulled all the tubes at once, put in the new ones, and got a 12AX7 preamp tube and an EL84 power tube swapped. Smoke and fury for about 5 seconds, then the fuse blew. Thankfully, the fuse limited damage to a couple of resistors.
If your amp has a bias adjustment, you may want a tech's help to set it for you for best operation. Setting bias and power tube idle does involve taking measurements on high voltage. Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
__________________
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -Zig Ziglar Acoustics 2013 Guild F30 Standard 2012 Yamaha LL16 2007 Seagull S12 1991 Yairi DY 50 Electrics Epiphone Les Paul Standard Fender Am. Standard Telecaster Gibson ES-335 Gibson Firebird |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Bias
Quote:
When changing tubes of the same type Biasing is not needed unless there are bigger problems like burnt components but you would be able to smell that and see the smoke.
__________________
"My opinion is worth every penny you paid for it." "If you try to play like someone else, Who will play like you". Quote from Johnny Gimble The only musician I have to impress today is the musician I was yesterday. No tubes, No capos, No Problems. |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Bob
__________________
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Yup. Don't technically "have to" but it's a good idea. The more efficiently things operate, the longer you can go without servicing the amp.
__________________
I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
I've always been told to wear gloves or at least wash your hands really good when handling tubes. Old wives tale? I don't know.
But yes you can get seriously zapped by a tube amp, don't ask me how I know. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
if i'm changing output tubes and the amp is able to be biased, i do so. i either buy matched sets, or, if they are tubes i presently have, i match the best i can with my tube tester.
i've never washed my hands, nor wore gloves, when changing tubes. however, if i just finished a greasy burger, i'm going to wash prior to doing anything else anyway. play music!
__________________
2014 Martin 00015M 2009 Martin 0015M 2008 Martin HD28 2007 Martin 000-18GE 2006 Taylor 712 2006 Fender Parlor GDP100 1978 Fender F65 1968 Gibson B25-12N Various Electrics |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Just like those old halogen tube lights. Oil on a hot surface cooks, and becomes a hot spot.
__________________
I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Back in the day I used to change tubes all the time. I'd find tubes in junk shops and in old radios etc. I'd change them out to see how the different tubes sounded. Then they started making tubes again and even boutique tubes.
__________________
Waterloo WL-S, K & K mini Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, K & K mini Iris OG, 12 fret, slot head, K & K mini Follow The Yellow Brick Road |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators |