Post
by Les Paul Lover » Wed Dec 26, 2018 10:48 pm
Sootio wrote: ↑Wed Dec 26, 2018 12:12 pm
Jondog wrote: ↑Wed Dec 26, 2018 3:49 am
Sootio wrote: ↑Tue Dec 25, 2018 11:31 pm
So what is your advice about the effects loop tube? JJ's have worked well in that position for years in my amps.
Use what works. Some sellers of tubes test them before passing on to the consumer so that does solve some issues. I think he was talking in terms of buying a bulk batch from the tube manufacturer.
I agree, they must be tested.
Testing only goes so far, and sometimes you have to take a punt.
Valve testers usually test for shorts and transconductance (A big word - did I get it right?
). Most will not pick up microphony, and a new valve testing strong can still die early...... all the testing does, really, is weeding out the really bad ones. And it is helpful.
I've had fantastic luck (?? Or was it luck) with eBay seller using test equipment not designed to pick up microphony and testing valves at voltage way below what a guitar amp sees. In the end, I've ended up with lots a fantastic sounding ECC83 from the 50s/70s at very reasonable prices ($20/valve max, some cheaper), significsntly outperforming modern ECC83. I guess lots of people avoided them as not "properly" tested + eBay seller from foreign country, but taking a chance can pay back big time (keeping in mind it could be a loss too).
Ant
Orange Gear: RV50 MKI, R30, AD15, PPC212
And.... Genz Benz Black Pearl 30
Past Orange: AD30TC Combo, TT, AD5
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded, Vigier Expert Retro 54, Gibson SG 70s Tribute, Aria Pro II RS X80, G&L ASAT Special Tribute