Tube amp

[MadGuitarest]

Ok, i got a tube amp, well i think it is because it says trans tube near the power switch. but my amp has been used like since 1996, do you think i might need to change the tube(s), if so how can i tell it needs to be changed. How much would it cost me also??/??

[Hammurabi]

If you don't see any valves anywhere and there's no standby switch it's probably a solid state amp made to model tube properties.

Different people change tubes at different times. It's not an expensive procedure, or it shouldn't be.

[Death55]

also you should be able to tell the difference from a tube amp and solid state amp from listning to the sound. The tubes will be seen if you look at the back of the amp if there are any !

[SLY]

transtube more likely stands for transistor power-amp , and tube preamp (like Marshall AVT) ... I guess I saw one of those before , it's a Peavy , yeah ?

Power-amp tubes are those which needs to be changed oftenly (that's every couple of years if you gig like daily , or crank it up all the time) ... These are expensive.
Preamp tubes lasts much longer , and can do over 30 years of service ... These are way cheaper than power tubes.

When the tubes are blown you'll certainly notice from the sound & the HUGE loss in volume .