Tubes

How often on average do you have to replace the tubes in a tube amp. I play about a hour a day and I wouldn't turn the amp up very loud

[This message has been edited by Derek (edited 05-15-2000).]

I have a 1973 Fender Super Reverb and I'm still using the original tubes. Granted, I have not used it an hour every day for the last 27 years, but it has seen its fair share of use. Your question is a good one, though. I had the same concern and bought 2 full sets of replacement tubes. I've yet to use them. So if you can afford it buy the replacement tubes and you'll be ready. Let us know when you need to replace them and maybe we can figure out an "average" time to replace them. Hope this helps.

Do hardware stores still have those tube tester things? I remember my dad using one of those things when I was a kid....it was like a display panel, you plug in the tube, press a button and a meter shows you what shape your tubes are in.

I just ordered a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp at Music123.com. I got a great deal on it.

Schmange: Maybe some older hardware stores have a tube tester. My father built one from a kit in the early 60's. He showed me how to test the tubes from the TV's he was repairing. How I wish I had that tester now.

Derek: Good luck with your new amp. If my experience with Fender amps is any indication, you'll get many years of enjoyable use. I wouldn't worry about replacing tubes for some time.

I have checked in the manual for my Mesa/Boogie Caliber 50, and I quote
"Power output tubes are like guitar strings; they begin to deteriorate as soon as they 're put into use", It also says that you may here improved performance of the amp by replacing those tubes every few months.
The preamp tubes should not be changed unless a specific problem comes up. Their aging is very slow and you won't likely hear any improvment by changing them unless one has become noticeably noisy.

Johan: I just visited my local Guitar World store and lo and behold they have Mesa Boogie power tubes prominently displayed. This is the first time I've ever seen tubes for sale in a guitar shop (maybe I'm blind or just don't pay much attention). I only know what my experience has been with my Fender and passed it on. I will replace my power tubes and see what difference they make. Any other tube amp owners out there have any thoughts ?

hey - just wondering if tubes are better than whatever type amp it is that i have (Fender frontman i think). my amp just has a speaker in the back and some other electrical components - no tubes.

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do i smell burnt toast

depends on the sound you are going for...i have a mesa boogie mIV and i change the tubes once every two years...you do notice a brighter sound and better tone with newer tubes..i also experiment with feedback quite a bit and notice richer feedback with newer tubes( maybe its just me)...

Eggman - the biggest difference between tube and solid state (which is what you have) is the tone. tubes are known for their very powerful "warm" tone. solid state amps are usually used by people less concerned with tone and more concerned with gain (distortion). Hope this helps.