Changing tubes?

[dvscool]

Hey dudes,

The most work I've ever done on a tube amp is changing the tubes out a Jackson preamp. I know nothing...

I've been doing some research (google!) on my amp (YCV80). Recently its seems like its developed a "hum/buzz", that I don't recall being there. Even with the noise gate. It just seems to be there, regardless. Some of the forms I checked suggest tubes is a good place to start. I've never changed the tubes. Although I do know they've were change about 18 months ago. I play a fair amount. Fairly loud. I really don't know the first thing about this amp other then I like really like my tone...

How often should I change my tubes? ( I would imagine "it depends")
How difficult is it to change the tubes out? It appears simple....
What other signs are there that tubes need to be change?
Short of just taking my amp in to the shop, what else can I check for that could cause this sudden noise?
And lastly, can someone recommend a good place to buy tubes, they've had good luck with?

Thanks guys....

[jacksonaxes]

I use tubedepot.com.

[ulijdavid]

Changing the tubes is easy....biasing them is another story depending on the amp. Check out www.eurotubes.com they sell tubes and have quite a bit of information. They also have a specific section on the Traynor YCV amps. I think people seem to love or hate JJ tubes. The last time I dealt with them, they were very informative and had no problem answering their phone and helping out with some biasing issues.

[VitaminG]

preamp tubes are easy. Bang in some new ones & go.

power tubes do need to be biased. Just checked the Traynor page on eurotubes - good info there. Nice work, ulijdavid

[dvscool]

Thanks for the info....I just wonder if I need power tubes. from what I've read they don't need to be replaced as much as preamp tubes....does that sound right?
I guess I need to have a good look at the tubes....I'm still hesitant to start replacing tubes and just assuming that's what's causing the noise....

[Larz]

Just be careful poking around in there, all sorts of stories about voltage hazards, etc.

[dvscool]

Just be careful poking around in there, all sorts of stories about voltage hazards, etc.

Agreed. I'm going to do some more research, I don't really know what I'm looking for...

[VitaminG]

read the FAQ on the eurotubes site. Lots of great information

[Nightbat]

Thanks for the info....I just wonder if I need power tubes. from what I've read they don't need to be replaced as much as preamp tubes....does that sound right?

Nope, it's actually the other way around
My 1991 Hafler still has it's original preamp tubes in perfect working order

Doesn't mean Preamp tubes can't go bad, I actually had a 'vaunted' NOS Mil-Spec 5751 lose it's vacuum

[dvscool]

Nope, it's actually the other way around
My 1991 Hafler still has it's original preamp tubes in perfect working order

Doesn't mean Preamp tubes can't go bad, I actually had a 'vaunted' NOS Mil-Spec 5751 lose it's vacuum

FML!...at the very least I should be able to have a look and see if the tubes are ok....I've seen enough vids and done enough reading to check that out.....maybe..lol

[slowhand66]

I change power tubes (on my gigging amp) after about 80-100 hours of use, assuming they last that long. Roughly every year. My other amps at home, I wait till an issue arises then typically will change tubes.

[dvscool]

I have done a shit load of reading on this subject. I just need to get over to my rehearsal space so I can check my amp out... This weekend. For all I know my tubes are fine. But it would seem this sudden noise is certainly a good place to start. A full re-tube seems reasonable if necessary...

[Bert]

Noise can be caused by a lot of things. Whenever I hear you need to replace tubes every year I recall the bass player in my previous band who had a 1968 fender bassman with original power tubes, and they sounded fine!

[Nightbat]

Noise can be caused by a lot of things. Whenever I hear you need to replace tubes every year I recall the bass player in my previous band who had a 1968 fender bassman with original power tubes, and they sounded fine!

I guess every band he played in managed to convince him he sounded best with the volume at 0.5?

[BigE13]

Could be fluorescent lights, bad power feeding in from the wall...gotta check all the bases!