Handling / cleaning valves

[Jules_S]

Quick question - when handling valves do you have to be careful with the grease from fingerprints, in the same way as you would with, say, halogen car headlight bulbs? I'm unsure if any surface contaminants on the glass could affect their life or reliability. I'm sure you "old hands" with tube amps will be laughing hysterically at me by now!

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new amps, which hopefully will be later on today. I am looking forward to a good cleaning session once they get here!

 

[Ian]

No laughing here, if you're unsure, ask the question . But no, they're not like halogen bulbs and bare fingers are fine.

So, come on then, what are you getting ???

 

[Ady]

As above, and also when removing a valve from its socket try not to pull out by the glass use the base if possible.
Cheers Ady

 

[pmcuk]

Don't clean the glass or you will rub off the markings and so devalue the valve. Even water can rub off some markings. The other problem is a valve with no markings can be hard to identify.

 

[Ian]

And don't buy a valve amplifier, because you will want to try different valves and end up with no money and lots of valves

 

[Jules_S]

Well this is exciting.... (BTW thanks for the info on the valves)


Will post more in the "What's your bits and bobs" thread once I've had a chance to unbox and sort them out

 

[Ian]

Wow ! Full report please

 

[Ian]

And your manual probably says this, but it's wise to leave valves to warm up for a minute or so before playing. Sorry if this is patronising !