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Tube Amp – Bent Tube Pins
By Gary | March 27, 2008
This video shows how I straighten bent tube pins. Try to be careful when you insert your tube into a tube socket. If you look at the socket, you will notice an blank space (no hole). Align your tube accordingly.
Never force, but sometimes takes a little pressure to get the tube inserted. You always want a tight secure fit.
When a tube socket goes bad or wears out, it will need replacing. Usually this happens on older amps.
On the larger output tubes and rectifier tubes to maintain a tight grip on the tubes, sometimes all that is needed is to tighten the socket hole metal by placing a small screwdriver between the socket and the metal and bending. THIS IS DONE AFTER THE POWER SUPPLY HAS BEEN DRAINED OF ALL CURRENT. IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS, THEN DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS PROCEDURE.
You want to keep a snug fit by the socket on the tubes at all times. Noise is sometimes generated it one pin does not have a tight fit with the socket. You can eyeball the socket clamps to make sure all look similar.
Sometimes noise can be generated by a loose wire attached to the socket.
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Topics: amp repair (Fender) | 2 Comments »
August 28th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Hi.
I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, it’s a 2002 USA made model. The problem I’m having is keeping the pre amp tubes in. It seems they vibrate free and cause the amp to breakup and then no sound, I push them up tight and then it works for a while. Not very reliable. I tried spreading the pins a bit to tighten the fit and I’m testing that now, but wonder if there is a better fix?
August 28th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Hello,
Your tube cover spring should keep the preamp tubes secure. Look inside the silver can and see if the spring is still there. Or even without a spring the shield should keep the tube in. If you have some unusual design or no tube covers/shield, I used to put a bead of silicone on the tube to the socket for the road dogs that were wheeling in their equipment every night for a tour.
Hope this helps.
Gary