Re: Removing tubes when transporting the amp?

MOGAZI! · Post by **MOGAZI!** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:32 am

Finally my Twin is ready to hit the road! I was just wondering whether it would be best to remove the tubes during transport. I would definitely take out the Power tubes since it's pretty easy and they're more likely to be bouncing up and down.

But what about the preamp tubes?

Everytime I take them out/put back in, I'm worried they're going to shatter in my hand. It doesn't seem like they would move much if I left them in even though I'm using a trolley (like the one in the picture) to lug the amp up and down the bus or train.

Opinions?

jop · Post by **jop** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 4:51 am

I think the tubes are pretty safe in the amp if you're not planning to let it roll down a hill or so, but if you handle the amp normal/with care they'll be fine. The tubes in my Fender 75 were, so yours probably will too.

øøøøøøø · Post by **øøøøøøø** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:00 am

If the preamp tubes have the little tube retainers on them, the safest place for them is in the amp.

The power tubes are a tossup.

Do your power tube sockets have these on them?

If so, they're probably pretty safe. If not, I'd either install those, or remove the power tubes for transport.

Do you have a case for your amp?

MOGAZI! · Post by **MOGAZI!** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:33 am

I don't have the retainers for the preamp tubes (but I'm planning on getting some soon). I do, however, have those thingys for the power tubes, although I think I'd feel safer taking them out.
I have one of those "amp covers" but not a hard case. I was thinking for a while about getting a one, until i found how much they would add in terms of weight...

Junkyard God · Post by **Junkyard God** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 5:11 pm

http://www.geocities.com/c30guard/Assembly.htm

cant hurt

Yagoo · Post by **Yagoo** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:41 pm

It it's easy to do, I'd remove the power tubes. Just make sure you have some safe way of storing them. Pre-amp, I'd probably leave but it would depend on how muc stress I thought that the amp was going to get. If in doubt, take 'em all out.

øøøøøøø · Post by **øøøøøøø** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:57 pm

REmember:

removing tubes and inserting them over and over puts strain on the pins, bases, and glass envelopes.

Also remember: Tube pins that are protected in sockets cannot corrode, and tube sockets that have pins in them cannot corrode.

Sometimes it's better off just to leave the tubes where they are and take precautionary measures.