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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 11:27 am
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I have always been able to identify bad solder joints by sight, albeit now I have to use a magnifier. Visual inspection should be the first step when troubleshooting. A bad solder joint will show itself every time, you just have to actually look, sometimes closely. Poking at components on a live amp with any kind of tool is not a good practice. Some people have to learn the hard way that wood can, and does conduct electricity. :wink:

I have never seen a "tapping/poking probe" advertised in any test equipment catalog. My advice, save the chopsticks for Chop Suey. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:35 pm
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Just to throw some chopsticks on the fire, Tapping tubes and jostling components, wiring and solder joints are different subjects! Gently tapping a tube is more of a health and liveliness check. Moving the tube, in it's socket, and the other jostling is a connection or arcing check. Shimmy, I agree that for the novice reading these threads, they should not be advised to get their hands or implements around the backside of any amp!!!! Otherwise, I think we're preaching to the choir. JMO, Art

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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 10:27 pm
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shimmilou wrote:
It's unwise to advise anyone to "tap" tubes for any reason, they are fragile. Yes, one mans tap is another mans whack. All tubes are microphonic, that's exactly how they work, it's normal. You're in sad shape if you have to rely on a stick to troubleshoot a tube amp. :wink:


Lest you've forgotten, most of the tubes commonly used in guitar amps were originally designed for use in the aerospace and defense industries. You know -- like in the ECM modules of the QRC-380 installed in B-52's and the inertial-nav systems of Atlas and Titan ballistic missiles. Trust me, a quality vacuum tube is designed and built to withstand a few gingerly-delivered taps while checking it for microphonics.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 11:39 pm
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Arjay, I've seen several tweed with original TungSol 5881/6L6WGB. And still, the amp sound pretty darn good. How many 40+ year old solid-state amps can boast that?


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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:01 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Trust me, a quality vacuum tube is designed and built to withstand a few gingerly-delivered taps while checking it for microphonics.

Arjay


A few gingerly-delivered taps .......It is not anybody know what is that . Like to know how to thight a screw or nut and bolt . Most of people tight way too much .


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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:14 am
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For the carelessness of others I am blameless.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Chopstick on tubes ; beware
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:00 am
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Is this tap light enough? :lol:

Image

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