Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TIMBO on December 17, 2011, 11:50:07 pm

Title: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: TIMBO on December 17, 2011, 11:50:07 pm: Hi guys, Got my mates classic 30 up and running and noticed a rattling noise happening. A closer look at the EL84s they look ok and i think they are original ( JJs about 6yrs old but not a lot of work) they have little white flakes inside and when taped they rattle, this becomes louder when played. (time for new tubes?????) Thanks
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: The_Gaz on December 18, 2011, 01:41:23 am: The little white flakes are presumably little pieces of the mica spacers, which hold the internal structure in place. There is usually a little 'flakiness' in new tubes even, but I'm thinking some chipped off due to vibration/shock, and now the whole thing's loose inside. If the rattle is not being amplified and doesn't bother anyone, then I'd personally leave it alone. I'm poor, and tube's only get replacing when they die! If the noise is actually getting amplified, well, that's a no-brainier unless you're into noise rock!
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: TIMBO on December 18, 2011, 02:43:25 am: Thanks Gaz. Yeah the rattle is able to be herd even with VOL at max.
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: stratele52 on December 18, 2011, 03:56:42 am: IMO I will replace all tubes in case of a part came short inside the tube and damage your amp and/or tubes blow at a gig. Your hear rattle too. New tubes are required.
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: HotBluePlates on December 18, 2011, 03:33:30 pm: Microphonics in preamp tubes generally manifest as ringing/howling. Microphonics in power tubes/rectifiers often manifest as a rattling sound.

You might just have microphonic output tubes. Of course, something else in the amp could be microphonic as well.
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: sluckey on December 18, 2011, 04:18:45 pm: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMS-TUBE-TAMER-Peavey-Delta-Blues-Classic-30-/250954910862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e140c8e (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMS-TUBE-TAMER-Peavey-Delta-Blues-Classic-30-/250954910862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e140c8e)
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: Geezer on December 18, 2011, 05:09:45 pm: Quote from: sluckey on December 18, 2011, 04:18:45 pm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMS-TUBE-TAMER-Peavey-Delta-Blues-Classic-30-/250954910862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e140c8e (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMS-TUBE-TAMER-Peavey-Delta-Blues-Classic-30-/250954910862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e140c8e)

That guy has sold over 2000+ of those things........quite a "niche" industry!
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: TIMBO on December 19, 2011, 03:15:44 am: Hi guys, Its the tubes themselves that rattle, when you hold them between your fingers and tap them as i did with my fingernail you can hear the metal rattle. I tried this with some new ones and there was very little rattle. I am unable to test out the new ones as i only have a match pair.He going to spring for a new set anyway. Thanks
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: LooseChange on December 19, 2011, 06:54:13 am: Some tubes will rattle right out of the box.
A tube get rattle-y from all vibrations in combo. Rattle won't go away in combo.
I speak like caveman.
Title: Re: Rattling Power Tubes
Post by: HotBluePlates on December 19, 2011, 05:53:46 pm: Quote from: LooseChange on December 19, 2011, 06:54:13 am
I speak like caveman.

If his tubes don't submit to his will, he hits them with a club.