Rattling Power Tubes

[TIMBO]

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

[The_Gaz]

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!

[TIMBO]

Thanks Gaz. Yeah the rattle is able to be herd even with VOL at max.

[stratele52]

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.

[HotBluePlates]

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.

[sluckey]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMS-TUBE-TAMER-Peavey-Delta-Blues-Classic-30-/250954910862?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e140c8e

[Geezer]

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!

[TIMBO]

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

[LooseChange]

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.

[HotBluePlates]

I speak like caveman.

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