Bent tube socket connection - solved

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insignificant11

insignificant11

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Original post in the Rig-Talk section:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=63622

Dallas suggested I move this topic to the Diezel section, so here goes. I was replacing preamp tubes last night in my VH4S when I bent one of the cuffs inside a tube socket. First I'm trying to get a small hook in there to bend it back (although it's doubled over pretty bad), but if that doesn't work I'll need to replace the socket.

I'll need to find a properly fitting socket. Here's a link Dallas provided for the replacement socket in his Einstein. Anyone know if this would be suitable for my VH4S?
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... e=googleps

The plan for tonight is simple. Remove the board in the amp to take a closer look at what I'm getting into. This may easily be out of my league, but I'd like to fix it myself if I can. If for no other reason than to have the satisfaction of doing so. ;)
 
Hey man I don't know what the VH4 board looks like, but on the Einstein he didn't have the remove the board or anything, simply desolder and just take it out from the other side :) Should make it a lot easier on you if you can do that.... you really only need access to the back of the board, and pull it out from the other side. You might need to remove the little pre amp cover retainer but that should just be a couple screws, HOWEVER be careful and look before you start unscrewing I did that one time and found out there was bolts on the otherside of the screws and it was a BITCH to get that shit back on lol.
 
We never replaced a tube socket since 1994.
These ceramic types are the best You can get.

Just bend the clamb to the right position and
use a new tube with a bit cleaner spray on
the pins.

If You are out of work or have a boring Sunday and
need parts please let me know at peterdiezel (at) diezelamplification (dot) com

Peter :D
 
Dallas Marlow":3q5jxuny said:
Hey man I don't know what the VH4 board looks like, but on the Einstein he didn't have the remove the board or anything, simply desolder and just take it out from the other side :) Should make it a lot easier on you if you can do that.... you really only need access to the back of the board, and pull it out from the other side. You might need to remove the little pre amp cover retainer but that should just be a couple screws, HOWEVER be careful and look before you start unscrewing I did that one time and found out there was bolts on the otherside of the screws and it was a BITCH to get that shit back on lol.
Click to expand...

The important screws have pressed in bolts, the tube shields are screwed
directly into the chassis.
 
I have one that is bent over in my Einstein. I couldn't get it to go straight, so I just bent it in so that it makes proper contact with the pin, and so far no problems. I don't think that it matters how the pin makes contact with the socket as long as it is a good tight contact. At least it seem like it to me.
 
So here's the report from last night.

The short story: the amp is working! :D

The long story: After attempting to bend the cuff back up into place using a very tiny hook (made from bending the end of a needle), a friend and I took a closer look at the guts. We decided that taking out the board was unnecessary. And I was glad for that because of all of the connections that would restrict movement. The way the socket connects to the board is the same as Dallas suggested: soldered connections from underneath. My friend suggested bending the cuff out to make room for the pin, which we did and the tube fit without any trouble! I fired it up and played for a while. Everything worked fine. Looks like I don't need to fix it, but I still would like to (just in case it may cause problems in the long run). ;)

Peter Diezel":2ukymfkk said:
We never replaced a tube socket since 1994.
These ceramic types are the best You can get.
Click to expand...
I'm glad to help ruin your perfect score. :thumbsup: This is the only problem I've had with the amp and it was my fault. Can you provide a warranty for my stupidity? :lol: :LOL:

Dallas Marlow":2ukymfkk said:
You might need to remove the little pre amp cover retainer but that should just be a couple screws, HOWEVER be careful and look before you start unscrewing I did that one time and found out there was bolts on the otherside of the screws and it was a BITCH to get that shit back on lol.
Click to expand...
Since I'm messing with the guts I need to unscrew the old tube retainers (had to clip them off when I was trying different power tubes) and replace them with some clips I bought a while ago. The screws are just as you described here. I'm not looking forward to it. ;)

GuitarGuyLP":2ukymfkk said:
I have one that is bent over in my Einstein. I couldn't get it to go straight, so I just bent it in so that it makes proper contact with the pin, and so far no problems. I don't think that it matters how the pin makes contact with the socket as long as it is a good tight contact. At least it seem like it to me.
Click to expand...
I wish I'd known this sooner. I spent quite a bit of time unsuccessfully trying to bend it back up.

MARK2C":2ukymfkk said:
Go to Harbor Freight and buy a set of dental picks. They work perfect for tightening tube pins.
They sell a six pack with all different angles.
Click to expand...
That was my first thought, but the diameter of the hook was much too large for the angle I needed to get into the small space. Still that would be good to have on hand.

Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions, everyone! :rock:
 
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