Broken power tube in my amp w/pic.

[Mr. Willy]

I was experimenting with some power tubes in my Soldano today. I pulled two and found this. I pulled the chassis to make sure the broken piece wasn't floating around, and I didn't see it. I'm sure it's ok as long as the pins are making contact, but it kinda bugs me that someone installed it like this.

 

[Emg77]

Yes, just make sure the pins go into the right part of the socket or it may charge the whole chassis! haha. learned that the hard way!

 

[BigBrewtus]

I have seen this a ton. Definitely a downer on a visual level but doesn't effect anything, unless improperly installed as stated. There were times I didn't hold down the tube tabs and chose to wiggle the tube a bit to remove and came up with that result. No more. lol

 

[marshallmel]

I had a pre amp tube take a shit at a gig. Went to pull it out and it disintegrated in my my hand and cut the living shit out of me.

 

[Mr. Willy]

I had a pre amp tube take a shit at a gig. Went to pull it out and it disintegrated in my my hand and cut the living shit out of me.

Ouch!

 

[Mr. Willy]

I have seen this a ton. Definitely a downer on a visual level but doesn't effect anything, unless improperly installed as stated. There were times I didn't hold down the tube tabs and chose to wiggle the tube a bit to remove and came up with that result. No more. lol

A ton!?! This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this. I'm sure it's ok to use it, but I wouldn't do it unless I absolutely had to. I'd buy a new tube first.

 

[C1-ocaster]

I have seen this a ton. Definitely a downer on a visual level but doesn't effect anything, unless improperly installed as stated. There were times I didn't hold down the tube tabs and chose to wiggle the tube a bit to remove and came up with that result. No more. lol

A ton!?! This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this. I'm sure it's ok to use it, but I wouldn't do it unless I absolutely had to. I'd buy a new tube first.

It's just a guide pin.
It has nothing to do with the electronics and has no effect on how the amp works, unless a pinless tube is inserted incorrectly.
But honestly, if you're forcing tubes to seat, then you're doing it wrong to begin with, and new tubes won't improve one's lack of touch sensitivity.

 

[Mr. Willy]

I have seen this a ton. Definitely a downer on a visual level but doesn't effect anything, unless improperly installed as stated. There were times I didn't hold down the tube tabs and chose to wiggle the tube a bit to remove and came up with that result. No more. lol

A ton!?! This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this. I'm sure it's ok to use it, but I wouldn't do it unless I absolutely had to. I'd buy a new tube first.

It's just a guide pin.
It has nothing to do with the electronics and has no effect on how the amp works, unless a pinless tube is inserted incorrectly.
But honestly, if you're forcing tubes to seat, then you're doing it wrong to begin with, and new tubes won't improve one's lack of touch sensitivity.

I didn't break it and I didn't insert the tube like this. I just pulled it out.

 

[glip22]

I break all of mine off and mark the tube bases with gold marker so I can install them aligned. There is even more of a tonal difference for the better than removing the preamp tube shields. Try it. You won't believe the difference. Has something to do with the transference to the grids of the tubes. Gives way more uneven order harmonics.

 

[Mr. Willy]

I break all of mine off and mark the tube bases with gold marker so I can install them aligned. There is even more of a tonal difference for the better than removing the preamp tube shields. Try it. You won't believe the difference. Has something to do with the transference to the grids of the tubes. Gives way more uneven order harmonics.

I'm learning something new all the time here! The thought of doing that never even crossed my mind, but I don't think I'm brave enough to even try it.

 

[drjenkins]

Yep, had it happen more than a few times myself. Oddly, it's been EL-34's and it's all been in different amps each time.

 

[jkdsteve]

I break all of mine off and mark the tube bases with gold marker so I can install them aligned. There is even more of a tonal difference for the better than removing the preamp tube shields. Try it. You won't believe the difference. Has something to do with the transference to the grids of the tubes. Gives way more uneven order harmonics.

How much of that tone improvement do you attribute to the brand of gold marker pen?

 

[glip22]

I break all of mine off and mark the tube bases with gold marker so I can install them aligned. There is even more of a tonal difference for the better than removing the preamp tube shields. Try it. You won't believe the difference. Has something to do with the transference to the grids of the tubes. Gives way more uneven order harmonics.

How much of that tone improvement do you attribute to the brand of gold marker pen?

You know. I never thought of that. This weekend I'll do some A/B testing with different brands of Gold, White, and Red. I'll be sure to report my findings back. Thanks for this tip. I really appreciate it