Loose tube socket, fixes?

[cyndicate]

Other than replacing it, is there anything I can do to fix a loose tube socket. The rectifier tube socket on one of my amps is causing my amp to cut out once in awhile when its loose.


If I do take it to a tech, what can I expect to pay to replace the tube socket?

 

[guitarslinger]

do you have the ability to open the amp and work on it without shocking yourself?

if so,

you could literally disassemble the socket and bend the little pin sleeves to be tighter.

otherwise, you could clean the socket and then devise some sort of retention clip.

 

[cyndicate]

I wish I can say yes, but I am a noob when it comes to servicing amps. Is there anyway to bend the clips without taking the amp apart?

How do you also clean the tube socket?

 

[cyndicate]

You can use a little tiny flathead screwdrive (like the little ones for eyeglasses) and stick them down in the individual socket thingies to bend the clips and make the tubes fit in the socket tighter. Works like a charm.

I suppose you should bleed the caps and all that stuff...

To clean the sockets, spray "contact cleaner" in there and push the tube in and out a few times.

I guess I'm screwed if I don't know how to bleed the caps

 

[Copperhead]

Depending on the socket, it may accept a retainer-shield thingy, like 12ax7's do:

There's a spring inside that pushes down on the tube.

 

[cyndicate]

It's a rectifier tube though, those things are huge

 

[Copperhead]

Sorry, I did not know.

I did rivet in Marshall type spring retainers in my 5150 combo so I could use coin base tubes, that worked like a charm!

 

[cyndicate]

Sorry, I did not know.

I did rivet in Marshall type spring retainers in my 5150 combo so I could use coin base tubes, that worked like a charm!

Hmm the thing is it has the retainers on that tube socket already, its just still kind of loose, maybe I can tighten the retainer. Amp in question is a Budda SD18 head. I guess I'll try tightening the pins with something non conductive. If all else fails I'll probably just have to take it to a tech for a socket change. How much does this cost on average so I know what to expect?

 

[guitarslinger]

1. I don't trust most techs to bend the little thingies.
2. I DEFINITELY don't trust most techs to actually change out the sockets.

Are you talking about those Mesa-style retainers that bend up from the side????

if so, just bend those farther in?

 

[cyndicate]

1. I don't trust most techs to bend the little thingies.
2. I DEFINITELY don't trust most techs to actually change out the sockets.

Are you talking about those Mesa-style retainers that bend up from the side????

if so, just bend those farther in?

1. Yep those retainers, the ones that bend from the side, I'll try to bend them in farther in, but I am thinking its one of the sockets itself, maybe I should just pull the whole chassis and play with it upside down . Last resort will be taking it to a tech if I can't get a fix for it. Is it safe to use tape on the tube?

 

[cyndicate]

Looks like Mark (Mark1970) is gonna help me out with this issue so I don't kill myself poking shit inside the sockets