Changing tubes once/year normal in VH4? Maybe Peter can help

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mark-anthony

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Hi guys, Ive noticed that Im changing my power tubes on average once/year in my VH4 because one tube usually gets a problem. I was just wondering if its normal that I have to change them on average once/year. I turned my amp on and heard a pop. Then I looked at the back and a fuse light turned on, so I replaced the fuse first, turned the amp back on and the fuse blew again so it must be the tube. Im using EL34BHT tubes now and wondering if many people still use these EL34 types of tubes with their VH4. Since I have to change the tubes every year Im wondering if anyone has any other suggestions for other tubes that may last me 2-3 years before changing. Im looking for the same type of sound as these tubes produce, so if there is another type of tube that somewhat has the same sound as these ones I will take a look at them too. I think Ive noticed that its always the 3rd tube that blows (when looking from the back panel, 3rd from the right). Could it be that something else causes that tube to always be the one giving problems or could it just be a coincidence?

Hope to hear what you guys think.

Mark
 
Did you notice if the power tube turned really bright before the fuse popped?
Have you ever adjusted your tube clamps?
If not it could be your tube clamps that need to be closed a bit.
I had to do it to my head with the original power tubes.
Seems as though yours have been removed more than once so it couldn't hurt to close them a bit.
 
Also I hear that KT77 tubes have much lower failure rate, and now is recommended by Peter instead of EL34s.
 
Hey Jonl,
Thanks for the info. Only problem is my VH4 doesnt have tube clamps. My model is about 3-4 years old and the tubes are held down with this piece that attaches over the top of the tubes and theres 2 springs (1 on each side) that holds it down.

The tube doesnt glow at all, looks like it should however the fuse for the one tube blew twice.

Hey Shadowdevourer, thanks for the info too. If I get the KT77 tubes instead of the EL34BHT, do I still get good bottom end especially tight palm muting and clear highs? Are they darker sounding than the EL34BHT? Also if I get these tubes, do I switch the switch inside the VH4 to 6L6 or EL34 since those are the only 2 options. Do you by any chance have a link to a vid that compares the EL34BHT to the KT77 in the VH4?

Thanks again.
 
Kt77's are in the el34 family so leave it on that. They have a slightly deeper low end than el34. They are about the same as el34 as far as how dark they are.
 
Hey Nick,

Thanks for the reply. Ill take note of this.

Do you have a VH4 as well?
 
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