Cleaning/retensioning tube sockets.

[Tawlks]

I've decided to clean my tube sockets, after replacing the power tubes with TAD (which are great by the way) sometimes I get a loss of volume, clarity and 'whooshing' sounds.

Apparently that's down to the tube sockets.

However, I have no idea how to remove them to clean them or if I actually have to. I'm slightly worried about dabbing methylated spirit into them incase they mess with any other componants.

Any advice would be appreciated. I'd rather deal with it myself than pay for a tech to sort it.

 

[Chris6870]

Check out Eurotubes.com. Look for a video on biasing a JCM 800. He shows you how to do it. Basicaly soaks an old tube pins with electrical contact cleaner and runs it in to the socket 4 or 5 times.

 

[Tawlks]

Check out Eurotubes.com. Look for a video on biasing a JCM 800. He shows you how to do it. Basicaly soaks an old tube pins with electrical contact cleaner and runs it in to the socket 4 or 5 times.

Thanks man. I'll have to use Methylated Spirit for now but I'll try it.

 

[bsp01]

sorry, nothing to contribute, when I first glanced at the thread I thought it said "tube socks" ...

 

[Gsxrbusa]

Hey Mr.Jackson.....make sure you drain the caps before poking around in there.

 

[Chris6870]

sorry, nothing to contribute, when I first glanced at the thread I thought it said "tube socks" ...

I'd love to know how to retension tube socks. Once they get stretched out they sink down your leg into your shoe. I usually throw them out. Maybe there is a way to retension them.

 

[Tawlks]

Hey Mr.Jackson.....make sure you drain the caps before poking around in there.

Would leaving it off for a day and powering it up to drain the excess into the valves count? :S

 

[Chris6870]

Not guaranteed. I have heard if you kill the power while playing (without going to satbby first) will drain it, But I would't bet my life on it. If your just changing tubes you should be fine. If your going to be poking around in the sockets, do some research on your particular amp on how to drain it the right way.

 

[guitarman967]

Its an easy job and a standard procedure every amp owner should know.
First, blow any debris out of the sockets with compressed air if you can, or just blow into them.
Second get some Contact cleaner. Don't use products that you're unsure of.
Spray a little into the socket, then onto the pins of the tube itself.
Insert and reinsert about 3-5 times.

Re-tensioning is also a snap but first as others have warned make sure you drain the caps or you could risk a nice shock.
I usually just unplug the amp from the AC keeping the speaker cable connected to the speaker cabs(important)This is where the caps drain to.
Hit the standby switch to it's on position. Wait about 30-40 seconds.
With most amps this will drain the caps but not ALL amps.
Lastly, get a awl or dental pick and push the contact pins in the socket inward on all sockets.
Reinsert tube and check for tension/noise etc.

 

[guitarman967]

Hey Mr.Jackson.....make sure you drain the caps before poking around in there.

Would leaving it off for a day and powering it up to drain the excess into the valves count? :S

Once you power it up you're right back in the same boat. Most amps will drain off in a day or so on their own but you don't want to be the guy to find out that it's not always true.
Always drain them off and work safely.

 

[deadweight]

whats the name of a good contact cleaner and where would you find it?

 

[sinestro]

whats the name of a good contact cleaner and where would you find it?

DeoxIT StewMac carries it. I've also seen it at some Radio Shacks.

 

[PlinytheWelder]

whats the name of a good contact cleaner and where would you find it?

I use this stuff, but damn it's gotten expensive.... http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=341-228

 

[311splawndude]

TS - if you do try some of these extra steps will make sure to post back so we know you didn't kill yourself? I mean, it sounds like you do not have enough knowledge of how amps work to messing around inside. However, if you want to safely discharge your caps you can follow this method. This is from a blog of mine on another forum.

"f you want to take safety to the next step and are already comfortable working with amps and electronics you can use a 'discharge 'tool' (10w 33k resistor with (insulated!) crocodile clamps) between a plate resistor and ground. It's important to always connect the ground side of the resistor first, in case you accidentally touch the other clip. Wait for about a minute, and then remove the resistor, and measure the DC voltage at the same point, usually. If it's less than 5v, I consider it discharged. "

Also, as mentioned, it depends on what amp you have. What amp do you have?



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