Beginner tube amp questions

[kes7u]

Hello. I am still a fairly new player, started in January. I have only been using solid state amps. I was hoping someone could direct me to a good source to learn about tube amps. In particular: Care, precautions, maintenance, tube replacement, etc.

Thank you in advance!
Kevin

 

[MistaSnowman]

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/gear-equipment/41798-what-tube-amp-what-do-i-need-know.html

 

[László]

Hello. I am still a fairly new player, started in January. I have only been using solid state amps. I was hoping someone could direct me to a good source to learn about tube amps. In particular: Care, precautions, maintenance, tube replacement, etc.

Thank you in advance!
Kevin

Here's the most important stuff:

They don't need special care or precautions. Tubes really don't need to be replaced often, there are amps out there dating from the 60s with their original tubes that still work, though for tone-sniffer types, many change the power tubes every so often depending on use.

I've been using 'em since I was a kid when everything electronic except tiny radios ran on tubes (1960s), and we didn't do anything special for them at all. Even car radios ran on tubes back then. That's how easy they are to use.

You just use 'em like you would a solid state amplifier. Let 'em warm up a little bit, and play.

There's lots of good info on the Mesa website if memory serves.

 

[DuncanCE22]

You don't need to do to much with them as long as you warm them up. Worst case scenario a valve pops and you get it replaced but doubt that would happen. If your looking for a good starting out valve amp then go for the blackstar ht-5r. Great tones and it's pretty decently priced.