How long do tubes last in a tube amp?

Bangbang · September 21st, 2008, 09:03 PM

Well?

BOD2 · September 22nd, 2008, 05:38 AM

Have a look at this article

Marshall Amps :: The Secret Life Of Valves

It's a British article so swap the word "valve" for "tube"

johnreardon · September 22nd, 2008, 01:59 PM

You can't really set a fixed time when to change valves as it will depend on the usage of the amp, no of gigs etc.

I normally change my valves after about a year, even if they are not gone. Worth having a spare set.

synchro · October 17th, 2008, 01:35 PM

It depends on how much you are using the amp. The design of the amp (some amps burden their tubes more than others) and the luck of the draw (some tubes are lemons).

kldguitar · October 21st, 2008, 04:13 AM

The life of tube is 2000-3000 hours, so the life time commonly one year or 1.5 year. if you want extension its life, please wtach http://www.kldguitar.com/support.htm

StratmanNick · October 21st, 2008, 06:18 PM

My little Vibro Champ is around 36 years old and it's still got the original tubes. And it has had a lot of use.

Maybe I've been lucky, maybe this is normal. I have no idea but it does call to question the above comment.

guitaradelic · December 25th, 2008, 08:15 PM

I recently bought a mid sixties Ampeg Reverberocket 2, had my tech go through it and the Ampeg labeled 7591's tested good! So what's that, 40 years?

S. Rock · December 25th, 2008, 09:12 PM

I have an old Gibson GA-15 RVT that was bought in '66 that still has some of the original tubes in it. the speaker is almost gone, but those old tubes are hanging tough.

tazzboy · December 25th, 2008, 10:15 PM

Power tubes general rule is they will last between 6 months to 1 year depend on how hard and loud you play. The rule that I also use is when amp doesn't have the dynamic punch or sounds dull and lifeless that is generally the time to change the power tubes.

Preamp tubes on the other hand can last a long, long time. The general rule I use with that is when they start going microphonic IE the amp starts feedback with nothing plugged in at all or when the preamp tubes don't have the same dynamic as they once had when you first install them that's time to replace them.

thaus · December 26th, 2008, 12:05 AM

I think Tazzboy nails it..........you will most likely hear the change. Your amp won't sound the same. I also recommend that you have a spare set handy and if you're not sure, swap them out and see if you can hear any difference. Preamp tubes can last for a LONG time.

macwhisper · December 29th, 2008, 03:11 AM

I've still got the original Sylvania 6L6GC STR 387 power tubes in my 1980 Peavey VT classic. Thank goodness the still test good cause they are probably worth as much as the amp itself.

dtfan4ever · January 2nd, 2009, 12:02 AM

It totally depends...I wish I had something more to add. LOL