Cleaning Tube Sockets

Discussion in 'Amps/Cabs Tech Corner: Amplifier, Cab & Speakers' started by cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005.

  1. Feb 21, 2005 #1
    cancelthesound

    cancelthesound Member

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    I'm looking for information on cleaning tube sockets. Any information (cleaning material, directions, etc) would be a big help.

    Thanks! :D
     
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    #1
  2. Feb 21, 2005 #2
    Wakarusa

    Wakarusa Member

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    Caig Pro Gold. Either use the pencil or put it on a small lint-free cloth and wipe the tube pins, then run the tube in and out of the socket a few times. You can use compressed air for dust and such.

    The reason for the Pro Gold (which is, I think, actually more expensive than gold by weight) is that it is the only product I am aware of that will not turn to varnish when things heat up -- particularly for an amp that runs the tubes inverted.

    Some sockets are not worth cleaning and should be replaced, like these from a '81 Deluxe Reverb.

    [​IMG]

    (That's RTV in there... who needs tube clamps, eh?)
     
    Wakarusa, Feb 21, 2005
    Wakarusa, Feb 21, 2005
    #2
  3. Feb 21, 2005 #3
    cancelthesound

    cancelthesound Member

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    Thanks for the reply. I don't think the tube sockets are as bad as the ones in the picture you posted. I have some Cleaning Duster "Pressurized Air Duster" from Office Depot hopefully that will get the job done.
     
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    #3
  4. Feb 21, 2005 #4
    tonezoneonline

    tonezoneonline Member

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    Not to be a di** but why ask the question if you are going to use the "air duster " you have to begin with?
    Air in a can will not clean the tube socket or remove any oxidation.The Caig Pro gold that was recommended is a very good product.If you don't want to spend the bucks you can use some Caig DeOxit and save a little.
     
    tonezoneonline, Feb 21, 2005
    tonezoneonline, Feb 21, 2005
    #4
  5. Feb 21, 2005 #5
    cancelthesound

    cancelthesound Member

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    Well, the only reason I'm using the air duster is because Wakarusa Amp suggested it. I had the air duster on hand because I use it for my computer.

    I will probably pick up the Caig Pro Gold soon, but right now I'm just rebiasing my amp and I wanted to give it a quick cleaning. The tube sockets aren't that dirty at all.
     
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    cancelthesound, Feb 21, 2005
    #5
  6. Feb 21, 2005 #6
    tonezoneonline

    tonezoneonline Member

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    OK so I am a di**.I misread the question and answer.I have to quit trying to read these boards and practice at the same time.
    I'll go now.
     
    tonezoneonline, Feb 21, 2005
    tonezoneonline, Feb 21, 2005
    #6
  7. Feb 22, 2005 #7
    Wakarusa

    Wakarusa Member

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    Man, I hate when that happens:)
     
    Wakarusa, Feb 22, 2005
    Wakarusa, Feb 22, 2005
    #7

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