1. The Gear Page is run by musicians for musicians. We've added some "new" guys to the moderator crew. All are longtime members that stepped up to the invite to help out by volunteering their time and effort to help the membership experience on TGP stay on the even keel. A special thank you to the 'new' guys that helping out. The new moderators are Mike Duncan, Stormin, ford, Teleplayer, and PurpleJesus A thread on the announcement is here!

    Dismiss Notice

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

    Messages:
    395
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2004
    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

    Messages:
    1,477
    Joined:
    May 7, 2004
    Location:
    Indianapolis, IN
    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

    Messages:
    395
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2004
    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

    Messages:
    437
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2003
    Location:
    central Illinois
    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

    Messages:
    395
    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2004
    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

    Messages:
    437
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2003
    Location:
    central Illinois
    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

    Messages:
    1,477
    Joined:
    May 7, 2004
    Location:
    Indianapolis, IN
    Man, I hate when that happens:)
     
    Wakarusa, Feb 22, 2005
    Wakarusa, Feb 22, 2005
    #7

Share This Page