fini Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 You old timers might remember (then again, you might not, given that you are old) that once upon a time I bought a pallet of old test equipment. You know, HP thingamajigs and oscillators 'n' stuff. These things were stuffed with (God knew what flavor) vacuum tubes, and "pulling" them was my motivation. Maybe I'd find something I could use, or if in plentiful quantity, sell. Our buddy forum Clipped & Shorn (who in real life is a dear dear friend, mentor and teacher) convinced me I should hang onto them as-is, or at least strip out more than just the tubes, as these things (generally) were built using very high-quality parts. Sure, I might have been able to make an amp using 75% recycled parts (and that indeed would have been really cool), but it really began to look highly unlikely. I move (in the electronics arena) at a snail's pace, and I despirately needed some elbow room in my garage, SO... I pulled tubes today. Wow, what a treasure hunt! In one old HP oscilloscope I found a dozen 6DJ8s! I've pulled a lot of 12AU7s, 12AX7s, 12AT7s...quite a haul! Now I am considering pulling the transformers as well. I doubt the pieces have much value aside from the occasional part. This, though, should serve as a "heads-up" for all you scroungers (you know who you are!): There might be something worthwhile in those old electronics, even if they're not HiFis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 I think you need to send me a couple 12AX7s "for test purposes only." I'll make sure they don't blow up and catch your house on fire or damage your equipment.[] Edit: BTW - I'm sure the wife will be THRILLED that you're getting rid of all those bulky tubes from the garage!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 Just when I was looking for some of those glowing glass thingies. If you are a mind to clean out that place and need a place to send them I will offer what reciprocal agreement you might have in mind. I would really like to roll through a few different varieties in my Peach, Tercel and Jolida 100. Gartenman (you got me into this), guys, help a feeble mind out here what different ones will fit my sockets? I'll leave to last line out for bait..... I am opening up the Jolida and Peach to take a peak as to what is in there now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gartenman Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 i lost your number, either email me yours or call me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 i lost your number, either email me yours or call meEmail sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Just when I was looking for some of those glowing glass thingies. If you are a mind to clean out that place and need a place to send them I will offer what reciprocal agreement you might have in mind. I would really like to roll through a few different varieties in my Peach, Tercel and Jolida 100. Gartenman (you got me into this), guys, help a feeble mind out here what different ones will fit my sockets? I'll leave to last line out for bait..... I am opening up the Jolida and Peach to take a peak as to what is in there now. edit: After speaking with my coach, I am currently searching for some nice (not extravagant) 12AT7s (2 each) for the Jolida and 6922s (3 each) for the peach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CIGARBUM Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 The G-Man sure fixed me up with some really sweet tubes. I changed out the tubes in the VRD and the Peach, only listened for about an hour, but, clearer, more detailed, better soundstage. I guess I was one of the dis-belivers, if you get the good ones, it is well worth the money. Roll on. cb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I pulled tubes today. Wow, what a treasure hunt! In one old HP oscilloscope I found a dozen 6DJ8s! Those could be Amperex. It's what I put in my Merlin (HP branded...) and it is GREAT! (If you want to sell a few, let me know) Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 My tube powered 75watt(15watts in class A) Destroyer of Worlds currently has some 12ax7's in it that I grabbed out of an oscilloscope preamp over 10 years ago. RCA blackplates Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted February 18, 2010 Author Share Posted February 18, 2010 I've found tons of tubes in old organs (not so much old organs in tubes). I am drowning in 12AU7s, so if anyone would like a few of those, as-is, let me know. They're Baldwin brand, made in Japan. I'm not sure I trust my tube tester (Hickok 600A) as it is. I should get it callibrated if I want to get serious about these tubes. Today I might bust into what I expect to be the mother lode of tubes, a big ol' tone generator (I think that's what it is). I've gotta find it first...[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gartenman Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 The G-Man sure fixed me up with some really sweet tubes. I changed out the tubes in the VRD and the Peach, only listened for about an hour, but, clearer, more detailed, better soundstage. I guess I was one of the dis-belivers, if you get the good ones, it is well worth the money. Roll on. cb It's truly been a pleasure helping you out. You are a true gentleman! They'll only sound better as they age like a fine wine! Now if we can find some RCA 6201s for your CD player you'll be set! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gartenman Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 RCA blackplates Best American made 12AX7 ever in my opinion. Great find! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Ya I love the blackplates' there was a bugle boy in there as well. Kinda makes me wish I had something other than the Mesa-boogie to use them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gartenman Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 Ya I love the blackplates' there was a bugle boy in there as well. Kinda makes me wish I had something other than the Mesa-boogie to use them in. if you really need a place to put some extra RCA blackplates you can put them in my: '59 Fender Bassman '63 Fender Vibroverb '69 Fender Vibro Champ they all love 'em.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrinkles Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 If you run across any old Tektronics o'scopes (the ones that you find next to dumpster and weigh about 50 pounds and very old fashioned), inside other than tubes, you will find ceramic standoffs of various lengths. The solder locations on top of the standoffs are silver. For the DIY these make great internal wiring posts in amps and preamps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripedcat99 Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 Hey! I still use that old fashioned 50lb monster!! [Y] But I don't keep it next to the dumpster..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrpwr Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Any 6sn7gtb tubes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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