Tube Maintenance and Issues FAQ
How often should I change my tubes?
This will depend on how often and how hard the amp is played. Power tubes will be replaced more often than preamp tubes. Frequent use may require the power tubes to be replaced every two years, and preamp tubes about every four years. You may not notice gradual changes in the sound over time from tubes wearing out. A fresh set of tubes usually brings an amp back to life when you start noticing the amp doesn’t sound quite right or it seems something has changed.
Do my tubes need to be biased when replaced?
Power tubes need to be biased by a qualified technician when replaced. Our only model which is exempt from this rule is the Varsity Reverb, which is cathode biased. A matched set of power tubes still needs to be used, however.
Preamp tubes do not require biasing, although please make sure to use the correct type tube in each socket as we use as many as three different model preamp tubes in our amplifiers.
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