Tube Amp Shipping Question/s

[CosmicDebris]

I am considering buying a tube driven amp. I will probally go used and buy it through that site we all know and love. Beyond the dangers of buying a used amp, is it bad for the amp to be shipped? How secure are the tubes in their holders? You guys get what I am asking?

[supermau]

Hopefully whomever is doing the shipping will pack it nicely. Even the amps you buy in the music store where shipped there - although original packaging may be a bit tighter than some careless 'bay seller (we know they're out there!). Caveat emptor. But a well packed rig will hopefully arrive alive.

[CosmicDebris]

Originally Posted by supermau

Even the amps you buy in the music store where shipped there - although original packaging may be a bit tighter than some careless 'bay seller (we know they're out there!). Caveat emptor. But a well packed rig will hopefully arrive alive.

That is a good point, thanks.

[reguv760]

How secure are the tubes in their holders? You guys get what I am asking?

As both a seller/buyer, I've always have all the tubes removed and package 'em within a smaller box.

Reg

[CosmicDebris]

Originally Posted by judasbane

As both a seller/buyer, I've always have all the tubes removed and package 'em within a smaller box.

Reg

That is a good thing to do. But I think I will visit some pawn shops and such and save the shipping fee to spend on the amp itself. After thinking about it I just can't buy an amp I have not actually tried out and visually inspected.

The coolest thing bout Jemsite is the help given by everyone =)

[microdmitry]

I would recommend removing power tubes, bubble wrapping them and putting them in a cardboard box inside the amp.

Also, I recommend either taking your amp to a tech or (if you know anything about electronics) inspecting it yourself for signs of power tube failure. Typical signs are burned screen resistors on power tubes. Amp tech will know which ones they are. If there are issues, it's likelly that you'll hear them when you turn on the amp. Any hum, crackling noises, tubes glowing red, high voltage flash inside the tube(s), etc, mean your amp needs repair and needs to be turned off immediately.

The purpose of this post is not to scare you. Your amp will most likely be OK. I'm just trying to make sure you don't fry the output transformer because it's expensive as heck.