Topmusicanswers
So many decades have passed, and tube amps are still what most guitar players are aiming for. ... In simplest terms, yes, tube amps are more fragile compared to your average solid-state and digital modeling amps. But what you also need to bear in mind is that many players still use them. Their fragility isn't limiting.
- Are tube amps durable?
- Can tube amps break?
- What can you not do with a tube amp?
- Is it OK to touch amplifier tubes?
Are tube amps durable?
Depending on how often you play and the amp you're using, power tubes can last for up to 10,000 hours without needing to be changed. Preamp tubes usually last around five years or even more! ... Good tubes are quite durable.
Can tube amps break?
I believe in regards to tube amps, just having them on counts towards breaking them, but it's better running a signal through them as that gives it more of a workout chasing speaker loads. 10-14 days is the general rule, but new tube gear can significantly improve by the hour / day in my experience.
What can you not do with a tube amp?
Never, never, never run the amp with no speaker plugged in. This can cause major damage. Do not flip the power switch off, then back on rapidly. This can cause power supply damage.
Is it OK to touch amplifier tubes?
It is OK to handle ambient cooled vacuum tubes with bare hands, IF THEY ARE COOL, and skin oils will seldom cause a problem, even if it chars.
