tubes rattle when shaken

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videodrone

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My freind told me not to buy power tubes online, that some when you shake them give off a slightly rattling sound and that the sound is amplified when on.

He told me to buy from a store where I can shake them and make sure they dont rattle. He also brought one of his rattling tubes in to show me how it rattles.

This kid knows alot about music so I trust him as a source, but you guys also know alot so I figured Id run it by you's.

Thanks,
Dalton
 
I would say that's pretty straight forward. A rattling tube may produce noise or microphonics, although the pre-amp tubes are more succeptible (12AX7's) than power tubes. I doubt shaking them in a store is going to give you the definative answer you seek. Most retailers will guarantee their tubes to be functional, and non-microphonic.

There are some reputable tube dealers on-line. I have bought NOS radio tubes and had them couriered with no problems. Good shippers will "foam in place" package expensive tubes.

Good luck finding the tones you want!
 
do you think a slight rattle sound would be noticebale in tubes when the amp was turned on? power or preamp?
 
When tubes go bad,they become "microphonic".You tap on the active tube and hear the tapping amplified like a mic.I have been playing tube guitar amps since '65 and never had a problem such as you describe.
Groove tubes has good quality control on their tube purchases.But I prefer the sound of Sovtek tubes,made in a former mil-spec factory with good QC.
 
so you dont think i have anything to worry about from tubes that rattle a lil bit when shaken? he brought in a tube form home and shook it form me and you can hear it rattle, sounds like whrn a light bulb gets burnt out,

that wont be noticeable in my amp?
 
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