How To Test Bad Tubes With A Stick

[@josephmittiga2373]

You won't find another guitar based KZbinr who shows how to diagnose problems and repair gear like Phil , the best part is that he explains things so clearly . You're a champion Phil and a gentleman too.

[@TomReinerDE]

Jake Matteo Couldn‘t agree more!

[@napalmjack]

You've never seen the guitologist?

[@TomReinerDE]

Jacob Reichert I did. However, I do not really fancy his attitude and style so much, so I do not follow him anymore, although I do not doubt his expertise in any way.

[@TheChadPad]

@@napalmjack Oh God, the Guitologist. I second what this guy said about his attitude, and his opinions to boot

[@sciencemansandera]

Yup you can really tell when someone has experience and he’s willing to share it in plain and simple terms so you understand what’s going on

[@josuesamaniego182]

Most musicians/techs like to keep everything a secret and you never hide anything from us. You’re a gem Phil.

[@Tedtt655]

For real . Gate keeping at its finest

[@redxerxes]

The "Chopstick Diagnostic Test" worked for me. I dusted off my old "Silvertone 1482" and after having replaced the original damaged speaker with a new "Electro-Harmonex 12VR" , I thought that I was ready to create some tunes. With the amp warmed up, it started making a scratchy" noise kind of like an old FM radio static that you get when the tuner is between the stations! I found your video and used your method and found the noise making culprits to be two 12AX7 tubes. I carefully cleaned the tube tips with a needle file, sprayed the sockets with electronics cleaner, carefully replaced the tubes, and at this time the noise is gone and the amp is sounding great! Thank you Phil for spending your time making these helpful videos. Your videos are always clear and to the point! (and this one saved me some money)

[@distractedgarage1801]

I know this is a pretty old vid but sure was helpful today, found 2 of my EL 84s bad using this method. One had the clanky glassy sound and the other one actually sparked inside and had a loud noise through the speaker, been chasing that one a few months thinking it was a loose wire to the speaker. Thank you Phillip , another great tip.

[@mikecarreca7864]

That is an old trick I learned back in electronics class in school, 53 years ago. We also used an oscilloscope, something you probably have never seen, except in a museum or some old guys back room ,like me. That is a great amp . I have several Fender amps. Keep on picking Phillip, Sniper

Once again simple and very effective way of letting the community know how to detect an AMP issue and fix it! Gracias!!!

[@stephanematis]

Given that my mum actually made tubes at one point, and that she "tuned" our old black-and-white TV with a wooden spoon, I am happy to see this trick being passed on.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

My Mum tuned my rebelious teen brain with wooden spoon...till it broke.

[@cyb3r3vil30]

Lol the three dislikes 1. The guy that sold the Amp 2.first guy to pass it up do to noise 3.went to buy it and it was sold 😔 TFS another great video!

[@iniquity7]

7 dislikes now, 4 more people passed it up!

[@andrewrichardson3135]

Due to noise?

[@gohjohan]

Due to kicking themselves. I saw a Fender Blues Junior for sale on Reverb few days (or was it weeks?) ago. Listed for AUD416. Condition was declared as very poor due to some high pitch noise when turned on. Was sold the very next day when I checked......

[@chrissoares23]

I did this on my Axe FX, totally fix the problem. Thanks Phil!

[@michaelalvarez6915]

Tubes on the Axe FX nice joke

[@brianpateman2666]

Great to see that the techniques I learned in a television workshop over 50 years ago are still useful in this high tech age. I still have the very small plastic handled screwdriver (came from Woolworth's) that I always used.

[@SvenMayhem]

My HRD had turned thin sounding and developed a 60Hz hum. Chopsticked my tubes per this video and the two 12AT7s I had put in 3yrs ago to cut the volume were both dinging high-pitched. Put the 12AX7s back (from 1998) and it's back to loud but no more hum and thinness. Thanks for the tip! Saved me a trip to the local tech. I'll switch to JJ's when I need new tubes.

[@kevincharles9159]

Everything from your channel has been helpful

[@FrankNitsch]

This video was super helpful for me, when my tube preamp was generating loads of noise (and was super silent before) in the high gain distortion challen. Tapping against the tubes with a wooden pencil immediately showed me the microphonic tube. I replaced it with a new one and the problem was solved. Thanks so much for your practical videos! 🙂

[@MuseGuitarist]

This is why I am a Patron! Helping people fix their gear when they can ... and to know when they should not. Great job as usual!

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

I finally got the 🥎's to take the covers off and tap them with a piece of wood(I used a shim). To my ears the power tubes sounded fine. Two preamp tubes sounded like broken glass. Much cheaper fix. Now the only decision is what preamp tubes for my Dr Z-Lux. Thanks for the tip.

[@lanecarr6484]

Hey Phil I have a couple of tips that really make this amp shine even more. 1. Run a jumper from input 2 on the vintage channel into channel 2 of the custom channel. Plug your guitar into channel 1 of the vintage channel. Balance the 2 channels to taste. 2. Run a BBE sonic stomp in front. Try it out I promise you will be happy. I love these amps. In fact I love them so much that I originally bought the 68 custom deluxe and fell in love. So I also bought the vibrolux. I use my American strat deluxe with the deluxe and my American Tele deluxe with the vibrolux. I think that a review is an excellent idea.

[@DNYS8N]

I fixed a fender hot rod with this info. Thx. My endless pursuit of decent affordable guitars and amps has cost me more than it’s worth. I’ve lost so much money on deals and following advice that now I’m stuck either selling at a significant loss again or trying to get through the headache of making what I got work. The hot rod is not kind to humbuckers or to mistakes. The OD channel is just unusably bad. I felt like I arrived by getting a tube amp, lol. I think I’m going to start over with a PRS and a katana.

[@heathlane2086]

Had the exact same issue with my Super Sonic 22 combo, and thankfully a replacement 12AX7 I had lying around in a bin did the trick. So I can verify this WORKS, people!!! :)

[@nelsonw2096]

I am currently hearing this noise from my amp. Now I know where to start. Thanks Philip!!!

[@5150eruption]

My amp was making a crackling noise on my saldano slo 30. Tap like you said, already had 6l6 tubes. Tap the 6L6 yeah definitely not good. Let cool down replaced it turned on. Awesomeness!! Finally play not worry about the crackling! Might be small quick thing for you. But for us it really helps us out of big holes! Thank you!!

[@alabamarailfan]

Great video, Phil! I'd like to see a review on the Vibrolux!

[@TheAVJ2]

ever since my dad brought his vibro champ out of storage ive been looking for a method to test the old tubes im definitely going to try this now

[@tomjankowski5382]

Great video and excellent explanation of this issue and solution! Very helpful Phil!

[@kevo4us]

I love videos like this, thank you for your content. I may not come across this problem for 20 years, but this knowledge will stick in my brain!

[@sdmol86]

Definitely want a review. I'd love to see a video going through each of the fender tube amps and looking at the main differences and pros/cons of each. It's so hard to work out.

[@antithug7942]

A good & helpful video. Short, concise & to the point. Kudos.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

OMG you are a life saver Phil! Thank you need to do this on my Uberschall Bogner amp. Cheaper than pay an expensive tech.

[@LaurenPassarelli]

Wild. Great fix. Thanks for the tip!

[@peterdebad1]

Definitely a review. Thanks for showing how to diagnose and change a bad tube. Looking forward to the next video!! Thanks Philip!!

[@EmbelekoBand]

Yes Phil please review the amp. Thanks.

[@aaronpeacey9673]

All the info right there. No filler 👍

[@brianbirsa9767]

I'll be damned... My 72 Fender Deluxe Reverb started sounding a little funny... This video popped up first on my search, and 10 minutes later I had my answer. Thanks Phil!

[@ErnestMonetCDS]

Brilliant, Sir! Just subscribed This was GOLD

[@stephanematis]

This brings me back. My mum always used a wooden spoon ... she was an expert at tubes.

[@bluesnfire401]

AMAZING!!! Diagnosed my problem right away. Thank you so much for this incredibly useful video!

[@MrTrixzzzz]

You have the best guitar channel on youtube. Amp review!!!

[@petebrown3715]

Hey Phil, Very cool video. I have a Fender Bassman 10 / 100wt from 1974. Now I know how to test for bad tubes.

[@el34superlead]

This only finds microphonic tubes. You could have a bad tube and this will do nothing to find it.

[@Thatdudedoes]

Happy to see no thumbs down! Keep these awesome videos coming!

[@gunkanjima3408]

My brand new Hot Rod Deluxe had a popping metronome from a bad tube 😂 I’m annoyed but happy I found the problem. Thanks my friend

[@jmunley5714]

Hey Phil. I really enjoy your content.

[@loulamanna567]

I have a Fender Vibrolux that has been modified so the left channel acts as a preamp for the right channel. Sweetest sounding amp I've ever owned!

[@philbobaggins336]

Philll!!! Love your chan brother . My knowledge has grown and have your channel to thank. Thanks bud .

[@carlcates4232]

Love your videos Phil. Keep them coming. The video with TTK was a awesome idea and really interesting.

[@peterkelly59]

Yes Please Phil, I would love a review of this amp.

[@danieltsss]

Got a Deal like this Amp was a Laney VC30 210 30W Class A all tube, looks like this was sitting on the store for a looong time got it for 450usd not sure if its damaged or something since at the moment i didnt knew anything about tube amps i watched many videos and this one will probably help me determine if its in good shape

[@cindarella1100]

Awesome! 👩 very good information. You deff can hear when a tube is bad having that pinging sound, thank you.. 👩 I have 2 tube amps and one of them is losing power while I'm playing and I know it's one of the power tubes, but I don't know which one...

[@josephpickard3108]

Phil coming in with the wisdom!

[@shayhayden]

I suspect the same thing was the case with a deal that I got! I thought the tube was microphonic but it turned out it was being pressed sideways by the spring inside the cap. The small protrusion at the top of the tube had found its way through the side of the spring somehow. Works great now!

[@hukl3945]

I love the 68' Vibrolux! Greg Koch turned me onto them and I'm playing it for years now. One of the most underrated Fender amps!

[@LuckyInCards]

THANK YOU! I was getting a glassy high pitched whistle on my 1996 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I tried your wooden spoon test, replaced the offending 12AT7. SUCCESS! By the way because of your suggestion, 2 years ago I replaced the first 12AX7 with a 12AT7; a great improvement. So thank you twice.

[@JakeEchos]

Thanks so much Phillip! Now I could solve a problem I had with my amp which would make some loud bass tones at some frequencies / chords played.

[@cvtataryn]

Totally do a review! I feel like lately the good old Vibrolux Amps have been out of the limelight, with so much going on with the guitar scene these days. Magical Amps

[@frankiec2765]

Thanks Phil! Just subscribed to your channel and i learned something new right off the bat.

[@ianmism]

Thanks for that .. I have a old 8040 ValveState Marshall combo that sounds terrible when it gets hot after a while . I thought it was the preamp valve & that confirmed it . . .

[@thathorrorshow4126]

I learned 3 things. Thanks you so much for the video.

[@bluecajun2000]

Yes. Would love a full review of the amp.

[@jamesfalardeau3886]

Have a Vibrolux I got used and well worn when I was 12 in 1972. Great amp, still has the original blue back Jensens.

[@johnnyaztec2923]

Great, simple instructional video Phil - thank you very much

[@dalepal]

Valuable tip for an easy DIY fix.

[@AkiraSpectrum]

super helpful tips! love the tapping on the input trick.

[@davidmiller1218]

I've been using your vlogs for making repairs and adjustments on my guitars; great stuff! StewMac may want to thank you, too, since I've been ordering tools from them because of your recommendations; yeah, expensive but worth it. SM has unique parts, too, so I may be ordering from them, also. Anyway, thanks many times for your help.

[@jsantos1104]

Have always wanted to add this amp to my wet/dry/wet rig! Yes please review!! Thank you!

[@imannonymous7707]

Wow phil im really glad i found yer channel....thanks again

[@markaochoa2017]

Always loved the vibros. Love the 2x10

[@JasonLee-ic7ck]

Definitely review that amp. I've been a high gain guy most my life but now in my older years i've been looking to find a great clean tone.

[@rikkufan009]

Thanks Phill, I don't own a tube amp but never hurts to learn something about them

[@c1arkj]

Crazy, what great information. Thanks for the video.

[@michaelbogris1185]

Yes Please. A review would be awesome. Looking for a new amp and was always intrigued by this one. Thanks

[@ragingchimera8021]

Great demo Phil! Thank you.

[@distractedgarage1801]

I get a lot out of your videos Phillip keep up the great work , had to order a new Tshirt and coffee mug , way over due thanks again J-J

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you John

[@brivington2011]

Phil, wow. What a great piece of information! Thank you.

[@darthnabru2915]

Thank you for the knowledge on this! This is amazing and helped me fixed my problem on my Marshall amp!

[@kenmasters007]

Sticks are the most underrated tool since the dawn of time...

[@Tedtt655]

Yes that’s why all men come equipped with the stick tool 😂

[@waynealderman1921]

Thanks for this video. I plan on trying this method to diagnose the squeeling coming from my Meatsmoke's clan channel. Hopefully its just a single preamp tube

[@kow294]

Thats superbly good tips.

[@rpoole3]

i have had to do this to a blues jr and a vibrolux that was new! from sweet water. those 12ax tubes are quite expensive, you should carry spares. love my "lady luximberg"

[@Sumbibebe]

Great video, I learned a lot. I might have missed the cost of the new tube.

[@VinnieBlues1]

AWESOME...thanks for helping brother

[@DannyGesko]

I just bought a valveking combo and have the same problem, thanks for the tip

[@bobgausman1127]

Hi Phil, Great practical demonstration of diagnosing a microphone tube, yes, please review the amp. Am interested in how reliable and robust new gen Fender amps are.

[@simonpilgrims]

Brilliant informative amp Phill thanks.

[@trentnichols5075]

First, I’d like to know who was the 3 bone 🦴 heads that gave this video a thumbs down. & second heck yeah we want a review of that amp! Just keep doing what you do Phill.

[@Halenrocks5150]

Very helpful and informative video! Thanks Phillip - you ROCK!!!

[@mattg082]

Yea..I’ve gone through like 4 amps shipped to me new…after hours of stuff. I’m starting to realize every amp ends up with a broken power tube(in my case eventually blew) another one had a hum, accidentally tapped the chassis with my finger nail and same sound you had on V1…so o tracked it to v1 or v2. The microphonic tubes, are picking up electrical hum and buzz at times. This is what I’ve found. I further isolate I put the amps on a DI box to rule out reverb pan and other things. Then usually can find the culprit! Preamp tubes are easy to find and swap around to see if follows. But Power Tubes can be hard sometimes if you don’t have extras. So common these days I find…especially post Covid 2020. Seems like it’s a given any new amp will have a bad or microphonic tube somewhere. I’ve had amps shipped with the glass bear traps scratching the glass, destroying the tubes…it’s just all they have for mass production!

[@billmudge2965]

Good instruction. Thank you.

[@casperboo5465]

Yes please Phill. we would like a review of this amp, Thank You, Cheers

[@bluesrocker91]

I think had a microphonic power tube a few years back. I was playing on the neck pickup of my Strat and hit a low B note at the 7th fret, suddenly the amp spluttered and let out a really loud wailing sound that carried on even with the volume turned down. It only stopped when I put it into standby. Turning it back on, the amp would play fine, until I hit that low B note again. I used a chopstick to tap each tube, and the second I touched the right hand power tube, the amp instantly started wailing again.

[@HarryGirsang]

This guy insane. Im following u now Phil 🤣

[@andrewocallaghan617]

a review of amp would be great Phil. cheers

[@rokstar1112]

Great tip Phil!

[@JulianDoe]

when you know your gear you can save money! thanks Phil!

[@firstboyonthemoon8876]

That vibrolux probably sat in the shop for so long because of the celestion ten 30s. Those are crap speakers. Not trying to be negative but i own a princeton with a ten 30. After playing it for a couple years comparing it to others, i discovered this.

[@zachhickey5887]

Awesome man. I ran into this with an old Traynor ycs 50h. Maybe you could go a little in depth on biasing a tube amp sometime! Thanks, Phil!

[@null4008]

Great video. Thank you. I'm having some weird issues with an EVH 5150 II head. It's popping, squealing, hissing, and sometimes the volume drops about 50%. I think it may be a preamp issue. I'll try the tap test with something made of wood.

[@comicsrcool5483]

Yes. Please review the amp!

[@bobbymauro3721]

So is it automatically assumed that if the amp suddenly projects an abnormal level of highs that it would be the preamp tubes? Just had this happen last week with my AC30 on stage and will be definitely performing this test for sure to evaluate! Thank you so much for this!

[@98JamesNixon]

Thanks for this, found out I had bad power valves causing massive volume drops and a microphonic tube as well haha!

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

I use a metal hammer and tap very carefully and it works great. If you break a tube it means you needed a new tube anyway.

[@iamdaviddor]

I just learned something new today. I’m going outside to get a twig and try this.

[@105Gunner]

Thanks Phil! Please review the amp!