Safety Tips for Changing Tubes on an Amplifier

Series Summary

An amplifier is a natural or artificial device that is used to make an audio or any type of signal stronger as it passes through the device. There are many different types of amplifiers. Some, like acoustic guitars and cellos are acoustic or natural amplifiers and others that use electricity such as electric guitars and PA systems are electric or artificial amplifiers. Of course you have much more control over tone and volume with an artificial amplifier but the quality of sound of a tube amplifier is usually preferred by picky musicians.

In this series of free videos you'll learn step-by-step instructions for changing a vacuum tube on your tube amplifier. Our expert, Jeff Naylor, is here to show you what tools and equipment you'll need to get started, how to gain access to the tubes in the back of your amp, how to remove an old tube and replace it with a new one, and how to fine tune your work by setting the bias and correcting the crossover distortion. Your amp will sound as good as new, and you'll save a few dollars as you learn more about your equipment.

Video Transcript

"Hello, this is Jeff Naylor from Mtroniks Engineering in Mesa, AZ, for Expert Village. Today, we're going to be covering the basics in tube amp maintenance; which include safety, tools, tube selection, bias, basic terminology, and diagnostics. For demonstration purposes today, I have chosen Marshall TSL 60. This is one of many amps in the JCM 2000 series. I've chosen this amp because of its simplicity in biasing, and its inherent safety features. These same techniques can be used in all the JCM 2000 series amps, which include anything in the DSL and TSL line. Before we begin today's lesson, I wanna mention my safety concerns. Inside any tube amp there are residual voltages of several hundred volts that can kill you long after the amp has been unplugged. I do not recommend, in any circumstance, taking the amp out of its wooden case. I also recommend extreme caution while replacing the tubes. If your amp has been played recently, it can be extremely hot, and can burn your fingers. Always read your owner's manual, and obey the operational instructions, and if you have more advanced problems with your tube amp, make sure to take it to a professional. In our next segment, we'll discuss the basic tools you'll need to change and bias your tubes. See you there!"