Charles Reeder
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- Joined
- Feb 21, 2008
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Hi:
I don't know if this has ever been posted here or not...if so my apologies!
I just wanted to pass along a helpful little tip...for using Yellow Jackets with EL-84 tubes. It is especially useful if you are using them in a Combo-Amp where vibration is more of an issue and can result in some rather unpleasant sound issues...ie. crackling, static, etc.
After carefully inserting the EL-84s into the Yellow-Jackets...making extra sure how straight they are...I apply a fine line of Silicone Sealer around the base of the tube where it touches the Yellow-Jacket. I'm sure other sealants could be used... (3M-Weather-Seal perhaps?)...anything really which DOESN'T dry hard like glue...and remains flexible and rubbery. This dampens MUCH of the tube vibration...and the assorted ills which result from tube vibration...AND PREVENTS...the tubes bending and falling out of the Yellow-Jacket sockets during transport etc.
When the tube finally 'dies'...it is easy to peel off the silicone by hand with a thumbnail and prepare to insert the new tube.
Caution: Be awfully sure that you have the tube 'snugly' inserted all the way into the Yellow-Jacket and straightly aligned before applying the sealant. You definitely DON'T want any of it under the tube base where it might interfere with good electrical contact.
Cheers: Charles
I don't know if this has ever been posted here or not...if so my apologies!
I just wanted to pass along a helpful little tip...for using Yellow Jackets with EL-84 tubes. It is especially useful if you are using them in a Combo-Amp where vibration is more of an issue and can result in some rather unpleasant sound issues...ie. crackling, static, etc.
After carefully inserting the EL-84s into the Yellow-Jackets...making extra sure how straight they are...I apply a fine line of Silicone Sealer around the base of the tube where it touches the Yellow-Jacket. I'm sure other sealants could be used... (3M-Weather-Seal perhaps?)...anything really which DOESN'T dry hard like glue...and remains flexible and rubbery. This dampens MUCH of the tube vibration...and the assorted ills which result from tube vibration...AND PREVENTS...the tubes bending and falling out of the Yellow-Jacket sockets during transport etc.
When the tube finally 'dies'...it is easy to peel off the silicone by hand with a thumbnail and prepare to insert the new tube.
Caution: Be awfully sure that you have the tube 'snugly' inserted all the way into the Yellow-Jacket and straightly aligned before applying the sealant. You definitely DON'T want any of it under the tube base where it might interfere with good electrical contact.
Cheers: Charles
