SPAX7 won't fit into V1 socket

[aaronlyon]

I want to put a SPAX7 in V1 of my Mark IVa head, but the black shrink tubing won't let the tube fit inside the silver "can" around V1. Should I trim off enough of the tubing to make it work?

Also, I have a microphonic EL-34 that rattles enthusiastically when I play a low G. But it quiets up immediately if I put light pressure on it with my finger. Can I put an O-ring or something on it?

 

[Old BF Shred]

An O ring would very likely melt on an output tube (unless you can find one rated for very high temperatures).
You can try one of these:

http://www.tubedepot.com/tr-04.html

You could very carefully trim the covering of the spax7. but that may remove some of its effectiveness....won't physically hurt the tube as long as you're careful, though.

Good luck with both!

 

[av8or3]

go without the can, it'll sound fine!
replace the tube,,,
Jim

 

[jpdennis]

go without the can, it'll sound fine!
replace the tube,,,
Jim

+1

Dump the EL and get a new one - it happens. There are several threads in this forum which talk about even better tone with different tubes. But be prepared to lose sleep :wink:

Dennis

 

[MesaDCLP]

I cut the rubber off and put it in with the can installed on top. Works fine that way too.

 

[aaronlyon]

I was able to trim just 3/16" of the shrinktubing off the tube, and it fit into the can. Everyone was asleep last night, and I haven't even been able to try it out!

 

[kartoffel]

You could try an O-ring on that el34 till a new one comes. Almost every O-ring you can find at a hardware store is the black NBR type that goes to 100ºC easy more like 125ºC+ but the manufacturers would rather underestimate. I doubt the 6l6GC gets to 210ºF.