The band I'm in practices in a garage that's not insulated, so it can get to around 15-20 degrees some nights. After practice I throw a blanket over my head but I don't know how much that would help. Would cold weather hurt the sound of the tubes or decrease the life of them? I warm up the head about 15 to 20 minutes before playing on it. Oh, and it's a 3 channel Dual Rectifier if that matters. I've got another head I could leave there for practice but where I live it's hard to get a lot of shows so I'd hate to only use my Mesa for shows since it's sounds so awesome. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Weather affecting tubes?
- Thread starter icetrey
- Start date
Help Support The Boogie Board:
stephen sawall
Well-known member
There has been a few threads a "The Gear Page" not to long ago. Do a search there. Before you take my word on it. I do not believe any electronic component should be in that temperature at all (the whole amp) I am almost positive speaker damage well be the biggest problem. I know that temperature well do damage to guitars. :x
NoGlassNoClass
Well-known member
stephen sawall said:
+1...many very knowledgeable folks over there. IME/IMO the cold wont hurt your gear, but condensation most certainly will. Moisture creates all manner of problems in electronic equipment, and as far as the speakers...well, they are paper right? The blanket is a good idea, and you should cover the head while it is still warm. A better idea would be to take your gear inside the house when you are finished. Insulating your practice spot should be your first order of business. It will make the room acoustics better, there will be less noise outside, you will all be more comfortable, and it costs less than repairing water-damaged gear.
stephen sawall
Well-known member
I was thinking more along the lines of that much temperature change in heating and cooling and the condensation that comes from that. I do know that it is a good idea to let the speaker warm up a little by turning the amp off of stand by with no guitar plugged in. The hum running for a minute or two well loosen the coils.
Ok, thanks. I do take my guitar home. Atleast the one that's worth a lot. We could love to have the place insulated but it's my cousin's dads garage and we're just glad he lets us use it, besides we're gonna have to break up in a few months cause of moving for college. It sucks. We've been together 7 years. Thanks though.
Silverwulf
Well-known member
I've practiced in storage units and non-climate controlled spots on more than one occasion. Temps have gone from 0 degrees to the 90's. I always take my guitars and head units home with me. That's not optional. The cab and my pedal board can stay, though.
