Bottlehead Forum

General Category => Technical topics => Topic started by: Deke609 on February 08, 2019, 10:30:00 AM

Title: Any fix for noisy tube?
Post by: Deke609 on February 08, 2019, 10:30:00 AM

I figure this is probably a lost cause, but thought I'd ask.

I have a tube that has started making a squeaky/whistling sound. It is only audible when no music is playing and during quiet passages.  It has a constant volume: doesn't increase or decrease when I turn the volume pot. And it doesn't seem to otherwise affect the sound quality coming from tube.  But it is sure is annoying when I do hear it.

I would just replace it -- but it is a vintage 45 tube and 1/2 of my favorite pair (by a long shot) of the 3 pairs of vintage 45s I've picked up. 

Any miracle potential fix?  Reheat the pins and add some solder?  Add sealant to where the collar/base meets the glass?  I'm willing to try anything.

many thanks in advance,

Derek

Title: Re: Any fix for noisy tube?
Post by: Doc B. on February 08, 2019, 11:29:13 AM

Try cleaning the pins.

Title: Re: Any fix for noisy tube?
Post by: Deke609 on February 08, 2019, 11:48:39 AM

Thanks Doc. I gave them a perfunctory cleaning, but I'll try your dremel/q-tip approach.