6BQ5 Old Tubes??...

[jgab]

I have a few old tubes that have lost their labels.

I want to know if any of you can identify these tubes.

Tube #1: This tube says "Fleetwood" on it and has 6bq5 printed within a stopsign logo. It also has a "D" getter, two seperate fins and a post on the top. It also has a black line around the base that looks like a black crack at first glance. I am thinking this is an RCA tube, but I am not sure where it is made.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube015.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube016.jpg

Tube #2: This tube says "Made in 6bq5 Canada F1" http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube010.jpg
The writing looks like it is in good condition and difficult to rub off. It has four seams on the top of the tube, a large circle getter and two separated large fins.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube008.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube009.jpg
Not sure who made this one....

Tube #3: Has a very thick circle getter and a post.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube012.jpg
No fins on top. The base flares out a little bit. The writing is 6BQ5 with three dots above the label. I know GE put dots on their tubes, but does anyone else? I don't know where it was made.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o250 ... ube011.jpg

Also, I was wondering if RCA had tubes made for them in Japan? I have some 6BQ5 tubes with the stopsign logo that says Japan on them. Are these ok quality? I also have a RCA tube made in England? I never knew they made RCA tube out of England.

Any info would be great.

Thanks,
J

[Phil_S]

Also, I was wondering if RCA had tubes made for them in Japan? I have some 6BQ5 tubes with the stopsign logo that says Japan on them. Are these ok quality? I also have a RCA tube made in England? I never knew they made RCA tube out of England.
J

Does it say "England" or "Gt. Britain"? This is a very important difference.

[kleuck]

6BQ5 was just the american name of EL84 (like 12AX7 for ECC83)

[jgab]

It says "England" on the tube. Not "Great Britain".

I know the differences in tube names. Thanks, but that is not what I was after.


I am merely looking for information regarding probably manufacture and origin.

[kleuck]

Sorry

[jgab]

I am sorry if I sound like an ass. I hate not being able to talk to perple in person. The things people say on these forums can sound so harsh sometimes even though they were probably not meant to be that way at all. I hate that about the internet.

No need to apoligize.

Thanks for your response.

[kleuck]

My mistake, english is not my language, and i read your question too fast.

[jgab]

Any idea on these tubes? There has to be some old fart out there that has seen a hundred of these tubes in his lifetime?
J

[pbrommer]

Hello-
I'll give this the best shot that I can. Take my ideas with a heapingly huge grain(s) of salt.

Tube #1: Looks like an RCA. I think if I/we could see the stop sign side, maybe it would help. Usually, RCA has U.S.A above the stop sign (I'll have to check my tubes in my stash to verify).

Tube #2: Most likely Phillips/Rogers Canada. I have a 12ax7 that has the similar print and labels. It might also be Westinghouse Canada, too, but the seams indicate a Phillips family tube.

Tube #3: Could be GE with the dots, but it could be RCA. I believe I have a couple RCA with that thick-style circle shaped getter. I'll double check.

To answer the question about RCA and Japan --- most definitely they did. You can find RCA relabels of Matsu, BEL India, and even Mullards. I believe I have a 12ax7 that is a BEL (but could be a Matsu). It even flashes at startup (really cool). Post a picture and maybe someone (or I) can figure it out.

I hope this gives you a direction to search. I don't claim to be a guru or knowing person, but I have some examples that look similar to your tubes. Hope I helped at least a little bit.

Patrick
P.S. I'm not an old fart. Just a 27 year old guy who retains random, irrelevant information like a sponge.

[jgab]

Thanks!

Thats the kind of info I am looking for.
J