cleaning tubes

[PK1]

I have an old Music Man amp that has four GE Big Bottle EL34s. They are very dirty on the outside. I tested a spot and found 409 removes the markings.

What would be a good way to clean these without removing the painted (silk screened?) markings?

[GTRWUN]

Personally, I think Id just leave them alone. Im not sure you can put any kind of cleaner on there,with any kind of pressure, and expect the screening to stay intact. Thats just my experience, maybe someone else has had better luck than me. I have some Telefunken EL84's, and all you have to do is look at them wrong, and the screening wants to fall off!

[PK1]

Thanks for the reply. I'll probably just clean around the lettering. I'm pretty sure they are running hot with all the grunge on them.

[jac]

Safest way is to just use an old cotton t-shirt and nothing else. No liqiuds at all. Wipe as much off as yyou gently can. All you can do. Iusually have no problem doing this.
Jac

[PK1]

Thanks, Jac. I'll give that a try.

[jac]

Please make sure they're cold

[Dana-L]

If you decide you really don't want any Telefunken (or Amperex, or Mullard, or RCA or . . . ) writing at all, Windex will clean 'em up in the shake of a lambs tail. (voice of experience speaking)

For careful cleaning, I use a Q-Tip, and sometimes I do use a bit of Windex on a paper towel to clean the domes of particularly grimy ones. They're also great for getting the goo out of the seam between the bottle and the base.

I use a lot of old 'pulls' and some of my biggest problems are dirty pins. For them, I use old toothbrushes that have been thoroughly cleaned. It's amazing how much gunk comes off and how clean the tubes look when you're done.

Cheers,

-Dana

[Bluesmechanic]

I have an old Music Man amp that has four GE Big Bottle EL34s. They are very dirty on the outside. I tested a spot and found 409 removes the markings.

What would be a good way to clean these without removing the painted (silk screened?) markings?

If you are planning on selling them I would sell them dirty. If you keep them you'll only notice a slight decrease in the mids without the markings.

[PK1]

Actually, I'm selling the amp. However, it has a number of problems so I won't get much for it (not that Music Man amps are worth much to start with). The thought occurred to me to sell the tubes and 15" EV and junk the amp (maybe pull the iron and verb tank, too). Probably come out with the same money and less hassle then selling a marginal and rather undesirable amp. Oh, yeah, after wiping them down, one tube turned out to be a Phillips. The cabinet and maybe the chassis would be good for a project. This amp is probably worth more parted out then as a complete amp.

[Bluesmechanic]

Actually, I'm selling the amp. However, it has a number of problems so I won't get much for it (not that Music Man amps are worth much to start with). The thought occurred to me to sell the tubes and 15" EV and junk the amp (maybe pull the iron and verb tank, too). Probably come out with the same money and less hassle then selling a marginal and rather undesirable amp. Oh, yeah, after wiping them down, one tube turned out to be a Phillips. The cabinet and maybe the chassis would be good for a project. This amp is probably worth more parted out then as a complete amp.

I no nothing about Music Man Amps. I played in a group with two guitar players once and the other guitarist used one. I thought it sounded good. That was 20 odd years ago, so I might have a different opinion today. What is it worth (whole or parted)? I would not have a clue. If it is not to beat up, my guess is it's worth more together.

[Michael]

I "washed" two Telefunken and five Mullard 12AX7s in a bath of cold water once. Hmmm, which one is this? Ah, Telefunken...because it has a diamond on the bottom. Otherswise, couldn't tell, because every spec of screening has magically vanished!

[veets]

Yes, I have a few tubes around here that have no markings on them at all due to over zealous cleaning. But it is a pet peeve of mine--I hate dirty tubes--blocks my view
So here's what I do now--I "hahhhhh" on them like granny did to her spectacles, then wipe with a paper towel. I don't clean over the designator or other markings if I can help it.

[PK1]

I no nothing about Music Man Amps. I played in a group with two guitar players once and the other guitarist used one. I thought it sounded good. That was 20 odd years ago, so I might have a different opinion today. What is it worth (whole or parted)? I would not have a clue. If it is not to beat up, my guess is it's worth more together.

It's in pretty rough shape. The previous owner left it in a shed for 20 years (I got it free). The trannies are rusted, all the pots are scratchy, the aluminum speaker frame is corroded, the tremolo doesn't work, the tolex and grill cloth are stained, just about every piece of steel on it is rusted, and when the footswitch is plugged in it picks up a radio station (handy between sets I guess ). As you may know the pre is solid state with one ax7 for the master to overdrive. It does make a lot of power, though, 130 watts. Model is 115-HD.