Metropoulos Forum

Hi guys.

I just completed my 67/68 100w project and Im still in the tweaking stage, working out a couple of bugs. I noticed the during the initial fireup 3 days ago that the preamp tubes (Mullard Reissues) BARELY glow at all. Even hard to see in the dark. I can look down the center hole of the sockets and see a glow but thru the glass I cant seem to see much if any. I have heard about some tubes in the past that act similar to this but I was wondering if anyone else has the same experience with RI Mullards. I have a little squealing when I take my hand off of the strings and goes quite when I hold the neck and strings. I have swapped the preamp tubes around and it doesnt seem to help much. Just wondering if I have some bad tubes. All voltages are good.

I only have one in my amp and it is hard to see the glow too. So Id say normal.

I'm running 3 Sylvanias in a 2203. V2 is much dimmer compared to the other two. I do not have a tester but everything sounds fine.

Matt

MassTone wrote:I'm running 3 Sylvanias in a 2203. V2 is much dimmer compared to the other two. I do not have a tester but everything sounds fine.

Matt

I think he's talking spcifically about the mullard reissue. I have one mullard reissue in my amp and it does not glow either.

Some 12ax7's, particularly those with a spiral filament, are next to impossible to see the filament glowing. If you see it though the center pin of the tube socket, they're fine. If the filament doesn't lite up, the tube does not work.

The amp sounds good so I now they are working. I have a light squeal (new build) and I have switched the tubes around and have the same squeal. Thought the tubes may be off or something. I have heard of Mullard Re-issues being bad out of the box. Thanks for all the input.