J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak

On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

J.P. ) writes:
On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

But this newsgroup isn't about the repair of guitar amplifiers.
So indeed asking where the discussion is about repairing guitar
amplifiers would seem to be a far more appropriate place.

Now, had your question been whether the unit is good for testing
tubes, that might give a different response.

Michael VE2BVW

Michael Black wrote:
J.P. ) writes:
On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

But this newsgroup isn't about the repair of guitar amplifiers.
So indeed asking where the discussion is about repairing guitar
amplifiers would seem to be a far more appropriate place.

Now, had your question been whether the unit is good for testing
tubes, that might give a different response.

Michael VE2BVW


Yeah, I meant to direct him to sci.electronic.repair. Forgot....

jak

On 31 Aug 2006 03:47:13 GMT, (Michael Black)
wrote:

J.P. ) writes:
On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

But this newsgroup isn't about the repair of guitar amplifiers.
So indeed asking where the discussion is about repairing guitar
amplifiers would seem to be a far more appropriate place.

Now, had your question been whether the unit is good for testing
tubes, that might give a different response.

Michael VE2BVW
Well Michael, apparently, I need to rephrase my question. So, here is
a stab at it. I am a newby with some digital electronics in my
background, that is interested in building/repairing tube amplifiers.
It is my understanding that I will need a tube tester to test both
used and new tubes for quality.I am now getting the information that I
will probably need a scope and a signal injecter also. I will have to
learn to use the functions of these tools that I need.These tools need
to cover the frequencys of guitar amplifiers also.
What brands and model numbers of these tools would you suggest I
get, considering I am on a low budget. J.P.

JP....

I'd go along with what's been suggested so far...though I might
suggest a good isolation transformer, a fused (read: circuit-breakered)
outlet right at-hand, and any DIY guitar amp repair literature you
can lay your hands on. There's one fellow's books come to mind, but
darned if I can't remember his name off the top of my head, he's
written
several books on amp repair and effects-building and repair.
THAT'S lucrative, a purist will pay boatloads for restoring his 1965
Jimi Hendrix
fuzzbox and such, so keep transistorized circuitry in mind as well.

A good lighted magnifying gizmo is always handy.

There are a multitude of musical instrument repair websites; the fun
part is, as with boatanchors, digging up parts. And schematics, tho'
many are available on the 'net. Reverse-engineering skills will come
in
handy, too. Consider apprenticing yourself to a local repair guru;
you'll learn more in less time than you can imagine, PLUS you'll have
access to tools to do the job with.

Homeowners & fire insurance is a good bet as well....

Good luck, and Rock On, JP.

Terry Bakowski

ps
try an Amazon.com search on 'Craig Anderton....', I think that's
the name I'm trying to remember. Also check out: PC-based
osciloscopes, there are several freebie downloads for them. And if
anyone knows how to set up a rig to measure transconductance using a
'scope..please let me know.
It shouldn't be THAT difficult...er..should it? G

On 31 Aug 2006 15:32:10 -0700, "Jammer" wrote:

JP....

I'd go along with what's been suggested so far...though I might
suggest a good isolation transformer, a fused (read: circuit-breakered)
outlet right at-hand, and any DIY guitar amp repair literature you
can lay your hands on. There's one fellow's books come to mind, but
darned if I can't remember his name off the top of my head, he's
written
several books on amp repair and effects-building and repair.
THAT'S lucrative, a purist will pay boatloads for restoring his 1965
Jimi Hendrix
fuzzbox and such, so keep transistorized circuitry in mind as well.

A good lighted magnifying gizmo is always handy.

There are a multitude of musical instrument repair websites; the fun
part is, as with boatanchors, digging up parts. And schematics, tho'
many are available on the 'net. Reverse-engineering skills will come
in
handy, too. Consider apprenticing yourself to a local repair guru;
you'll learn more in less time than you can imagine, PLUS you'll have
access to tools to do the job with.

Homeowners & fire insurance is a good bet as well....

Good luck, and Rock On, JP.

Terry Bakowski

ps
try an Amazon.com search on 'Craig Anderton....', I think that's
the name I'm trying to remember. Also check out: PC-based
osciloscopes, there are several freebie downloads for them. And if
anyone knows how to set up a rig to measure transconductance using a
'scope..please let me know.
It shouldn't be THAT difficult...er..should it? G
Well, I guess if it was that easy, everyone would have one... I am
half way through my second repair book and am starting to line up
tools for a future bench. I am a hobbyist at this time but might get
into a job thing later if it starts to pay off. I enjoy it at this
level. It's kind od fun to listen to some of those tube amps and being
able to hear things others miss while they are listening to the words.
A lot of brands have their own "signature sound" and I like trying to
figure out what they are and what has been done to them. Hearing isn't
what it used to be but I can still tell a Marshall from a Vox. And
since I am a diabled vet living in a small town on a small fixed
income, I have found that I can pursue this by computer and book.
There is one old radio guy around here but as far as I know, that's
about it. I need to go buy his place and see what he does one of these
days. Caught him slipping out of an auction with an old tube radio
under his arm he had just bought for nothing. He looked like he was
stealing something...so I stopped him and got his address. Guess he
got a real deal on that radio.You'd have thought he had bought a gold
bar!.... so I figure there is something to be gained from this, maybe
some money but mostly some pleasure. I never was that much of a guitar
player but always have had one. And after spending time trying to
change the sound of the guitar came to the conclusion that the amp is
"the sound"! so I am now on that trail.... what the hell, beats
waiting for the "Rockford Files" to come on TV!

J.P. wrote:
On 31 Aug 2006 15:32:10 -0700, "Jammer" wrote:

JP....

I'd go along with what's been suggested so far...though I might
suggest a good isolation transformer, a fused (read: circuit-breakered)
outlet right at-hand, and any DIY guitar amp repair literature you
can lay your hands on. There's one fellow's books come to mind, but
darned if I can't remember his name off the top of my head, he's
written
several books on amp repair and effects-building and repair.
THAT'S lucrative, a purist will pay boatloads for restoring his 1965
Jimi Hendrix
fuzzbox and such, so keep transistorized circuitry in mind as well.

A good lighted magnifying gizmo is always handy.

There are a multitude of musical instrument repair websites; the fun
part is, as with boatanchors, digging up parts. And schematics, tho'
many are available on the 'net. Reverse-engineering skills will come
in
handy, too. Consider apprenticing yourself to a local repair guru;
you'll learn more in less time than you can imagine, PLUS you'll have
access to tools to do the job with.

Homeowners & fire insurance is a good bet as well....

Good luck, and Rock On, JP.

Terry Bakowski

ps
try an Amazon.com search on 'Craig Anderton....', I think that's
the name I'm trying to remember. Also check out: PC-based
osciloscopes, there are several freebie downloads for them. And if
anyone knows how to set up a rig to measure transconductance using a
'scope..please let me know.
It shouldn't be THAT difficult...er..should it? G
Well, I guess if it was that easy, everyone would have one... I am
half way through my second repair book and am starting to line up
tools for a future bench. I am a hobbyist at this time but might get
into a job thing later if it starts to pay off. I enjoy it at this
level. It's kind od fun to listen to some of those tube amps and being
able to hear things others miss while they are listening to the words.
A lot of brands have their own "signature sound" and I like trying to
figure out what they are and what has been done to them. Hearing isn't
what it used to be but I can still tell a Marshall from a Vox. And
since I am a diabled vet living in a small town on a small fixed
income, I have found that I can pursue this by computer and book.
There is one old radio guy around here but as far as I know, that's
about it. I need to go buy his place and see what he does one of these
days. Caught him slipping out of an auction with an old tube radio
under his arm he had just bought for nothing. He looked like he was
stealing something...so I stopped him and got his address. Guess he
got a real deal on that radio.You'd have thought he had bought a gold
bar!.... so I figure there is something to be gained from this, maybe
some money but mostly some pleasure. I never was that much of a guitar
player but always have had one. And after spending time trying to
change the sound of the guitar came to the conclusion that the amp is
"the sound"! so I am now on that trail.... what the hell, beats
waiting for the "Rockford Files" to come on TV!

I'm not encouraging crossposting, but there are much more appropriate
newsgroups for this thread. Foremost, I would try
sci.electronics.repair. There are a number of people there who probably
have more experience with what you are trying to do, than here. For
specifics, like tube test equipment, try rec.antiques.radio+phono.
You're getting some pertinent advice here, but it's way off-topic.

In fact, I'm sure there are even more topical newsgroups specific to
guitars and amplifiers, I just don't subscribe to any of them.

jak

On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++
I'd do a bit more studying first. Most Hickocks are good units. I'm
not personally familiar with the one you cite; but any tube tester that
you buy is probably pretty old and should itself be restored and
calibrated. I'd check eBay for price. There is a fairly limited
number of unique tube types for guitar amps, so substitution is an
viable option to checking (although the output tubes in many amps are
very expensive).

I think I'd look into an audio signal generator, several hundred watt
8/4 ohm dummy load and an oscilloscope first...all of which might cost
you less than $200 and be more useful on a day to day basis. Make sure
you have good soldering tools...a good assortment of hand tools in general.

Another thing which is particularly useful when servicing these big dogs
is some sort of a chassis dolly which allows you to rotate the unit
without picking it up....

jak

On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 21:52:35 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

On Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:30:39 -0500, jakdedert
wrote:

J.P. wrote:
I can get one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this what I need for
use on a guitar amp building/repair workbench? thanks...J.P.

Very strange question....

Anyone who builds/repairs guitar amps should know the answer.

jak
Nothing strange about it! I am a rookie and am studying about guitar
amps and trying to build a work bench one tool at a time. I have a
Fluke meter and think my next tool should be a tube tester. I have no
clue as to how to use it nor do I have a big wad to buy one with so I
am looking for information instead of just buying something off of
Ebay with no idea of what I am getting. I would appreciate any
information I can get. Thank you...J.P.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++
I'd do a bit more studying first. Most Hickocks are good units. I'm
not personally familiar with the one you cite; but any tube tester that
you buy is probably pretty old and should itself be restored and
calibrated. I'd check eBay for price. There is a fairly limited
number of unique tube types for guitar amps, so substitution is an
viable option to checking (although the output tubes in many amps are
very expensive).

I think I'd look into an audio signal generator, several hundred watt
8/4 ohm dummy load and an oscilloscope first...all of which might cost
you less than $200 and be more useful on a day to day basis. Make sure
you have good soldering tools...a good assortment of hand tools in general.

Another thing which is particularly useful when servicing these big dogs
is some sort of a chassis dolly which allows you to rotate the unit
without picking it up....

jak
You're the second person,so far, that has suggested I get a scope
first. What scopr would you suggest. I like name brands but am not
stuck on them. I just want accurate readings.