some questions about tube amps

I'm going to buy a bass amp that uses vacuum tubes but only optionally (it's a recent one). and I have some questions about tube amps

1. Do you have to replace the tubes?

2. If so, how often?

3. and if I do have to replace the tubes, were might I find them?

 

I dont know about that amp you have, but when i was playing bass thru a Fender Bassman head with tubes, I only had to get new tubes once in the five years I played thru it. Its an occasional thing, but not a regular expense.

I found the tubes at an electrical supply dealer, and got em cheaper than at a music store - about 20 bucks each.

 

1. Yes

2. When they burn out, depends on how often you use the amp and how hard you push it.

3. Music stores usually. Not many electronics stores carry them anymore.

 

Your music shop will probably do it for you, for a fee of course.

If you do decide to replace it yourself (which isn't a big deal) then for gods sake don't blow the tube then go "I guess I'd better replace that then" pull out your tube you've had at the side for years and then do it straight after it's blown.

Those things get so damn hot its actually untrue.

There are horror stories of roadies not wearing super-duper-heat-proof gloves when tubes have blown and trying it with their bare hands and getting VERY bad injuries.

 

Are we talking like blister burns, or are we talking about burns that make your skin fall off?

 

The second one and worse.

The sort of burns that you might get from holding a piece of glass that's about as hot as a bunsen burner.

I can't remember exactly how hot it gets but it's something ridiculous.