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It is impossible to tell if a tube has never been used (unless it came from some
factory where they are all just sitting sealed - where they are "suppose" to
come from). The tubes shouldn't be damaged after use if they unless they're
abused. In other words, old tubes that still work are old stock, but not new
and it is very difficult to tell. Tube testers will tell you if a tube is
working properly, but they only show that the tube will work, not that the amp
will sound musically pleasing. Thats why I suggest testing tubes with an amp.
Its not hard to pull them in and out. You have to make sure that your amp can
handle different tubes without biasing, but other than that, changing the tubes
is no big thing. I have 3 sets of tubes for my RI bassman: the original
burnt-out ones, some NOS Chinese tubes that sound OK and some Rubys that sound
louder and tougher than the NOS, but still just sound OK. The reason I suggest
testing them, is that I was told these Ruby tubes would improve my sound a
great deal. They changed the sound, but not to my liking. Perhaps the tubes I
would have liked were the ones next to the Ruby's in the case, but I didn't know
because I didn't try 'em. Bottom line, trust your ears. My advice in a
nutshell: buy tubes that sound the best to you and don't replace working tubes
without a good reason.
Damon
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