Whether or not you can touch amp tubes with bare hands is a matter of some debate. Some people say that it is perfectly safe to touch tubes with bare hands, while others warn that it can damage the tubes and shorten their lifespan.
The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, including the type of tube, the age of the tube, and how often you touch the tube.
Here are some of the risks of touching amp tubes with bare hands:
- Skin oils: The oils on your skin can transfer to the glass envelope of the tube. These oils can overheat and cause the glass to crack.
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints can also act as a catalyst for dirt and dust to build up on the tube. This can also cause the tube to overheat and fail.
- Corrosion: The sweat on your hands can contain corrosive salts. These salts can corrode the pins on the tube, making it difficult to insert and remove the tube.
Here are some tips for safely touching amp tubes:
- Only touch tubes when they are cool. Hot tubes can burn your skin.
- Only touch tubes with clean, dry hands. Avoid touching tubes with sweaty or oily hands.
- Be careful not to touch the glass envelope of the tube. If you do touch the glass, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
- Avoid touching the pins on the tube. If you do touch the pins, wipe them clean with a dry cloth or alcohol wipe.
If you are concerned about damaging your amp tubes, it is best to avoid touching them altogether. However, if you need to touch a tube, be sure to follow the safety tips above.
Here is what some tube amp manufacturers have to say about touching tubes with bare hands:
- Fender: Fender recommends that you avoid touching the glass envelope of the tube. If you do touch the glass, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
- Marshall: Marshall recommends that you only touch tubes when they are cool and that you avoid touching the glass envelope of the tube.
- Vox: Vox recommends that you avoid touching the glass envelope of the tube. If you do touch the glass, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.
Overall, it is up to you to decide whether or not to touch amp tubes with bare hands. If you do choose to touch tubes, be sure to follow the safety tips above to avoid damaging them.
