Do EL84s need a retainer?

Will · Post by **Will** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 2:57 am

12AX7s don't, and EL84s are only a little bigger.

What do you guys think?

filtercap · Post by **filtercap** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:56 am

I don't think any tubes absolutely need a retainer, as long as the sockets are good n tight.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:59 am

i support whatever filtercap says, shit is prolly right.

Will · Post by **Will** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:08 am

HEY! AMPEG JET!

20 MINUTES TO CHANGE A TUBE MY ASS WE'RE GOING BARE-BACK

Post by **Doog** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:08 am

Hahaha, excellent.

Sloan · Post by **Sloan** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:18 pm

i liek retainerz, 12ax7's usually have the tube covers/shields. i did work on an amp where the 12ax7's had been worked out even with the covers on, so whatever.

NickS · Post by **NickS** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 2:34 pm

Sloan wrote:i liek retainerz, 12ax7's usually have the tube covers/shields. i did work on an amp where the 12ax7's had been worked out even with the covers on, so whatever.

+1
The JTM60 had a preamp tube at a slightly odd angle when I got it.
However, that clamp looks a bit more difficult to get on and off than something like this:

or this:

Chicago Mike · Post by **Chicago Mike** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:31 pm

Hatez retainers. Broke a KT66 once with the dang retainer snapping back, but it was my fault. I was trying to stretch it too far and it woudn't fit.

Will · Post by **Will** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:30 pm

This retainer is attached with 2 really tiny machine screws that both have to be removed. It's an ordeal to either remove the chassis or try to find a screwdriver that can contort to get them out with the chassis in. So fuck it. It's not even tight on the top of the tubes anyhow.