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Tube Amp #3 - Exercise that Tube Amp!

Vacuum tubes will last nearly forever if left on a shelf or in an amp that’s never used. Electrolytic capacitors, on the other hand, won’t stay healthy when left idle, and all tube gear has them. They are manufactured using alternating layers of conductive foil separated by a chemical insulation called the dielectric. When left unused, the dielectric begins to crystallize and dry up.

The shelf life of an unused electrolytic capacitor is about one year. Electricity applied to the capacitor might be said to “stir up,” or stimulate, the dielectric. With regular use and “exercise,” an electrolytic capacitor will typically last fifteen years.

To keep capacitors healthy, power up your tube amp for several hours every three to six months. You don’t have to play the amp to achieve the desired effect.

We all know that the quality and condition of our tubes can dramatically impact the tone and responsiveness of an amplifier. To a slightly lesser extent, electrolytic capacitors make a substantial contribution to the organic and musical magic we love so much about our tube amps.