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I used to stumble into a few great tube deals every month or two via the usual channels of Ebay and online vendors. It has been a very long time since I've found anything really interesting (or a super-bargain), just little stuff here and there. I'm curious if others have experienced the same dry spell of late or is it just me?I suppose the hardcore enthusiasts would argue the deals for "common" tubes have dried up long ago and that there are only bargains in the more obscure tubes.
Follow Ups:
Not exactly lately, but about 4 months ago I paid $160 for sixteen Tung-Sol 6550 black plate tubes from a ham radio person.
After driving around all of nothern colorado looking for (1)12ax7, I finally got lucky. I called a high-end audio shop, the guy said he had a couple "decent old tubes" lying around and to stop by. I think he liked the fact that a 21 yr old was addicted to tubes already, so after I told him what I needed, he smiled and said he had a box that would take care of me for a while... for only 20 bucks.. he kinda pressed me to trust him and buy before looking, but finally said there were 7or8 NOS RCA 12x7s ("and some other stuff), so i went for it (there were 23 tubes in there, 17 were NOS, the rest were used but had tested new. I decided to just grab 'em all. So I didn't really look at them until I got home, and I was amazed. Here's what I got:
4 nib Sylvania Gold Brand 6201's.
8 nib Rca 12ax7's (60's era)
2 nib Mullard M8162
2 nib siemens ecc81/12at7's
1 nib "national" 12at7. (made in germany, and identical to the siemens)
Those are just the new ones to. Then there were:
2 "black plate" RCA 12ax7
2 older RCA 12at7's,and a mystery bag with 2 tubes that just had dynaco, 12ax7 and west...(germany was 98%worn off except for the ny)..
I retested all of em (just to make sure) and sure enough, all the new ones were where they should be, and all the used ones tested almost as good (except for the odd dynaco ones...they tested better than ALL of 'em). So I started rolling 'em around in my jolida, having a lot of fun, and yesterday, I stumbled across a post about how a lot of dynaco stock tubes were tele's. So I did some research and sure enough they are some real tele's. So, a couple hundred bucks worth of tubes that all work in the amps I have... now I'm really hooked on this stuff. At least I got a good fix right?
Sounds like you really, I mean REALLY know your tubes. Curious that the obvious identity of the Dynaco tubes eluded you.
As far as the dynaco identity, I just really was more interested in seeing how the new ones sounded, as this was my first batch of good tubes (I'm only 21 by the way)... Before this summer, my only experience with tubes was really limited. I got into them when I bought my mesa boogie guitar amps, but mesa's trying to run a sovtek monopoly... they swear that they're "extremely rigorously" tested russian tubes are the only way to go... even potentially voiding the warranty by using other brands. But as I quickly learned here, one can do much better... to loosly quote an analogy I read somewhere about tubes: "you cant take 100 yugo's and say the best is a BMW"... something like that. I wouldn't have gotten this deal without the knowledge and insight of all the fellow inmates.. thanks guys
Yes you did. Good going. How much ga$$ did you use driving all over Northern Colorado looking for tubes however ?
wish it were me. Those black plate RCA are sweet. I would take them over Tele's( and two dozen Teles have gone through my hands ) and the three RCA black are still in my Kennedy machinist's chest.
live long and prosper,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
I liked the blackplates best until I bought my Rotel 1070. The new cdp is a lot brighter than my previous (cheap sony). The RCA's helped the cheap one overachieve, but were too bright in the new setup. Those Tele's really smoothed things out. I'm still not sold on the Sylvania GB6201's, dont get me wrong, but I think the mullard M8162's are my fav out of all of em.
Yep!
Pair of untouched, perfect box, NOS/NIB Genelex KT-66.
Stored since they were packaged.
nt
If you consider the listing and closing costs plus the hassle of shipping, it's really no fun selling $3 auctions!
And that's assuming they sell...
I've noticed recently a decline in tube prices and demand. Just follow a bunch of second tier tubes and see how many sell at all!
I believe the major factor leading to that situation is that most tubes are bought for existing sockets (commercial amps) and not for experimentation. So, the 12AX7, 6DJ8 and EF86 were in demand and still are. Those are signal tubes that last a long time, so after 4 years of strong ebay sales you would expect a decline in demand.
Power tubes don't last that long, but the older ones are mostly used and that's a no-no in my book. I bet many buyers of supposedly-NOS power tubes were bit by weak or leaky tubes at not such a bargain price. One such experience and you'd rather have a new Russian tube than a maybe great, possibly dead, Genalex...
Just the reality of market forces at play!
.
I'm relatively new to tubes, but I've already learned some costly lessons about buying pricey tubes from ebay and elsewhere. In one case, it was just as you guessed: I bought some used power tubes online for some fairly serious $$$, only to plug 'em in and find out they were so worn out they didn't sound half as good as the C-label Svetlanas I'd bought new for less than half the price. I've also fallen victim to the familiar ebay scams: tubes that never arrive, tubes arrive that are not the tubes in the picture online, etc.So... I'm not buying anything but new tubes online anymore, unless I see an absolutely screamin' bargain.
Not a mother load but:RCA 6l6GC gray plates(dated 1964)= 2
RCA 12AU7 = 6
RCA 12BH7 = 8
RCA 12AX7 = 3
GE 5157 = 3ALL NOS in boxes at an estate sale of a radio collector. $1 each.
I've got a couple. The latest a few weeks ago was a "large lot of tubes for radio repair" that included 42 tubes; I got 'em for $39. There were 4 #27's in it and 6 #45's. Now I have a 32 tube lot to sell for radio repair...
I realize there is a severe risk in that these are untested, but if even ONE works well I did good!
My own experience with the same seller was totally disappointing. All fifteen tubes in a batch purchase tested weak or dead.Maybe you will have better luck.
...when I get them.My logic is that I see duds for display going for $5-$10 on a -regular- basis, so I figured it wouldn't be to much of a loss/risk no matter what (unless they arrive physically broken).
Fingers crossed - I've been unemployed for almost 5 months (a lifetime record) so SOME luck is due my way ;-)
Even given the risk factor, it's amazing that it only received three bids with a high bid of $31.50. However, it can be explained by a very poor category choice, bad title for a number of reasons ("United Electronic JAN CUE845 VT243") and ship to USA. BTW, that seller is not naive about tubes. In this case, you would want it to be someone who knows nothing about them.My recent good tube buys on eBay (all were BIN):
Pair of REAL NOS/NIB Telefunken EL34s - $120/pair
Single NOS/NIB Mullard xf2 EL34 - $29
Quad of NOS/NIB Mullard GZ34s - $100/quad.
... the title on that auction didnt' show up at all in normal searches for 845s. Likely none of the serious players saw it, or it would have been in the $2000+ range probably. Will be interesting to see if any are any good. They all look used, but even if a few are decent, still a good score, no doubt.
...if the seller is indeed "not naive" about tubes, don't you think he knows what good 845s go for and would have at least advertised filament continuity??? This looks really suspicious to me. If I knew what Gerry knows I don't think I would have bid...I've got enough display VT4Cs that to the casual observer look the same as an 845. Hope MrFixit gets at least one good one but ...
a wager on the outcome perhaps?
regards,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
Yeah, I'm betting for mrfixit, he's a nice guy.
I'll go two widgets that he has 2 duds and 2 good ones and the rest are usable :-)Tre'
I hope that you are correct. However, my gut tells me these are duds - how the guy got so many of these is an alltogether different but interesting question.A quibble some might say, but "texmart" has been on Ebay for over 4 1/2 years, at their stated rate of "hundreds of auctions a month" we would be looking at a total (figuring on the conservative end 200 auctions per month) of around 10,800 completed auctions - thus a little confusing having a considerably smaller feedback record of 1600 auctions. I know not all auctions are completed, etc. but this number looks lowish to me for someone who comes on strong as a volume seller. In the last month there were 23 auctions.
My gut says the statement of hundreds per month and not time to check anything out seems more than likely a good cover for sending dodgy merchandise.
Again, I hope I am wrong, I enjoy seeing others get cool deals (once I get past my jealousy). All of my doubt withstanding, I very well may have bid on these had I seen them. Can we get a report already!!!
accumulating that many at once is not all that hard. I have at least that many united 845s, and have had even more all at one time. (all were good though. ;-)duds: could be, but I'd have thought more promotion for the auction in an effort to drive up the bids. for $30 or so, it's hardly worth packing them up. Just the word 'tube' in the title would have put bids well over $1000, I think. no one saw this one, I know I search for 845s all the time (everywhere).
I would have certainly bid, but would verify at least filament continuity before bidding.
will be interesting to see how it plays out!
and the seller says, 'all the 845 filaments check OK' and then it appears with the simple search title( and it's all ova!)
good thinking though, I'd probably gamble a little for such an item.
regards,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
It will be interesting to see the final tally.Weak and dead are one thing (most people have no way to check emmisions on an 845), but ANYONE with a meter can check the filaments. If these guys all have open heaters, then I would guess this seller is a scam artist.
Lets hope that isn't the case.
they can be busted open and the plate structure turned into very exclusive rear view mirror ornaments. I did that to a very broken 805. I'll bet you could get $10 each for one of those with a string around it...
live long and prosper,
Douglas( I do hope they are all good )
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
I'm looking four beautiful Taylor Globe 866 Jr's with open filaments.Can't bring myself to throw them out, even check them with a meter every now and again, just to be sure:-(
I have a bunch of those too. I keep some of them as I never know when I might want to re-base a tube with a cool white ceramic base.For me, the real ones that hurt are the half-dozen or more globe 10s that have open fils. > :P Of course the several gassy/wacky/weird metal plate western electric 242s and metal plate 845s don't help either. :-/
if anyone wants a nice globe 10 for display, let me know.
======Of course the several gassy/wacky/weird metal plate western electric 242s=========Yeah, got one of those too. WE 242C with "Fil OK" written on the glass. But unfortunatly that's all that's "OK". Otherwise a "Dud" :-(
Bill, I think that qualifies. I would be interested to know how many are good!
Holy cow, Mr. Fixit. That's a screaming deal! You're right -- if even one tube works well, you made out like a bandit.
I've got a mess of various valuable tubes with open filaments.Should I list them on eBay "As Is"?
If you want to be openly dishonest, sure.Did you have a point?
My point would be... If I can do it, anyone else can as well, and often do.I have mado over 100 ebay purchases of tubes.
Last few "as is" auctions I won on tubes that were "untested" or "can't test this type" just happened to have open heater filaments. Funny how that works.
Think the seller doesn't know what an 845 is worth, with good heater filaments?
Sorry, burnt a few times and won't bid again.
Anybody with a gun can go and shoot someone, but just because they can doesn't mean they do.If you don't want to bid on Ebay auctions, fine. More for the rest of us. But to condemn the whole process because you've had a few bad experiences is downright silly. Yes, care needs to be excercised when dealing on Ebay, but for that matter, care needs to be excercised when buying anything, anywhere.
I agree with your assessment requiring care. Please tell us if any of the tubes are usable, or even if they have filament continuity. Can you do that so we can either sit back and say 'D-Oh!' or 'the Grapes were sour anyway'?
live long and prosper,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
Hi Douglas,I didn't buy the tubes. I was just commenting on Mr. Fixit's "find." Hope the tubes work out well for him.
asking the wrong person, well, to Mr.Fixit then, do pleas tell us if any were serviceable, won't you?
regards,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
Bill, I bought some tubes from Texmart ages ago (3 yrs. approx.), the pictures looked enticing with lots of good tube numbers in desirable brands. Unfortunately, when they arrived I was a little disappointed, many of the desirable tubes were reboxed old dreck. It wasn't a total loss or anything, just a bit disappointing compared to what I had anticipated. They were cheap as well, so no biggie.Interesting side note, I recall Texmart used to bid on some typical hi-fi tubes on Ebay. I suspect this person doesn't have a completely oblique outlook on vintage tubes/audio. They may be a hi-fi enthusiast to some degree.
Regardless, I wish Mr. Fixit the best of luck, maybe he's been a good guy all year and ALL OF THEM will turn out to be good!!!
=================Regardless, I wish Mr. Fixit the best of luck, maybe he's been a good guy all year and ALL OF THEM will turn out to be good!!!==============As do we all!
HEy-Hey!!!,
I think one of the best sources is Radio Electric Supply in Florida. Owned by brothers, Roy and Dale. They have treated me quite well, and have gone and sorted stuff for me, and picked through for a certain type and basically just been a great dealer.The in-between acquisitions are usually better priced, but no guarantee, and no service. Found the Church Organ repair place in Ephrata and bought a few hundred tubes in a big box and some Baldwin amps. I'd have gone looking for more but my car was full and I was late for dinner at the Jersey Shore...
live long and prosper,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
Church organ repair place in Ephrata?You wouldn't happen to mean Buch organ Co. would you?
I live right near it, and always thought it would be neat to check out, but never thought they would have any tubes!
A local Church did give me two old Conn organ dual channel organ amps. Each amp has separate channels for bass and treble. Bass uses 6L6's and treble 6V6. Everyone says the amps were probably voiced strangely and won't sound good, so I have not put them on my list of amps to get running anytime soon.
very nice folks, and pleasant to deal with. I can't believe I beat you to them...
live long and prosper,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
and, no, I have not forgotten about the schematic. I will check tonight.
'bout 30 Sylvania 6L6GC which test like new, more than a hennert full base Sylavania 6SN7, half a cubic foot of 12AU7's mostly RCA clear tops( which I will likely sell to the folks in Washington who use them in kits ), and some 6V6's and 5U4's. Not a bad haul at all. Now if there were some 6550 amps and a similar stock of 6550's you'd hear the woooo-Hooooo! all the way at your place...
regards,
Douglas
!
Beware the man who behaves deceitfully towards others, for there is nothing else to save you from his deceiving you
Nice haul. I have found like 4 tubes all summer (though I rediscovered a few more. Note to all: Clean the storage bin every once and a while). I found 2 205D's (one WE NIB) (which were in a lot with some UTC and WE transformers) for $20, and I "rediscovered" a few dozen European frame grid nine pins, bulk pakaged, that I got two years ago and then imediately lost.
Very few deals anymore. I found a 100 6SN7 for $50 from a ham radio person, but even the ham guys are now well aware of the high prices of tubes. Of late, the ham radio persons have become more expensive than the audio based sellers in small lots.I am still looking for that small warehouse of tubes with say $10K-$20K to spend. Look for gov't military or smaller telephone company auctions of surplus tubes. On a smaller scale, perhaps organ repair shops may still have a group of tubes in their inventory.
I've found that the way to get good prices is to build a good relationship with one or two of the less used tube sellers, and then negotiate prices for bulk buys. If you are personally familiar with the owner he will in almost all cases be happy to negotiate some sort of deal, often a good one. If you're a good customer, you tend to get a good seller. I've found that the tube sellers I use are lovely people, very helpful, friendly and flexible about their stock. It's quite possible to get a good deal for you which is also a good deal for them. I doubt if this applies to the most sought after items, since tube sellers reserve them for the high prices they can get, but it can apply to pretty good collectibles like the 76, 6J5G or 6P5G for instance.
Nothing special recently. It's hard to build up the so-called relationship out of the crowded people in the street. You're lucky if you're not ripped off by the over-protecting terms of Ebay on sellers plus some bad guys hanging around for money.As a matter of fact, a seller would like to get the best price out of the vintage tubes, assuming they're good tubes. Every auction is more or less an independent event and you would seldom buy from the same seller due to your different needs and you're not the winner most of the time.
As a matter of fact, a seller would like to get the best price out of the vintage tubes, assuming they're good tubes. >I'm sure you're right in theory but in practice there are other considerations:
a. Some sellers have moral issues about overcharging. You may find it hard to believe but I've come across a few in the UK.
b. Tube dealers need a turnaround as much as they need top prices - money in pays to go to various events and buy up more tubes.
c. Tube storage costs money - the price of the tubes must be offset against keeping them. You may even find that good tubes are not moving and turn up for virtually nothing, e.g. 2C22 for $1.90 this summer. A few tube dealers do 'specials' to move stock.I rarely buy on ebay because you have to add postage to the tubes, and they are mostly sold in singles and pairs. Just not economic. I support the handful of dealers I buy from and in return I get good deals, and they also let me know if they get in something I may be interested in. They need us and we need them - it's a good relationship.
hello there is a guy on ebay that buys platinum matched sets for $125 for a matched quad set of 6550, kt-90 kt-88 electro harmonix brand from hongkong delivered ,I bought some they are excellent
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