Role of the stand by switch in tube guitar amplifiers amp lesson

[90gosa90]

This video should be deleted, it's COMPLETEY WRONG! Just do the opposite

[DieByTheDrop]

When you have it on standby and then you turn the amp on... do you turn standby off or leave it on?

[spacemonkeyzass]

Hahaha..madness!

[dkstryker]

Hey Dave I own aFender BLues Junior and that doesnt have a StandBySwitch and therefor when i play out with myband and we go on break i usually just keep the amp on and turn my volume down on the amp. the other guitarist says i should keep the amp on to keep the tubes hot. I am wondering,What should i do about this situation? I don't want to wear my tubes out in the amp but now i think i should shut the amp off on set breaks and turn it back on when we go back to playing. What is your thoughts?

[inis99999]

hey guys so if this dude is wrong, whats the right way to leave the amp ON while ure out on a short break? and how do you switch it off properly?

[ThieleM]

@inis99999

Go into standby during breaks.

[posthumous5]

DO EVERYONE A FAVOUR............DELETE THIS VIDEO UNLESS YOU'RE ACTUALLY WANTING PEOPLE TO RUIN THEIR AMPS! YOUR ADVICE ON TUBE LIFE IS MAKING ME THINK YOU'RE A TUBE ON YOUTUBE

[Bludhoundz8]

so wait... if the proper procedure is to turn the power on, then wait 30 sec to a min., then turn the standby on for like 1-2 min. do I still keep the standby on while I play? I don't see why since they are just for warming up. Do I just do the above then turn the standby off then start playing? then when I am completely done playing do I just turn the power off?

[ShimmyPilates]

should it be put on standby when changing inputs (normal to top boost)?

[ThieleM]

This video is kind of dangerous. I am not sure if it is flat out wrong or if the speaker is just in articulate. On any amp with a standby...when the power is off the standby is ON....when an amp is on standby the unit will not make sound. With your power ON you would then turn the standby OFF to get sound from the amplifier.

'rockongoodpeople' means well but this channel is rich with bad information.

[ThieleM]

Remember that the standby and power switch are OPPOSITE when one says 'On" or 'Offf' When the standby is on that means the standby is in the position that prevents sound from leaving the amp. When the standby is off the amp will produce sound.

1. Turn the main Power on, wait a minute or so.

2. turn standby off (the knob will be in the same position as the power's on position) the amp will now work.

Power down:

power off, standby on (both switches in same 'direction') 

[silentboy85]

the best way is, i think u should remove this video and make another correct one. :)

[Bissmarkpl]

you know tht you told ppl the totally wrong method of turnin the amp on :P

[holyass242]

r those emgs in his guitar

[Gagaprou1]

Tube cathode strip is not realy a problems in guitar amps...the standby switch will do little to prolonge the life of tube in typical guitar amp unless your plate Voltage is extremy high...stanby still usefull for muting...

[RaspberryJams69]

mmines not a tube but it crackles when really loud when i turn my guitars volume down what does that mean?

[carol689]

how long do i have to do the checkp up on my amp? one year?

[gibsongod15]

If my tube amp is scratchy what does that mean? My speakers are blown? Tubes are worn out? Im really dissapointed in my BRAND NEW EVH 5150 III. Im going to be mad if my tubes are already bad.

[DoubleHeliX1337]

What happens if my tube amp doesnt have a standby switch? Will my tubes wear? I havent replaced the tubes in 14 years or so. I also havent played it in 9 years....

[PDvdw1994]

If the tubes lasted 5+ years or so a standby switch won't be nessesary (don't fix if it's not broken). But to be safe, I'll try to get a SB switch added if I were you. Ofcourse if you haven't played it in 9 years why bother anyway.

[CriticsConfession]

It actually depends on your amp. Most Marshalls make you put the Power on first to prolong Tube Life, and other amps like Fenders with them want Standby before power. It all depends on what you have, and that's why you need to refer to the manuals.

[ManMartin]

Dave you I believe you are wrong:

[ManMartin]

Please take any schematic of a fender tube amp and you will come back and modify this video. The power switch is like to plug the current cable in the wall (it gives main power to the amp) and the stand by switch cuts the main power to the tubes (+B) but NOT the "warm up" filament current (so the tubes still light and become hot).

[ManMartin]

As the red light in the from panel of the amp gets the current from the filaments you always know that the are in "warm up" status. So the stand by switch really cuts the main current to the tubes and but lets the filaments on (puts the amp in stand by, logic ugh?) but the power switch is a master power for the entire amp!).

[ManMartin]

Light but no sound means stand by mode, light with sound means normal operation mode. NO light means power off (don't matter if stand by on or off, there is no current the same when the amp is unplugged). The correct way to turn on starting wit h both switches off is 1- stand by off and power on, 2 wait the time you consider and then stand by on. To turn off do it in reverse order to be ready for the next time you turn on.

[ManMartin]

But I must to admit that your explanation is correct, only you are a little bit confused (in my opinion) about the function of the switches. Maybe because I am a fender tube amp user only I am not familiar with the amp you are talking about but please check this matter twice cause your videos can influence many people. Cheers from Spain.

[809Metallica]

For Home Practicing a Little Gigs Guys, Stay Solid State! And Stay Combo!

[beridon]

seriously. this vids are finaly ehlping me understand amps xD awesome! thank you very much!

[swullen]

It must be just me, but I don't like that fake smile of his.

[PKTO92]

not just you.

[skyliner4444]

Dave does have it wrong. The standby switch does nothing without power applied to the amp.

On my Marshall:

Start with both Power and Standby off

Power on

Wait about a minute

Standby on

Play

[joejoeirish]

so whos is right? you are dave? I don't know who to believe - do you have a link to a professional website of how to use the standby switch.

[skyliner4444]

Go to the Marshall web site and download any of their tube amp handbooks. They give the proper procedure for using the power and standby switches.

[CriticsConfession]

Yeah, the Marshall website. Download ANY of their manuals for a tube amp, and it will say the proper way to use it.

[liberalsocialist353]

this video is taking for ever to load (after this commente they'll be 70 so there's 69 now haha) can some explain it to me

[ReebHound]

download speedbit video accelortator

[liberalsocialist353]

is that like a firefox plug in

[TheBJKiD]

No its standbye first for a bout 1 min, then power on hes right Ive been using tube amps since 03

[herbiesnerd]

This is backwards. Starting with both switches off, you turn the POWER switch on first. Let it warm up a little, plug in your guitar, get your initial levels turned where you want them, then take it off STANDBY. Now if you want to switch guitars or unplug, put it on standby and unplug. Its more for safe plugging in and unplugging and keeping your tubes warm without being turned on and off back and forth, rather than a warmup switch. Its more of a safety switch to keep the amp healthy.

[kylerguitarist]

dude, thanks, i don't own a tube amp, but still, for future referance, yeah.

[iplaytheguitar73]

shit man i would kill for that guitar that is such a nice finish

[keryadams]

You can get a mexi strat that looks just like it for about $400, $430 for the sunburst finish. It will probably come with a white pickguard... you can get a black one for $20.

[iplaytheguitar73]

i know i just realized that the only difference was the white pick guard..lol but man it makes it look so much better than the white in my opinion

[THEassWIPPER]

yeah but his strat has emg's in it. it is a custom or he moded it him self.

[nooneisusingthisname]

i love you man you guys are so energetic and awesome!

[rjay58]

The video is reverse of the proper method. If you follow the video, you will cause damage to the tubes that you are trying to prevent. The right way is:

1. Start with both switches OFF.

2. Turn on Power/ON switch. a. Pilot light comes on. b. Tubes start glowing. c. No sound yet.

3. Wait 15-30 sec.

4. Turn on Standby switch.

5. Now you have sound. time to rock.

A better video would be at the amp showing switches, pilot light & tubes during the sequence.

[Abs9106]

Yeah i was just gonna make that comment. The ON switch is the on that brings power into it but to get noise through it you have to turn the standby off.

[xspagyx]

dude 

my vox ac30 30th anaversary modle amp only has an on switch

do u know if this particular amps tube will wear out the same as a normal amp

[BrotherPaul57]

don't worry , amps like this will have either a rectifier tube or a scillicone rectifier that has a delayed warm up that slowly warms the tubes preventing them getting hot too quickly , as a vozx runs class A the power tubes are running full temperature all the time and back in the 60's they designed the circuit to warm up this way .

when you turn it on or off , it's always best to turn all the volumes to zero to prevent damage to the speakers as well

hope this helps

[abrak002]

thanks dude but tell me why did you hold a guitar? you didint use it at all

[lonerkia]

maybe he was playing with it before the recording started.

[SzakalPolska]

I don't understand.

In every amp instruction you get info that when it comes to turn the amp on - POWER switch comes first, then the STANDBY switch. Also if you have a break you only turn off STANDBY, not POWER. You misunderstood the meaning of warming up. Indeed STANDBY is to warm up tubes (definitely anode tension), but it doesn't mean it's being to switch on first!!!

Ask any pro guitar player or manufacturer for this. Or see amp instructions.

[SzakalPolska]

*being switch ;)

[rockongoodpeople]

Hi - yes, that is what I meant - you are correct sir - when I say kick it on I mean that it is activated - my bad

rockon!

DT

[MacDrevi0us]

Just something I thought of...One thing you should mention is that you shouldnt move a tube amp until it has a chance to cool down because the filaments are weaker when they are hot.  When cleaning up after a gig loading your amp should be the last thing you do and that will significantly extend tube life.

[no1000]

hahahah this guys is awesome!!!!! he has lots of energy, good guitar player, explains stuff good and seems like a cool guy to have a beer with!!!!

[izzydye]

does that mean ( I own a dsl marshall) when I DO power on, do I cut the stand by off?

[haimcito]

hi, your videos are great, thanks a lot

[eukicos]

i want lesson in portuguese :'(

[guitarfan84]

Hi Dave, this lesson was awesome. Thanks!

[TheFilipFors]

this is so great!

[Zed1967]

Another important thing about valve amps (and to a certain extent solid state amps) is NEVER EVER have the amp switched on without speakers connected. I have even seen people who work in guitar shops unplug speakers from valve amps when they are on.

Many guitarists will tell you that ''they have done it loads of times'' and the amp has been ok. This is TOTALLY false, the problems usually manifest weeks or months later, when the amp is driven hard, the output transformer AND power valves fail.

[Cypresspimp]

Love the videos!!! always great content, rockongoodpeople!!!

[holyswordsmanoffaith]

dude, ...I heard that it was half an hour then you can play O.o damn.

[julez2k9]

5 stars, cause i have that shirt!

[diego2888]

how much does it cost to replace a tube?

[Draugoth]

Response to diego2888--

In terms of the actual cost of a tube, depends on brand and where you buy them. As a very general rule of thumb, one new power tube will go for between $20-$40, and one new preamp tube will run between $10-$20, with some higher priced tubes too.

If you are talking about labor to replace tubes, as in getting a tech to do it, I don't know. I maintain my own tube amps, so I never paid someone to do it for me. I don't think it's that much though.

[TJGProductions]

whoa, isn't it the opposite? I have been told and have heard numerous times that you power it up and wait then flip the standby switch.

[pudgeinator]

How long do you think you could go until you need to replace a tube?

[foxtrotalex]

depends how much u play, but maybe 6 months if your playing everyday, 3 if your picky

[elemental212]

i want that strat

[stevenhyde1960]

i want that fucking strat dude

[metlguitar02]

Thanks for the lesson. Now I have a good idea how to properly use my Fender Twin Reverb. I would usually just turn on standby then wait 5 seconds and power it up. You made sense and I will probably have the tubes changed soon. Rock on, good people!

[eroticblack]

yeah cigarette for me b\w songs! lol!

[Dave0fcleveland]

Thanks Dave.

[jwood5150]

good to see your thumb is better

[ltferguson]

I want that strat!

[AlanDavidMusic]

What if there is no stand by on my tube amp. I own the blues jr. tweed edition. Anybody have suggestions?

[popomczowzow]

then you've got nothing to worry about, just hit the on swtich and play to your heart's content

[ckrohm]

Well according to the Vox manual you should power the AC's on and leave on standby for 2 to 3 minutes...

so simply RTFM...

[Stratomacaster]

Use common sense? C'mon Dave, we're guitar players, not drummers!  :-)

[Sick1982]

Very useful! I also thought using the standby for powering off didn't make any sense :)

[thrashmetal1029]

what is a good affordable tube amp for playing hard rock? (for kinda small gigs)

[munkych33z]

well its not super affordable, but any MESA BOOGIE amp would be great

[igotwhips]

Boogies hold their value very well and their prices are relatively the same as comparable high end amps. All Boogies are American made by hand and have solid reputation. My subway rocket I got for $325 used is very solid and is still worth what I paid 10 years ago. They don't make the low end amps anymore though.

[N1nja32]

try a peavey valveking

[Joetehpsycho]

I wouldnt suggest a tube amp for hard rock, its more of a blues classic sound to it.

[mindcrazer]

WTF?????? Its tube amps that give that rock sound look up all great rock,hard rock,metal,ets bands  most of them use tubes

[216trixie]

No, Joe, 99.9 percent of professional guitar players of all styles use tube amps.

[manning55]

yo i use one its amazing

[chriscoooley]

you dont know what you're talking about, most modern metal bands today are using tube amps

[WhiteStrat1]

you are right, I was watching "that metal show" and Anvil was playing and i noticed that the guitarist was using a Fender Twin Reverb.

[rickyjshiznit]

lol lips

[lifedelay]

rock on guys

[SonicSpeedsMyGame]

lolll 5:15 Of of of of.. xD Priceless :P

[Asking4Disaster]

What about a Fender Blues Junior? It's a tube amp but it does not have a standby switch. I usually use my TU-2 tuner to mute the signal while it warms up, is that good or bad?

[Phishboy26]

You are the man David. Appreciate the info

[shadowmanjack]

I have a Vox Valvetronix AD30-VT that has a tube in the preamp stage. There is no stand-by switch on the amp, but should I still let it warm up for a bit before playing?

[ahvaimusicom]

no that should be ok, companies make amps like that, so you can plug turn and play.

[jahenx94]

I love that Strat. the black looks good on the sunburst!

[xXBlinDXx12]

might sound gay but reminds me of the guitar hero guitar lol.. but yeah if there was a lil bit more black in the guitar i'd love the sunburst on there. but that guitar really reminds me of SRV's guitar

[mickyhodge]

its lovely i want to know what the pickups are they dont look stock

[danukenator123]

informative

[joemunkey30]

YEAH DAVID TAUB!

[Nockgale]

JEAH

[StopTheMoti0n]

stand by switches are annoying, once at church i looked at the bass amp light, thinking it was on i didnt adjust it and i played the entire final set w/o sound!

[Kimmocheck]

YEAHH!