Zinky Superfly blog - Part 45: Call 3
This is really not what I wanted to hear.
I mentioned the replacement power valves and this was the first topic in a surprise email I received from Bruce later the same day (see below right). This email contained even more unwelcome information: they simply couldn't get the silver case re-covered! This despite being told during my first call on 3 December 2008 that "Nate" would do it next day.
On the up side, Bruce is offering to waive all charges except for the power valves. That would be OK if I had any idea when they would finally get the amp shipped back.
I slept on it and overnight had a straightforward idea which I put to Bruce by email - see part 46.
Telephone call on 5 February 2009
- The silver case has not been stripped even
- The electrical work has not been finished
- Bruce is sorry for the continuing delays
From: zinky@zinky.com
Subject: Re: Superfly progress in Feb
Date: 5 February 2009 23:48:34 GMT
To: david@dave.st
As I have said before, the replacement tubes were weak.
The problem with tubes is that the "acceptable" range runs the gamut from long lasting, but weak, to tubes that run hot and burn out very fast.
We buy all of our tubes pre-selected within a very narrow transconductance and plate current range. This yields tubes with long life, as well as maximum power. Tubes which fall outside of the desirable range are often sold to vendors which brand the tubes, silkscreening their own logos on the tubes. I think that's what you had in there.
Anyway, the new tubes are $60. You will pay nothing else. I will pay the shipping.
I can't supply a cabinet, because my glues are contact cements, which do not keep the vinyl from creeping, thus gaps in the material can occur. A harder glue is needed, and we don't have that here. Sending the cabinet out is not advised, as our cabinet maker takes three months to do anything. Lastly, we don't have the time to strip and sand this cabinet, nor do we have the time to make a single new cabinet from scratch.
BZ