Dan Armstrong writes: "I'm planning on restoring it to original,
possibly minus the tube-type amplifiers. They may be replaced with
solid state since vacuum tubes are difficult to come by."
Vacuum tubes (= valves in UK), with just a few exceptions, are *not*
difficult to obtain. There are several specialist suppliers in the UK
and there must be some in the US. Try the Antique Wireless Association
web site. A few types, either exotic or unreliable, such as PX25 and
UL41 are more expensive than you might expect and a very few types are
like hen's teeth. Age is not a major factor; many pre-war types are
readily available, some post-war types can be scarce.
Vacuum tubes are a *lot* more reliable than you might imagine. The old
electrolytic capacitors are the least reliable parts followed by high
value resistors.
Jeffrey Borinsky
[ The musician's mail-order stores sell vacuum tubes for the old
[ amplifiers beloved by many musicians. Ask at a big music store,
[ and inquire about a competent shop to rebuild your old amplifier.
[ The capacitors aren't terribly expensive, and Jeffrey is right --
[ they _must_ be replaced. Then you will appreciate the sound of the
[ old tube amp as guitarists do; it's smooooth! -- Robbie
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