Should i use my amperex bugle boy 12ax7?

[JoshBernstein]

So when i first started building amps, i got all my tubes from my mentor/engineer friend. He has drawers and drawers of every tube you can imagine that he has salvaged from customers' amps which "needed" tube changes. Well i recently discovered one of the tubes he gave me was an amperex bugle boy 12ax7, which im pretty sure is a desirable tube. When he gave me the tube, the logo was still on it, but it has mostly faded off after a few months of use. My question is should i use this tube, or just save it and stare at it. I mean it sounds killer, but should i save it so that it doesnt eventually blow?

[boots]

Use it! Life is too short to play less than the best tubes in your own amp!

[cbass]

Use it up . if it's good it could last 10,000 hours or more or not

[Phil_S]

What are you waiting for? No one knows what tomorrow will bring. You could save it for nothing or use it now. What's it gonna be? Hurry up, you're wasting time. Plug it in and enjoy it.

Hearing acuity declines with age. In another 10 years, it's possible you won't be able to hear the difference.

[brewdude]

Or you could send it to me.

[deeder]

Or you could send it to me.

Or you could send it to me

Anyway, when I'm on tour I swap my NOS for current productions tubes. But for recording jobs I use them for better tone

[boots]

Good advice to not use the rare tubes on the road. But I'm a hedonist, and I would definitely live life to the full and use them at home.

You'd be pissed if you died next week with that tube still in the drawer.

I figure that having access to the sweetest tubes and components is one of the perks of being an amp builder.

[gui_tarzan]

I've had the same conversation with serious model car collectors. My response is "build 'em all!"

Use it and enjoy it while you have a chance.

[JoshBernstein]

Well i'll all of your advice and im gonna put it in v1 of my ac30 build when its finished. It sounds killer in my 20 watt build and im sure it will in this next build. Thanks everyone!

[Structo]

I vote to enjoy that tube now.

If you really like it, it can turn into a hobby itself by searching for your favorite tubes.

There are bargains to be had but you have to search.

I don't think spending 25-35$ for a vintage 12ax7 tube to be a bad deal,
especially if it still tests new.

Look for short grey plate GE 12ax7's that test new.

[Firestorm]

Vintage speakers will eventually blow if you play them hard, so save them for recording and other special occasions. Output tubes wear out with use, so maybe don't use those blackplate 6L6s or XF2s all the time. Preamp tubes, however, (except in cathode followers and PIs) might outlive you. Use the damn thing.