NOS Tubes

[lions den]

Anyone have any reliable leads on where to find NOS Tungsram 12ax7s, and EI NOS 12ax7s? Looking for tubes for new Liverpool build, I'm seeing a few EI's, but the Tungsrams seem to be hard to find.

thanks,
sean

[Firestorm]

Tubemonger usually has a decent NOS selection. He's also has a batch of flying lead tubes that he's fitted bases to.

[jestaudio]

Anyone have any reliable leads on where to find NOS Tungsram 12ax7s, and EI NOS 12ax7s? Looking for tubes for new Liverpool build, I'm seeing a few EI's, but the Tungsrams seem to be hard to find.

thanks,
sean

Carefull on the EI,s, some a damn good but the quality can be flakey at times, i,ve got a fair few for personal use and about 30% have been microphonic, great tubes if you get decent ones

[lions den]

Thanks for the lead on tubemonger and feedback on EI.

Planning to use the Tungsrams in V1 and EI in V2 on the Liverpool. I've had good luck with Tungsrams in my express but have not tried EI anywhere yet.
Thanks again
Sean

[Milkmansound]

hitestguitars.com

bring money

[lions den]

Yeah, prices are up there at that site. Such a crap shoot buying online from people you don't know.
Thanks
Sean

[telentubes]

Her are a few links. I haven't used any of them but have them bookmarked for reference.
The first, Brent Jessee Recording, I think came from Structo a while ago. It has some interesting information about tubes. I have no idea if it's accurate or not. http://www.audiotubes.com/
Here's the dealer in Turkey... http://www.nostubestore.com/
I'm curious if any one has dealt with them.
Lastly... http://www.kcanostubes.com/ Way boutique prices.

[Structo]

There are several dealers on Ebay that have good NOS and ANOS tubes.

If you aren't in a hurry you can usually find the GE Short grey plate 12ax7 that the Dumble people like.

I've bought them for $20-30 each.

[David Root]

Hitest Guitars' stuff is ALL REAL NOS, no "tests NOS". I've bought more $$ worth of NOS tubes from Gregg Levy than I care to think about. No anonymous white boxes either, all original box, NIB. He is extremely knowledgeable about tubes and shares that knowledge readily. At least he has with me, but I've never tried to pick his brain without ordering something!

He has the Tungsram 12AX7. He also has most likely the greatest depth in RCA blackplate 6L6GC, both short and long glass, that still exists today, based on his ability to match to exactly your requirements. Yes he charges extra to do that, but his prices, even with the recent hikes, are still lower than most other specialist tube places, in my experience. You get what you pay for.

The other source I have bought frequently from is on EBay, greengirl 613, fair prices, good service, mostly used tubes but no DOA. Someone on TAG told me about her. No bidding, Buy It Now pricing only.