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NOS tubes

#22
edbass said:
As far as I know, Western Electric moved all tube production to Alabama in '04.
I'm pretty sure that your "Really?" link is to a spec sheet that is simply a copy of the original Genalex spec sheet from the 70's that Westrex put "Draft of new spec sheet 4/30/2002" on.

As far as I can tell the Westrex KT88 is just a concept so far. If you actually have a Western Electric produced KT88, PM me about how I can obtain it/them. I would love to compare it/them to the NOS Genalex.

IMO the original Genalex KT88 is pretty much the Holy Grail of big output tubes for MI applications. The point of my initial post about the fiscal viability of actually producing them and other industry standard tubes seems to be bolstered by the responses in this thread.
If anyone has solid, accurate info about original spec tubes being produced, regardless of the cost, please keep the TalkBass community informed. Let's be hopeful that we will all be able to benefit in the near future!
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How about that, I didnt know there was a tube manufacturer at my back door! Wow thats some high prices for tubes! Retail range from 300 to 4200 bucks!
 
#24
fireincairo said:
No kiddin', huh? So the process has never had any hazardous effects upon the environment?
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Like any large scale industrial manufacturing, tube production is not exactly healthy for the environment, but it's never been especially toxic. Glass, tungsten, and the metal that makes up tubes is pretty stable chemically. No kidding, transistors are much, much worse in terms of environmental impact. The solvents used in solder baths and printed transistors are VERY bad, both in use and disposal.
 
#25
Psycho Bass Guy said:
Like any large scale industrial manufacturing, tube production is not exactly healthy for the environment, but it's never been especially toxic. Glass, tungsten, and the metal that makes up tubes is pretty stable chemically. No kidding, transistors are much, much worse in terms of environmental impact. The solvents used in solder baths and printed transistors are VERY bad, both in use and disposal.
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I thought I read that cyanide was one of the chemical nasties that were involved in vacuum tube production as part of the processes of the cathode plating material.
 
#26
Me thinks one of the big hurdles to tube production is the producing the grid/plate materials. For really great tubes one needs very very very very pure materials. If said materials have any impuritys in them that can turn into gases that you dont want inside the tube when voltage is applied.
 
#27
I read about the plights of others:
Invalid Link Removed
According to this person there are environment issues to setting up tube production in the US. Maybe there's hope for some "new" revolutionary manufacturing process and materials.

It's all about $$$ and there's many smart US entrepreneurs around. I'm if there's good money to be made setting up US manufacturing you think it would be made by now. It's probably best to build tubes and other components close to where they are most often used to manufacturer new gear - Overseas.
 
#28
I can attest the EPA/EPD can be a bit tough to deal with concerning manufacturing in the US.

I have had to deal with these folks on occasion at work and for just a small simple manufacturing plant you would not believe the things they want you to do/not do on your property.

And environmental is not all You must deal with. OSHA, along with all the local guidelines etc............

If one were making Vacuum Tubes in the US one had better have some deep pockets. Not saying it can't be done.
 

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