4 Strings Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 In messing about on the Genz I bought a fine Mullard valve from our own Mr Foxen at a good price. Of course I then just keep an eye open having entered a little world new to me. I put a silly bid on these and won. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-ECC81-Radio-Audio-Valves-New-condition-Haltron-Mullard-Ammerex-/110999758785?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=AsYgEWNYXxR8yMAVNgratqz4XP8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc A bit of a risk as they were untested but I got a Mullard and three other valves. They all work, one is a bit ringy and another has a slight background noise, the other two, including the Mullard, are perfect. Very happy, can play a little more and have some spares. I also spotted these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-x-ECC83-VALVES-MULLARD-BRIMAR-/170990204577?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=AsYgEWNYXxR8yMAVNgratqz4XP8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc Didn't bid but happened to 'Watch' and was astounded at the selling price. They are sold untested (our own Mr Foxen will test valves he sells) and instead of ECC81s they are the more popularly used ECC 83s. Maybe this was an anomaly sale but seems a little extreme to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davehux Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Somebody was desperate for them to pay £134 (£45 each!!!). Our good friend Gareth walbassist on here has them for under £20 and I'd trust his to be in full working order Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bremen Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 It's the combination of the words 'vintage' and 'ebay'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6v6 Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I agree, it seems an insane price to pay for valves which are completely untested, you could've bought three very nice fully tested NOS valves from a reputable source for around the same price, but presumably someone saw the word "mullard" and went a bit nuts with their bidding?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanA Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 [quote name='6v6' timestamp='1361892696' post='1992569'] I agree, it seems an insane price to pay for valves which are completely untested, you could've bought three very nice fully tested NOS valves from a reputable source for around the same price, but presumably someone saw the word "mullard" and went a bit nuts with their bidding?! [/quote] +1 when I spoke to Hotrox they told me that they have even expensive valves failing their test procedures, so price is no guarantee of quality or tone! Testing is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 One of those is a long plate Mullard, which are stupid money, from the 50s/early 60s so don't come up very often, and people get excited about them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 Ok, thanks, Oli, that explains some. The difference the long plates make being..... ? (or is it just that being so old means 'better'?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 More prone to microphonics, because the plate is bendier. Also push a bit more current. Also magic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTypeV4 Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Nice enough valve but not a patch on the Siemens smooth-plate IME.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 [quote name='Mr. Foxen' timestamp='1361904396' post='1992871'] One of those is a long plate Mullard,[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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