Before your next show with your band, make sure to check all of your audio equipment, including your trusty old amp. Many musicians prefer the punchy tone of an antique amp during their live show; if a vintage amp requires repairs, a modern amplifier just doesn’t produce the same rich tone. If your amplifier doesn’t work, the problem may be with the tube and tube socket. The tube and tube socket is a type of electrical socket that works to power audio devices, such as bass amps, preamps, radios, and TV sets. It works in conjunction with a vacuum tube to produce the electrical current that powers your equipment. A vacuum tube is an evacuated container that permits the flow of electrons to provide power to the device. This electrical current flows between the electrodes of your device’s tube and tube socket. Pins connect at the plate of the tube to create a circuit. Since your tube and tube socket conduct electricity, it is important to use tubes original to the unit, such as this Genalex Gold Lion KT77 vintage tube and tube socket. The KT77 tube is an affordable, vintage tube that provides a high level of performance. When you are searching for tubes, stick with tubes original to your device during your search. Though other tubes may fit that old bass amp or TV, they do not provide the same performance as tubes that are authentic to the unit, like the Genalex Gold Lion KT77 model. Even if other tubes power the device, they do not last as long as genuine replacement tubes. One drawback to using tube electronics is that the tubes fail fairly frequently, leaving your amp without power. Be prepared for the next failure by keeping extra KT77 tubes in your repair kit. As you search for fresh tubes, you encounter numerous options for quantity, such as single tubes and pairs of matched tubes. If possible, opt for the matched KT77 tubes so that you start building your supply of extra tubes. Some vintage tubes are becoming too difficult to find; buy them while you can, so you are prepared when they go out of stock. Since KT77 tubes are a valuable resource for musicians and electronic hobbyists, it is advisable to make sure the tube is dead before you replace it. Add a tube and tube socket tester to your tool kit. A tube tester quickly lets you know if your tube has any life left in it. Using a tube tester is simple; just plug the tube into the tester to check on its condition. Once you know it is dead, the procedure to replace it is easy with a bit of practice. You’ll be back to enjoying your audio amps with a distinct nostalgic tone in no time.