Can I Store a Tube Amp on its Side?

[TelecastrMastr]

Hey all, odd question: Is it bad to travel to a gig with a tube amp on its side? Will this cause any harm?

 

[Geo]

Lay it on something padded and that will keep it from moving.

 

[Frodebro]

It should be fine as long as it doesn't get bounced around too much, but that's true regardless of which way it's sitting.

 

[Bluego1]

The thing I would worry about if it’s a bumpy ride is the weight of a big speaker magnet testing the board it’s mounted on.

 

[Phrygian77]

Since we practice Wednesdays and gig nearly every weekend, mine pretty much lives in the trunk of my car. It's survived like that since I built it over 3 years ago.

Edit: I don't know that I'd recommend it with a PCB amp though.

 

[Milspec]

I transport my BF Twin upside down...keeps the tubes from coming loose. I don't see any issue with travelling on it's side.

 

[Ess Eff]

My last Fender tube amp was packaged up-side-down when I bought it.

It actually made sense to me.
.

 

[Lynxtrap]

My last Fender tube amp was packaged up-side-down when I bought it.

It actually made sense to me.
.

It makes sense. The tubes are standing instead of hanging.

 

[jimgchord]

Face down is best. Takes the stress off the baffle. The tubes are insignifigant and should be packed seperate anyway.

 

[Lynxtrap]

Well...tube amps have been traveling in all kinds of manners since the 40's, it's a natural part of their duty as a musician's tool.
I guess packing the tubes separately is a good idea if packing and shipping for a sale or long distance transport.

I've never heard of anyone removing tubes for traveling to and from gigs or on tour. Personally I have never seen a damaged baffle caused by such transport either, but I guess it can happen. Often, face down is not possible because it occupies more space.

Most road related issues I've seen have been from moisture or changes in temperature.
And of course the "roadworn" look. I'm surprised that factory reliced amps haven't become trendy yet.

 

[radiocaster]

Since we practice Wednesdays and gig nearly every weekend, mine pretty much lives in the trunk of my car. It's survived like that since I built it over 3 years ago.

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Edit: I don't know that I'd recommend it with a PCB amp though.

I wouldn't do that, it can get really hot in there. There's that pedalboard too.

 

[Ess Eff]

It makes sense. The tubes are standing instead of hanging.

Also heavy components like transformers etc are down low so less chance of the box being knocked ova.

 

[scottser]

NO!!
all the tone will spill out from the tubes and it will sound like a solid state..

 

[Old Deaf Roadie]

Jerry Garcia used to preamp with 2 Fender Twin heads built into a single cabinet (one was a spare) which was oriented on its side while being played in concert, so storing it on its side won't hurt it. However, for transport, I would return it to an upright position with tubes vertical, but that's just me.

 

[northernguitar]

I wouldn't do that, it can get really hot in there. There's that pedalboard too.

What would heat do? I don’t see that as a problem for amps.

 

[SRHmusic]

I wouldn't do that, it can get really hot in there. There's that pedalboard too.

In the car is not as hot as when running at the gig, I bet. Tube temps are 200F and up, baking the board from underneath in most tube combos. Unless in Phoenix in summer, of course.

 

[TelecastrMastr]

My, these answers are quite conflicting. Im asking because I’m wondering if I hypothetically had an amp in a case in my car and I was driving three hours with the amp in it’s case on its side if it would cause any damage. It would be in an air conditioned car and be played in an upright position.

 

[Festofish]

It should be fine as long as it doesn't get bounced around too much, but that's true regardless of which way it's sitting.

This.

 

[radiocaster]

In the car is not as hot as when running at the gig, I bet. Tube temps are 200F and up, baking the board from underneath in most tube combos. Unless in Phoenix in summer, of course.

Well, if your car is in the shade it would be ok. And not in an enclosed garage. Those pedals can also get hot.

It's not just the tubes and PC board which can have problems from heat.

 

[Guitarteach]

30 years with my Boogie being all orientations in its flightcase bounced everywhere... trucks, planes, ships.. keeps going.

Mil spec tubes were used in aircraft with real levels of bumps, vibration and G forces.

i’d only think about heat flow and that the amp can properly ventilate if used in an odd orientation.. But my ‘79 JMP is the same amp in head or combo... different orientation both reliable.

I don't think they are that fragile. Could overthink it.