I've seen old TVs every single time I go into any thrift store, and I'm wondering if any of those old sets might have tubes inside. I've wanted (for a long time) to get a working or simple-to-fix late color tube set. Are there any outward signs that would tell me if a set is tubed? Things to look for? Maybe a distinct look to the TV picture? :scratch2:

If the set says anything about "solid state" or "transistorized" on it; it's not tube. Also, look on the back and see if there's some sort of warning about "no user serviceable parts inside." This usually means no tubes inside. Most tube sets have a warning something like "This cover is provided with a safety interlock to prevent dangerous electrical shock. To service tubes, remove back cover completely." If the set can be plugged in; you can look through the vent holes on the back and often see tubes lit. Also, if it takes a minute or two to warm up; then, it has tubes. There are hybrid sets that have solid state signal and audio circuits and will have sound instantly. The 4 tube Zenith hybrids come to mind here. As far as the best later tube sets to look for (IMHO) would be Zenith and RCA. Of course, any decent looking tube set would be worth grabbing especially if the price is right.

I do remember seeing a 12" Motorola B&W in a green case that said "solid state" on the front and had the "no user serviceable parts inside" warning on the back. In reality, the set had two tubes inside IIRC. I think one was the horizontal output and damper (in the same envelope) and the other was the vertical oscillator and output (also in one envelope). I wonder if that was a "last gasp" tube set and they were shoving some tube chassis in solid state cases.

I do remember seeing a 12" Motorola B&W in a green case that said "solid state" on the front and had the "no user serviceable parts inside" warning on the back. In reality, the set had two tubes inside IIRC. I think one was the horizontal output and damper (in the same envelope) and the other was the vertical oscillator and output (also in one envelope). I wonder if that was a "last gasp" tube set and they were shoving some tube chassis in solid state cases.

Ya know, that reminds me of a 1966 Sony 6" portable set my grandfather gave me when I was younger because it was broken. I took it apart to see the guts. The front declared in huge letters that it was a solid state set, and it had the "No tubes or other user-serviceable parts inside" label, but I did find a tube inside. I was too young to know at the time, but recalling what it looked like, I think it was a 9-pin mini high voltage rectifier, most likely a 1X2B. It was inside a small white plastic box with a large choke coil(flyback). I still remember that it was a Toshiba-branded tube.

You know i had a thought, if the sound comes on almost instantaneously. I'd say it was a solid state, but if it takes time before the sound comes in, it would be at least a partial tube TV

I remember those Zenith 4 tube hybrids having instant sound. That's because the only tubes in those sets were in the sweep circuits. All the other circuits were solid state.

I think it was very common for solid state sets of the '60's to have a HV rectifier tube. I believe a tube was less costly than a HV diode and the quality of HV diodes may not have been adequate. I had a GE 12" AC/DC B&W, an RCA CTC40 color, and a Quasar color that were all solid state except for the HV rectifier. No, I don't have any of those sets left. Let's just say I was younger and not as mature as I am now.

Here's some more thoughts on finding tube TV's. Thrift stores are indeed good. The only problem is that they often throw away any non working sets or older working sets since there is little demand for them. You may could possibly talk to someone in charge and maybe they will set some back for you. Estate sales are also a good place to look. Usually these homes were owned by older people that have passed away and often vintage TV's (and other good stuff) can be found. Once again, a lot of the TV's get trashed before the sale because they figure no one will want them. Church rummage sales are another good idea. Especially if it's an older church with an older congregation. About the only TV's I've ever found at "garage sales" were newer stuff. You could also scout around the older TV shops. Maybe they have something stuck back.

I have picked up a couple tube color sets at thrift stores in the last couple years. Since they both worked I guess the staff figured it was worth putting them out on the floor. The last one, picked up at the Salvation Army store a couple months ago, is a 13" Wards Airline, built in Taiwan by Admiral. It's the type that would fool you since it doesn't really scream "tube set". It's a hybrid and has intant-on to keep the filaments lit at lower power all the time. (not switchable, either!) It dates from 1975 so really was a last gasp set. Only cost me about $5. It's those later tube sets that will throw you-GE, Philco-Ford & some store brands built sets that "looked" solid state but were not.