Rebuilding the VT-71 (TS-4H)

[miniman82]

Thanks, guys. Now if I could just find my Deoxit, maybe the tuner would be stable- it has some crunchy positions. Pugs: I have been told that certain models of CRT tester can test the electrostatic tubes, but I don't know which ones. The RCA CR III I used at Wayne's house didn't register anything, though my tube is still very good. I tested mine on a B&K osciloscope. lol

[pugs5061]

I tested the pinout right after pulling it out of the box. I retested just now and you guys can see my quandry. Both tests were exactly the same.

A-40.3 ohms
B-100.8 ohms
C-198.2 ohms
D-95.2 ohms

A and C seem fine but B and D are off enough that I am thinking I should get another. What do you guys think?

[mbates14]

the tolerances are no where near out enough for you to get the problems you are having. look elsewhere for the issue.

[julianburke]

I have a VT-71 parts chassis if anyone needs any parts.

[miniman82]

Labor Day weekend update!


Did some work to the cabinet, and discovered that the veneer under all that cracked finish was in outstanding condition. I stripped off the old stuff (took 3 times), then sanded it with 100 grit to get it to a uniform grain. After that I hit it with 220 grit to get it smooth, then cleaned the surface with tack cloth and mineral spirits. After it dried, I was torn between putting on the red mahogany stain I bought or just leaving the wood as-is.

After much thought (and a few beers), I decided to just have a go at leaving the wood like it was, and proceeded with the ultra gloss poly. Did one coat, let it dry, then lightly sanded with 220. Did another coat, buffed that with 0 steel wool. The pics show where it's at right now. I think I'm gonna do 00 then 000 wool followed by a final coat and call it done, since it's looking pretty good. I really like the tone of the natural wood, and I'm glad now that I didn't stain it. It's not as dark as it was, more like a nice light mahogany type of thing.