[Hammarlund] Tube Source Needed

[Barry Hauser]

On Mon, 21 Jan 2002 08:17:56 -0800 (PST) Glen Zook <gzook@yahoo.com>
writes:
> In terms of one brand being better than another:  
> 
> Remember that one company often actually manufactured
> the tubes and put the brand name of other
> manufacturers on them.  Thus, although the tubes have
> different brand names on them, there is a good chance
> that they all came from the same source.  This was
> very common back in the 1950s and 1960s.

Particularly in the late 60's going into the 70's and twilight years as
manufacturers first went offshore, then dropped out, it became more
prevalent.  On top of that, many tubes were re-branded after-the-fact. 
Ever notice that the tube number is etched in permanently, while the
branding is in paint?  Some say a fair amount of "counterfeiting" also
went on, not to mention pulls remarketed as new and other stories. 
Eventually, as I recall, there was only one brand left standing --
International, which some say was synonomous with "pot luck"  Along the
way, as the tube manufacturers quit, the remaining ones reissued price
lists frequently and many tubes became quite expensive.  Part of that was
supply and demand.  They also say some of it was engineered to support
sales of newer solid state stuff.  Compactrons were fun.  ("What!  $17
for a horizontal output tube - I might as well buy a new set!")  

The action on tube prices was more dynamic than FCOJ or hog bellies. 
Well, not exactly -- tube prices only went up.  Price charts displayed
"list", where typical "discounts" were 50% or more.

Barry
(fugitive from the parts counter)
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