Do old guitar tubes have any value?

[tlagrassa]

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this question.....I'm new to the forum.(no flames please)
I have laying around 2 sets of 2 matched and hand signed GT-6L6GC Groove Tubes that were made in the USA. I purchased them in the mid 80's and were rarely used.

I also have a matched set of 6 Sylvania 6L6's from the late 70's or early 80's. I used the amp for about a year and has collected dust ever since.

Do these tubes have any value? Comment would be appreciated.
Thanks

[cminor9]

welcome to the forum. I have learned a lot here, hopefully you'll do the same.

Old tubes? Worthless! Send them to me, I'll dispose of them. My address is...

Ok, seriously...maybe. Just google NOS (new old stock) vacuum tubes. People command some ridiculous prices for the *right* tubes. Old tubes often are of higher quality than some of the newer ones (generalization alert). But, unless you have some NOS mullards or telefunkens you probably won't command a small fortune for them. A new pair of decent 6L6s will run you about $40. Old tubes (made in USA or Europe), if used, might fetch you that at least, maybe a bit more based on what I have seen. If they are used, then they aren't technically NOS and NOS is what can sometimes fetch big bucks (I saw on eBay where someone was selling a few telefunken 12ax7 tubes for >$1K. crazy.) As you can imagine, nobody would eagerly shell out substantial cash for a tube that could have been abused and won't last long. And I think their being signed won't matter. All that matters here is tone.

Do you play guitar? If so, I'd hold onto them and enjoy using them. Let's say you get $60 for a pair of used 6L6s. You'll have to cough up $40 for a new set, then have $20 left for your troubles and tubes that probably don't sound as good. Not worth it, IMO.

If you don't play, then sell them to someone who will use and appreciate them. Better for you to make a few bucks and let them get used than for them to sit in a closet. I'd find a local (as in local, not Guitar Center) music shop and see what they'll give you. Or try eBay.

[TD_Madden]

local CraigsList.