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Strange how many used valves measure NOS?

Finally fired up my valve tester.
All I can say is be very afraid.
Out of boxes & boxes of used valves bought on here
and ePain, most of them are crap.
I don't mind the odd chance buy being duff but some bought from here cost a fair amount and I'll be taking "measures as NOS" with the pinch of salt it deserves on ebay from now on.
There's either a lot of uncalibrated valve testers out there
or a lot of lying b------s.
I think it may be the case that some of these have been tested many moons ago by the original owners, marked up then used for a few years then the resellers think since it's marked 90/90,
it's still nos.
Bizarre, I have definite NOS 6SN7's that struggle to make 90/90.
Still it's fun to discover the occasional diamond amongst the rough.
Yes I will be getting the tester's calibration checked but having done dozens of valves and half a dozen different types, I can't see that it can be far out.
We live & learn.
simon74
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
"mint" LPs are the same ball of wax.
Of all the LPs I have purchased on eBay that claimed mint ot near mint status, they all were dirty, scratched.. dull.
I guess in truth vs 'puffery', Puffery wins every time.
(Puffery is an advertising buzz-word for stretching the truth, or making something seem better than it actually is. It is LEGAL in fast food advertising etc.)
nickt
172 posts
 
Learn from your mistakes and dont buy valves from sellers without a money back policy. And you must test the valves yourself also.

Most NOS valves naturally cost more $$ but at least most of the time you know axactly what you are getting.

When it's too good to be true! Just stay away.

Nick
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
Simon
Thanks for the warning.
George
justlisten's avatar
justlisten
489 posts
 
A lot has to do in the wording/meaning of NOS. Some newbies, or some which are playing dumb to rip people off, don't understand that NOS, means NEW old stock, ie, BRAND NEW, like found them in a military wherehouse, in storage.

Do used Vintage tubes test like a new tube? Often yes, but for the prices some people sell/get for their tubes, especially here, they should be virginally new.
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