The first to-do steps when you acquire vintage tube equipment

[NikiNick]

Perhaps we can make this a sticky later on when the replies are condensed

For me on my first acquisition

1. Cleaning ( my wife would not let the console in the house...not even in the garage. I sit outside in the sun for 3 days!)

2. Visual inspection ( for broken wires/connection, loose and missing tubes, blown fuse etc )

3. Research ( schematics, groups/club ...AudioKarma of course )

4. Decision ( on whether to repair or abandon project)

5.....
6....
....
100
....
~ Enjoy tube equipment!

 

[Spe@kerBox]

A good DeoxIt cleaning and don't bring it up (powered) without a dim bulb tester.

 

[heyraz]

Check the fuse for proper value

 

[trainbuftony]

Make a list of all electrolytic capacitors, and any notoriously bad coupling or tone caps, and get them in the mail.
Check the tubes and if needed, order new power tubes.
Clean while you wait...

 

[CopperWizard]

Visual inspection before cleaning. I've learned that the hard way.

 

[gadget73]

Also do a basic life test on transformers, especially on things with no fuse or signs of possible damage. Melted wiring, globs of tar melted out of it, and a general stink of electrical death tends to be a bad sign too.

 

[Tim D]

I'd look for any signs that things have been updated such as modern parts or cuts and splices, etc. A check for a mix of different tube brands might tell you about its usage. Sometimes units with all of the original tubes were lightly used or were left unused for a long time.

 

[dogscanskate]

Discharge the capacitors before looking and testing circuits.