Stupid F-2B question

[pace]

Ok, I'm trying to swap out tubes as it seems that the gain on each channel is different from the other.... BUT.... How do I remove these two piece shields to get at the tubes??!?

[smuprof]

I'm not sure about the 2 piece part, but most of them are a canister with a spring in the top to keep the tube seated.  To remove, just push down on the top (i.e. push the canister toward the front of the F2B) and twist. The canister is held in place by the spring pressure pushing against a notch in the canister.  When you push down and twist, you free the canister/shield from the notch and the spring will help push the shield off. Once you put the new tubes in, just reverse the process.

[xlrogue6]

The upper part slides down inside the lower part. This can be problematic if tubes with the slightly larger glass envelope have been installed. Those shields were designed for old American and western European tubes, which used a slightly smaller envelope than the ones found on some current production tubes. If the top won't slide down try a very small amount of liquid lubricant applied at the top, give it a few minutes to work its way down.

[gtrguy]

JJ tubes work well here and I think Alembic uses them, if I remember right. Many 12AX7 tubes do not fit the shield.

[pace]

Thanks guys, I figured it out only minutes after posting the question, and I posted a thanks Thursday, but I guess that didn't go through?  
 
So anyways, THANKS!!?.