Western Electric to produce guitar tubes in Georgia Factory (USA)

[Greentone]

Exclusive: Western Electric confirms plans to tackle the tube crisis with its Georgia factory | Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

Looks like Western Electric intends to tackle the guitar tube supply problem. Thoughts?

[AllanAllen]

I’ve always thought there’s a lot of money to be made in domestically produced tubes.

[Jimmy blue note]

Welcome news. As long as they know why previous plants were considered environmentally prohibitive and they have new ways to make them safely, that's GREAT news!
About time

[AllanAllen]

Does the process present any environmental challenges that weren’t a concern in the 1930s? You mention that you’ve made “key updates to machinery to ensure clean, green, and safe assembly” – would these updates present challenges when tooling up for a wider range of tubes?

“No. Every material we use is considered safe and green. Western Electric strives to meet all OSHA and EPA standards and does not use any banned substances. We sell and ship vacuum tubes every day. We hope this is enough to demystify any old wives’ tales about tube manufacturing hazards.”

that’s their claim

[Jimmy blue note]

that’s their claim

I remember these claims too. But there's still the hope, and I'm hoping that it's true

[Flat]

It would be a great thing for guitarists if they can pull this off. Best of luck to them.

[Greentone]

My understanding is that thoriated tungsten (used in the filaments of tubes) is a carcinogen in the lungs and the digestive tract.

[Gitfiddler]

My understanding is that thoriated tungsten (used in the filaments of tubes) is a carcinogen in the lungs and the digestive tract.

Check out the 'protective' gear they wore back in the 50's and 60's...

[citizenk74]

I remember these claims too. But there's still the hope, and I'm hoping that it's true

English Ovals were my choice for that niche; much preferred Balkan Sobranies when I was young and careless. Still have some tins, filled with picks, natch!