I recenty posted this to a newsgroup specific to tube gear, but got no responses. I am sure most of you on here are into modern solid state gear, but maybe some of you also work on the old stuff too. I could spend months looking at websites of component sellers, and use the trial and error method to purchase parts, but it seems easier to just ask people like you, where to buy parts. I am a hobbiest, so I am not buying large quantities, just a few caps, or other parts as needed. I would like to build up a small stash of common caps and have them on hand, but overall, I will only be buying small orders of parts as needed.
Back in the 60s and 70s I worked on old electronics all the time. Life took me in other directions, and the solid state gear was a big "turn off" for me. Not long ago, I got a few old tube radios at a garage sale and that got me back into my old hobby. I am retired now and have the time too. Fortunately I still had a lot of my old Eico and Heathkit test gear stored in a shed.
It was like riding a bike. It all comes back to me like it was yesterday. But there is a huge problem. Where the hell do I buy parts now? In the 60s and 70s I lived in a large city with many electronic parts stores. Now I live in a small town/rural area with no such thing. So far I have just used ebay, and paid the often ridiculous prices they charge (to a limit). Heck, there is a seller on ebay selling the old NOS resistors, 1/2W for $5 a piece. On top of that, the guy claims some are out of tolerance and tells people to bake them in a oven which he clainms will bring them back to specs. (what an idiot).
Anyhow, there are places like Mouser, Digikey, Allied, etc. I have looked at their websites and feel lost.... Just too much to sort thru. Not to mention I assume places like that sell in large amounts with large minimum orders and costly shipping.
I just want caps, resistors, and some other stuff. Ebay seems to be ok for tubes, but far too costly for caps and restisors.
I'd like this to be a thread to list other places to buy parts for vintage tube gear. And also, could someone list the minimum order and shipping amounts for those large sellers.... Like Mouser, etc...