How to Sell Your Vacuum Tubes for Top Dollar
(and What They're Really Worth)

Got old vacuum tubes collecting dust? Whether you inherited a stash, found them in your attic, or pulled them out of an old amp, you might be sitting on some serious value. At Fuzz Audio, we help people every day turn vintage vacuum tubes into real cash. Here’s everything you need to know about selling your tubes—and why we might be the best place to do it.

Mullard EL34 NOS Vintage Vacuum Tubes | Buy Vacuum Tubes | Fuzz Audio

1. What Vacuum Tubes Are Worth Selling?

Vacuum tubes may look similar, but their value can vary widely. While a handful are rare, highly collectible, and prized by musicians, audiophiles, and vintage gear enthusiasts, most old tubes are unfortunately close to worthless. This is often because many tube types were made in huge quantities for radios, TVs, or military surplus—and most of those aren’t used in audio gear anymore.. While many are just old components, others are rare, highly collectible, and prized by musicians, audiophiles, and vintage gear enthusiasts.

Here are some of the most valuable types:

  • 12AX7 (especially Mullard, Telefunken, RCA, Amperex)

  • 6L6GC and EL34 (great for guitar amps)

  • 5AR4/GZ34, 5U4, and other rectifiers

  • KT88, EL84, 6V6GT

What adds value:

  • New Old Stock (NOS)

  • Matching pairs or quads

  • Original boxes and intact logos

  • Clean pins and no signs of use

2. Where to Sell Vacuum Tubes (And Who Actually Pays Fair Prices)

You have a few options when it comes to selling your tubes:

Online Marketplaces

  • eBay: Wide audience, but high fees, returns, and tire-kickers.

  • Reverb: Good for guitar tubes, but competitive and time-consuming.

  • Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Easy to use, but full of lowball offers.

Audio Shops and Pawn Stores

  • Many don’t specialize in tubes and offer low prices.

Fuzz Audio

  • We specialize in vintage tubes and understand their true value.

  • We test, grade, and pay fairly.

  • You get a quote fast and cash in quickly.

Selling Vacuum Tubes Online | Buy Vacuum Tubes | Sell Vacuum tubes to Fuzz Audio
RCA 12AX7s Vintage NOS Vacuum Tubes | Fuzz Audio
NOS RCA 12AX7

3. How to Prepare Your Tubes for Sale

To get top dollar, you don’t need to do a lot, but a few simple steps can help:

  • Group similar types together

  • Take clear photos showing labels and pins

  • Note any visible wear or broken glass

  • Mention if they came from working equipment

We even offer a free shipping kit to make things easy. If you’re not sure what you have, we’ll help you figure it out.

4. Why Sell to Fuzz Audio?

  • We know tubes—it’s all we do.

  • We offer honest pricing and fast turnaround.

  • We pay more for rare brands and types.

  • We make it easy with zero hassle.

You won’t have to deal with flaky buyers or spend hours researching prices. Just send us a list, and we’ll take it from there.

Buy and sell vacuum tubes and hifi gear | Fuzz Audio

5. Get a Quote Now

Ready to sell your vacuum tubes? Submit your inventory to Support@FuzzAudio.com and let us make you an offer. Want to learn more about what we pay? Email us for our price list. Check out our Tube Buyers Guide for more pricing examples and selling tips.

Let those old tubes work for you—we’ll turn them into something you can actually use.