Valve Market Update – July 2025
A Straight-Talking Look at the UK & Global Tube Supply Situation
UK Market: Harsh Headwinds for Music
Since April 2025, the UK’s economic climate has been tough on the live music scene. The sharp rise in National Insurance and business rates (the dreaded property taxes) has hit hospitality and small venues hard. Many pubs and clubs that used to support local and semi-pro bands have had to scale back — or worse, shut down entirely.
Fewer gigs mean fewer pounds in musicians’ pockets, and that’s starting to ripple through the gear industry. The result? Two major music retailers — Guitar and Keyboard Centre (GAK) and Play Music Today (PMT) — have closed their doors. These were long-standing names in the UK scene, and their loss is a serious sign of the times.
Sadly, we may see more follow. It’s not just about guitars, amps and pedals — it’s about the heart of a community.
Global Turbulence: When Politics Meets Valves
On the international front, the situation is equally uncertain. The political mood is heating up, and it’s no secret that the relationship between the West and Russia is tense — again.
Why does this matter for us? Because the world’s largest valve factory is in Saratov, Russia, producing well-known brands like:
- Electro-Harmonix
- Svetlana
- Sovtek
- Tung-Sol
- Genalex Gold Lion
Currently, there’s a 35% sanctions duty on Russian-made valves — but there’s a real possibility that could increase. In the worst case, imports might even be banned altogether.
Remember 2022? When the Ukraine war broke out, Russian valves disappeared from the supply chain almost overnight. That created massive pressure on JJ Electronic in Slovakia, the main European-based valve manufacturer. At the time, lead times ballooned up to 14 months.
The Good News: Resilience & Alternatives
Thankfully, JJ Electronic has ramped up production since then and can now meet more of the global demand. Still, we’d be foolish to assume smooth sailing ahead.
Here’s what we’re doing about it:
- Stockpiling essential valves, particularly Russian types that may become harder (or more expensive) to source.
- Adding solid alternatives to our inventory. JJ has no duty so are much lower cost than their Russian equivalents.
A good example: the EH 7025, a low-noise, low-hum premium 12AX7 (ECC83) variant. By 18th July, we’re adding the JJ E83CC to our shelves — a strong equivalent. We also have the excellent TAD High-Grade 7025 already in stock for those who prefer a more boutique vibe.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a gigging guitarist, a studio engineer, or a tech keeping vintage amps alive, this situation directly affects your tools, tone, and costs.
- If you rely on specific valves, now’s the time to plan ahead.
- If you’re a repairer or builder, it’s worth testing and approving alternatives now rather than scrambling later.
- And if you’re a player? Maybe keep a spare set of trusted tubes on hand, just in case.
Final Thoughts: Stay Tuned, Stay Ready
We’re all hoping the global situation cools down. But we’re preparing for the worst while hoping for the best — so that your amps keep glowing, your tone stays sweet, and your gigs go on.
We’ll keep you updated as things evolve.
Until then — keep playing, keep repairing, and keep those valves glowing.