1 Topic by JohnTB (edited by JohnTB 2008-10-24 05:21:52)

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Topic: AMP Help

Ok old reliable has finally broken after 14 years sad its a Fender Blues Deluxe...

Im unsure of whats wrong tbh so before I drop it into a shop (which I can only do on weekends) I thought I'd post here and get some advice.

Basically this is whats happening, last week I took the amp to an open mic night it lasted a whole 5 mins before the volume dropped off and it basically turned off except its still ON!

So the tubes are glowing (all orangey in colour like normal) and are warm/hot to touch the light is still on and it smells ok. Thats the basics out of the way right?

So the first time this happened I unplugged it took the tubes out put them back in and plugged it back in it worked for a good hour after that...

Anyhow I took the amp home plugged it in to try out worked fine @ low volume so I gradually cranked it till it was 12 volume (I only use the clean channel) and I played it for 3-4 hours cranked it DIDNT have 1 drop out what so ever and played super fine infact I'd forgot how nice it sounds cranked up (havent used it in 2 month)

Now figuring it was all working I took it to open mic last night again same set up as last week and as when I tested it, after an hour (sitting in for country songs) and 10 mins into my set mid way thru Killing Floor!! it drops out so I switched it off and on got the sound back only for it to drop out mid way thru a solo sad

People there said the tranny is probably faulty, Im a bit dubious that it is I personally think its the power from the wall socket fluctuating.. regardless it means taking it in for a service which atm I cant really afford... So I'm basically asking for opinions on what it possibly could be I've yet to test it today bcuz Im at work.

Cheers for any help / opinions guys

  • From: Tampa, Fl.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 870

Re: AMP Help

Make sure you check the speaker wiring - could be faulty wiring...

"Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought-- particularly for people who can never remember where they have left things." - Woody Allen

http://www.last.fm/user/skynyrd128
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: AMP Help

Get contact cleaner and spray it inside the tube sockets.  They can get a little dirty in there and cause a bad connection with the tube pins. The contact cleaner will clean it right out.  The tube sockets might be loose too, so a tech would have to take of that.  But I'd try the contact spray first, you can get it at like radio shack.  It's a small can.

Hope everything works out.

Ben

  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: AMP Help

Yeah, Speaker Wire or Plugs could be the culprit. And dirty jack and inputs are also suspect.

    Does it seem to only happen, when the amp has warmed up?

    Another thing to check: The Effects Loop.

    If there's an Effects Loop, then try plugging some type of Effect (Doesn't really matter what type, for this experiment.), into the Effects Loop. In and Out, just like you were going to use it in the Loop.
    If the Amp works with the Effect plugged into the Loop, it will probably be a shorted or dirty Jack.

    Let us know, if you have any luck with any of these ideas.

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  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: AMP Help

Cheers for help guys, It's working again.... I did check the wires etc, You could be on to somet Ben I'm gonna drop it in today and have a play at decent volume see if it happens..

Seems odd it works after taking tubes out and dropping them in so somet could be loose / dirty. Probably loose and it just works its way loose after a bit of playing or somet.. I'll let u guys know what happens

6 Reply by JohnTB (edited by JohnTB 2008-10-25 13:03:58)

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: AMP Help

Budda wrote:

Yeah, Speaker Wire or Plugs could be the culprit. And dirty jack and inputs are also suspect.

    Does it seem to only happen, when the amp has warmed up?

    Another thing to check: The Effects Loop.

    If there's an Effects Loop, then try plugging some type of Effect (Doesn't really matter what type, for this experiment.), into the Effects Loop. In and Out, just like you were going to use it in the Loop.
    If the Amp works with the Effect plugged into the Loop, it will probably be a shorted or dirty Jack.

    Let us know, if you have any luck with any of these ideas.

Bingo m8y the power amp in jack was faulty / broken the tech guy messed around with it and re produced what was happening. He said he will service it and replace a microphonic tube for free so tis all good smile

Thx for all the help guys