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Post subject: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 2:50 am
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Hi there, new forum user so greetings everyone :)

Hoping that someone can advise on possible issues that I'm having with my Hot Rod Deluxe (limited edition Green, 2nd edition model). I originally bought this amp for its clean, shimmering Fender tones, having previously demoed the version III in a shop and being blown away by it. However, on the recommendation of a friend who tours with Hot Rods religiously in a pretty successful band, I picked up the older model on eBay (2nd edition version).

The amp sounded great at first, lots of ringing, bright cleans. However, during one band practice, the amp began sounding far crunchier than usual and I couldn't get any clean at volume from it.

I thought one of the valves may have gone so I took it to a guitar tech who, after a while, identified an issue with one of the power valves. He subsequently changed them for new GrooveTubes (they had previously been fitted with JJs by the previous owner).

However, since I've had the amp back it sounds just as bad, if not worse. The amp distorts at "3" and I can't seem to get as much volume from it, at least not enough to be heard in my band (we play a kind of post-rock I guess). Furthermore, the power light keeps flickering and sometimes goes off completely. I'm not sure if the 2 problems are related.

Any ideas anyone? I'm very confused. I'm SURE that I was getting the glassy, shimmering tones originally with this amp. It just doesn't sound much like the amp that I had bought it for. But from investigating further online, some people say that this amp has great headroom, others say that it's designed for being dirty quickly.

Thoughts?

Thanks
S


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Post subject: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2017 7:27 pm
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Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 3:25 pm
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You've already heard what the amp can do. It can do it again. I'd keep the amp n get a new tech.
While you may have a preamp tube problem, these usually crap out in less than ten minutes. A longer cycle suggests a connection or component heating up.
This vintage HRDX needs a thorough resolder job on the tube sockets and power supply resistors and jacks before it can be considered reliable. Inspect the filter caps for leakage and replace them if necessary.
The pilot light issue is just a bulb or socket problem and is unrelated to the sound issue. Replacing the bulb usually fixes it.
Another sneaky issue is the ext speaker jack. First, make sure yer not plugged into it.
There is an internal switch on the jack that gets dirty and distorts high power passages or cuts out. Squirt in a little cleaner and insert a plug 10 times to clean it.
Good luck


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Post subject: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 1:27 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 2:41 am
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Hey, thanks for the swift reply. When you say a preamp tube problem will "crap out in less than 10 minutes", do you mean this problem rectifies itself after 10 minutes or play (therefore the issue is something deeper), or that the preamp tubes in these amps break down quickly?

Thanks!
S


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Post subject: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:00 pm
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I meant fail.
I have a 10 minute rule. If the amp plays normally for 2 to 10 minutes and then fails, it's probably a tube failure.
It has to do with warmup. In the same way that a car will operate for several minutes before overheating can become a problem. It's the same with tubes they can operate normally until they get hot enough to fail.
In your case, waiting that long for the symptoms to appear indicates a long enough heating cycle that components or circuit boards are breaking down with the heat.
This is a common problem with HRDX and their soldering.
Read through the trove of postings on this forum to get acquainted with common issues with the amp.


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Post subject: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:33 pm
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Hi I have the exact same problem with my 12 month old blues deluxe. It seemed to have loads of clean headroom then over time the pilot light starting dimming after say 20 minutes of operation and the amp broke up earlier.
I've changed all the tubes and the pilot light even tried a new wgs speaker but still lost my clean shimmering headroom. Help please.
Lee


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Post subject: Re: Hot Rod Deluxe - clean headroom issues?
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 2:03 am
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Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
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Location: Province de Québec, Canada
Pilot light dimming after 20 minutes= loss of voltage.
Something is heating inside the amp and amp loose voltage.

Bring amp to a tech

12 months old ...It is not on warranty ?

If not , check inside for burn resistors , bad contact ; solder or connector.Need to have some experience to see


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