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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 12:49 pm
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Last edited by billco on Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:20 pm
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I've been using Fender amps since 1964, The new production models are pretty much junk. It's really disappointing. I still have my 76 Twin and my 74 Champ. Dr. Z's are nice. If I were still playing out all the time I'd have either a Dr Z or some other boutique amp. The Egnater is really nice. It runs 6v6's and EL84's. You can balance between the tubes and it's adjustable from 1 to 20 watts.

For now I'll just hate my HRDlx till I dump it.


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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:21 pm
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Last edited by billco on Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:55 pm
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billco wrote:
As for getting rid of your HRDlx, I'm ashamed to say I bought a Pro Jr. online on a whim after reading all the rave reviews. Now I'm too embarassed to admit I own one and too honest to sell that POS to anyone. Therefore, it sits in the closet out of sight and out of mind.


I did the same thing with a BJr. That's how I know.

But I didn't feel bad about selling it. Hey, if you think it sounds great, then you can have it.


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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 9:12 pm
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Hi Zelda and welcome! I have found that a mix of volumes and hours is all it takes. Celestions seem to find their zone sooner than Webers, only have one Jensen. But 20 to 30 hours of reasonable playing should settle it in. Might want to check the speaker frame to cab screws(just firm, not super tight- the speaker has a paper gasket for sealing purposes)after a while. As stated above the tubes just need to be seated in their sockets. The idea of oil from your fingers creating a hot spot on the tube glass is from days gone by, and does not apply to your amp. Keep Pickin' Art


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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:32 am
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63supro wrote:
I've never done that and never had a tube fail because of a fingerprint in 40+ years. They get dirty dusty and funky on their own. It's not a halogen bulb. The envelope is actually pretty thick. If using white gloves make you feel better though, that's cool. I've never bothered or even heard of doing it.


Here's a quote directly from the VUMM Audio website:

"Handling Vacuum Tubes
Contact with oils and dirt from your hands build up on the glass envelope of the tube, eventually causing it to run hotter than it should, shortening its life. If you have to remove or replace a tube, use the gloves provided to handle it. Do not touch the vacuum tubes with bare hands."


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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:47 am
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Oh, well then... if it's on a commercial website, it must be true.

;)


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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:10 am
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As an alternative, you could handle them and then wipe them down with a paper towel and some windex. Just be careful not to wipe away the markings on the tube.

Of course, if you are working with some rare expensive NOS Telefunken, I'd recommend the glove.


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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 5:46 pm
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I'll tell you what, I've had some tubes like in my old Dano DM10 that lasted almost 20 years and were never wiped off even once. Still sounds like a load. Maybe on newer tubes because they build them like garbage.


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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:38 am
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SlapChop wrote:
billco wrote:
As for getting rid of your HRDlx, I'm ashamed to say I bought a Pro Jr. online on a whim after reading all the rave reviews. Now I'm too embarassed to admit I own one and too honest to sell that POS to anyone. Therefore, it sits in the closet out of sight and out of mind.


I did the same thing with a BJr. That's how I know.

But I didn't feel bad about selling it. Hey, if you think it sounds great, then you can have it.


Not to "pile on" here - but ......

I 'had' a Blues Junior. I wound up giving it away.
If that tells you anything about what I thought of the amp.

But, I always say, to each his own. If a person likes the amp - great. One mans garbage is another mans treasure - or so I've heard. :wink:

But then, some people can't stand the CT SE that I use, and love.

With me, musical 'stuff' is usually part of the family for many years - like in supros case with his amps. So, IMO, you need to get what sounds and feels good to you. Your the one that has to live with it. (unless you give it away - like I did the BJ) (you know - I still feel guilty about that :lol: )


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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:04 pm
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My stuff is getting older like me. :D The Twin is just too loud and heavy to drag around and I really don't require that much power any more.

I thought the HRDlx would fit the bill. Medium power and stuff and hey, it's a Fender right? Should be reliable and sound great. It sounds okay after you dump the stock tubes and play it through a decent cabinet but it's still not built for the long haul like my other amps. It just sits in my music room for now. I figure it still has time on the warranty so maybe I'll avoid any bad Karma selling it. I see what I can get on a trade when I finally get some time to myself.

For now it just sits. I'm afraid it will fail me again before I get chance to get rid of it.

The moral of the story is do some research before you buy and don't get lower end stuff thinking it will get you by like I did, because unless you are very lucky, you'll be trying to get rid of it.

That's what I get for buying something on a legendary reputation with a company I've had a long term relationship with instead of checking out other forums to get even a hint of the truth.

Buyers remorse,.......you bet!


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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:00 pm
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Zelda! Keep on keepin' on! I'm sure you'll find great sounds and great times playing you're amp. Hope you're jammin' with friends and other folks. Peace Art


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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 7:00 am
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Last edited by billco on Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:05 am
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Last edited by billco on Sat Dec 11, 2010 5:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 9:17 am
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billco wrote:
Strataholic wrote:
63supro wrote:
I've never done that and never had a tube fail because of a fingerprint in 40+ years. They get dirty dusty and funky on their own. It's not a halogen bulb. The envelope is actually pretty thick. If using white gloves make you feel better though, that's cool. I've never bothered or even heard of doing it.


Here's a quote directly from the VUMM Audio website:

"Handling Vacuum Tubes
Contact with oils and dirt from your hands build up on the glass envelope of the tube, eventually causing it to run hotter than it should, shortening its life. If you have to remove or replace a tube, use the gloves provided to handle it. Do not touch the vacuum tubes with bare hands."



LOL!!!! More damage will done to the tubes putting the wrong end of the instrument cable into the amp than a fingerprint on the glass will.

Wearing gloves may be a good idea from a safety standpoint, i.e., glass breakage or shock, but doing so to prolong the life of a tube is pure poppycock. That's not to say a simple wipe down is a bad idea, as keeping components free of dust and dirt is good preventive maintenance, but a little common sense applies here.

But I digress, if you search the web, you'll also find sites that support the earth is flat theory. To each their own.


I guess they mean that you use the gloves or a towel or cleaner teschnique after you've eaten that PBJ sandwich and didn't bother to wash your hands!!! LOL


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