It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 1:50 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 23 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: '59 Bassman LTD - weird noise
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:22 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
My '59 Bassman Reissue (purchased in 2006) has started to make some odd noises. This is my first tube amp so it could be perfectly normal. However, I would still like to make sure.

Lately, I have began to notice a weird noise it has been making. The noise is not coming from the speakers, rather the components inside the amp (maybe the tubes, I cannot tell). The only way to describe the sound would be like comparing it to the sound a computer makes when it is running or when it tries to read a disc.

Any one know what I'm talking about?


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 8:45 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
Could just be tube rattle. Play a note and touch each tube on the glass envelope with a chopstick. If the noise stops it's rattle. You can tap each tube too to see if it makes a noise, it may be microphonic. Give it a try and see what happens.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:07 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
63supro wrote:
Could just be tube rattle. Play a note and touch each tube on the glass envelope with a chopstick. If the noise stops it's rattle. You can tap each tube too to see if it makes a noise, it may be microphonic. Give it a try and see what happens.


Yup, that seems to be the problem. It's one of the power tubes. It doesn't stop if i just touch something against tube. I have to give it a light tap and then it will stop. However, if I give it another tap, it will start up again.

How do I make it so the tube just doesn't rattle at all?

By the way, the it makes the sound all the time, not just when I'm playing.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:17 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
Is it a preamp tube? If it is replace it, it's microphonic.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 9:18 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
63supro wrote:
Is it a preamp tube? If it is replace it, it's microphonic.
I said in my previous post, it's a power tube.

The second one to be exact.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 11:47 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
It seems as if the sound has been getting worse. Can anyone still help me?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 1:24 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
You need to replace the power tubes.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:32 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
Could I damage the amp if I still play it while its making this sound? I will get new power tubes but in the mean time is it ok to play?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:49 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
No, they can rattle for years before they go. It's just really annoying. That's one of the reasons I run a head and cabinet. :D

When you replace the power tubes, you need to replace them all and have the bias checked.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:18 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
63supro wrote:
When you replace the power tubes, you need to replace them all and have the bias checked.
That's what I plan on doing.

I am looking at these two Groove Tubes:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Groove-Tube ... 1125723.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Groove-Tube ... 1125742.gc

What do you think I should go with? I have the GEs in now but I have only had the amp for a few weeks (bought it used off of eBay) so I don't really know their true "personalities". The CHPs have much better reviews. Should I go with those?

Those will both work in a Bassmen, correct?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:24 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
I'd steer clear of Groove Tubes. They're way overpriced. I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:31 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
63supro wrote:
I'd steer clear of Groove Tubes. They're way overpriced. I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too.
Really? I want quality. Price doesn't matter that much to me. Can you recommend some better tubes for me?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:26 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
njb182 wrote:
63supro wrote:
I'd steer clear of Groove Tubes. They're way overpriced. I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too.
Really? I want quality. Price doesn't matter that much to me. Can you recommend some better tubes for me?


If you want quality, you don't want Groove Tubes. GT is a tube sorting house. They don't make them. They tried a long time ago but the EPA got in the way. Fender owns GT now. That's why they recommend them.
I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too. Look at NOS tubes if moneys no object.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:17 pm
Posts: 14
63supro wrote:
njb182 wrote:
63supro wrote:
I'd steer clear of Groove Tubes. They're way overpriced. I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too.
Really? I want quality. Price doesn't matter that much to me. Can you recommend some better tubes for me?


If you want quality, you don't want Groove Tubes. GT is a tube sorting house. They don't make them. They tried a long time ago but the EPA got in the way. Fender owns GT now. That's why they recommend them.
I use JJ's, and JAN Phillips, but Tung Sols are really nice too. Look at NOS tubes if moneys no object.
I am having trouble finding a place to buy NOS tubes. Can you help?

Would you use NOS over JJ's and JAN Phillips?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:02 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:19 pm
Posts: 8827
http://thetubestore.com
www.eurotubes.com

I would at least go NOS for the 5AR4 Rectifier Tube if you replace it. They're just built better than current production 5AR4's.

It's up to you. JJ's and Tung Sol are great tubes. I like them, you may not. If you're totally happy now, you can stick with the brand you have. I never gotten a GT that didn't eventually rattle in 6 months or less. I've had GT's fail in less than a year too. For me they just don't work out. I felt they had no character and sounded like an icepick in the forehead. The JJ's really smoothed things out for me. YMMV


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 23 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: