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Post subject: Reverb Out
Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:35 pm
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The reverb on my '64 Vibroverb Custom quit working. Everything was ok Saturday night but I turned her on today no reverb. The vibrato works and so does everything else. I figure it's just the reverb tank but the amp is only about 2 years old. Is there any way to test the tank? I shook it and I can hear the springs jiggling. Clicking the footswith just results in a small increase in static noise. Any ideas?

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Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:57 pm
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The first thing I'd do is check the reverb tank for continuity using a DVM. If that looks good, repeat this test on the in/out cables. If those check okay, then use some contact cleaner on the in/out RCA jacks on the rear of the amp chassis to remove any oxidation. Clean the plugs on the cables as well. If the problem persists, take a look at V4 and V4 (respectively, the driver and recovery tubes for the reverb circuit).

HTH

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 5:37 am
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You say you can hear the springs jiggling.. is this amplified? Or just the acoustic mechanical noise of the springs moving? If the output of the reverb tank is working, you'll hear a right old racket by by giving the amp a gentle shake (or kick) when it's turned on. No need to plug the guitar in. If you don't hear that crashing sound, then it could be the input to the tank that has failed.

Have you checked that the RCA plugs are tightly plugged in to the reverb tank?

Certainly worth checking the valves dedicated to the reverb system, but in my experience it's usually the tank that has failed. What often happens is that the very delicate transducer wire connections to the springs break. They're a nightmare to try and fix. Replacing the tank is the sane option.

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:14 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
The first thing I'd do is check the reverb tank for continuity using a DVM. If that looks good, repeat this test on the in/out cables.


What is a DVM and how do I check the tank/cables using said DVM?

Quote:
If the problem persists, take a look at V4 and V4 (respectively, the driver and recovery tubes for the reverb circuit).


Did you mean to say V4 twice?


Thanks for the help Retro.

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 7:21 am
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adey wrote:
You say you can hear the springs jiggling.. is this amplified? Or just the acoustic mechanical noise of the springs moving?


You can hear it through the speaker too.

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Have you checked that the RCA plugs are tightly plugged in to the reverb tank?


Yup, I checked that too.

I would have used the reverb tank in my Hot Rod Deluxe to see if the problem was with the tank but unfortunately the HRDx's reverb tank is hardwired to the PCB.

Thanks to you too adey.

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:58 am
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Voodoo Blues wrote:
Did you mean to say V4 twice?


Thanks for the help Retro.


My bad -- should've read "V3 and V4".

If you have spring noise coming out of the reverb tank then I'd agree with Adey -- either the input cable to the tank has failed or there is a problem with input transducer within the tank itself. They're a PITFA to repair (it can be done) but generally speaking it's less aggravating to merely replace the entire tank. Stay away from the imported Accutronics replacements.

The problem could still lie with the reverb driver tube though.

HTH

Arjay

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:09 am
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Voodoo Blues wrote:
What is a DVM and how do I check the tank/cables using said DVM?


I assume the D is for Digital and the M is for Meter. No idea about the V, though. Volts, maybe? Anyway, you want to use a meter to check for continuity across the tank and the leads. Use the resistance setting. It will have a symbol like this: Ω

Touch the two leads from the meter together and zero the dial with the adjuster on the meter. then you are looking for the same or similar reading to indicate a closed circuit which indicates continuity.

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Last edited by BMW-KTM on Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:12 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:10 am
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Don't forget to answer my DVM question Retro. :wink:

P.S DVM = Digital Volt Meter?

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:30 am
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Voodoo Blues wrote:
P.S DVM = Digital Volt Meter?


Indeed. And it need not be an expensive one.

You can find a "cheapie" at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or Lowe's for less than "twenty yankee dollah" that -- for your purposes -- will perform just as well as a high-zoot model from Beckman, Fluke, or Simpson.

Arjay

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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:22 am
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I have a pretty decent voltmeter so I'll give it a try when I get home.

Thanks for the replies so far fellas!

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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 4:44 am
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OK, I'm pretty sure it's the tank. I changed the reverb tubes and when I put a meter to the reverb input jacks I get a 0 reading so the circuit is closed.

The reverb was working after the tube change but last night when I plugged her in the reverb was out again. I tapped the reverb tank and presto it was back. Seems like it might be a bad connection in the tank.

Does anyone know a good source for a reverb tank? It's a '64 Vibroverb Custom. Also, if I write Fender Customer Service will they be able to give me the seven digit tank identification code?

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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:19 am
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You can find reverb tanks on Ebay all day long. Look for a non-import Accutronics. There should be a part # on your original which may be of help when matching the replacement to your amp.

HTH

Arjay

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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 9:55 am
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Retro, I found two online sources; http://www.darrenriley.com and http://www.mojotone.com. Mojotone appears to sell aftermarket tanks and darrenriley sells Fender replacement tanks. Any word on either?

I did write Fender customer service and asked about a Fender part number to see if darrenriley has a match.

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Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:03 am
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I'm not familiar with Darren Riley but I've bought parts from Mojotone before. I would stick with the direct OEM replacement unit if possible though.

This is the reverb tank used in the re-issue Twin Reverb, Super Reverb, and Deluxe Reverb......

Fender P/N 064063 REVERB UNIT 4 SPRING 4AB3C1B

I'd be surprised if the model for your '64 Vibroverb wasn't this one.

HTH

Arjay

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Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 4:33 am
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Right on the money Arjay, Mr. Ed Treat at Fender Customer Support sent me the same Fender part number and even provided a source for buying a replacement.

Thanks again Arjay,
Mike

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