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Post subject: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:10 pm
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I have a couple of questions regarding the '65 Princeton Reverb Reissued amplifier. Mine is stock.

1.
I'm looking for a decent and appropriately sized flight case. I'll be moving from Japan to California so I need something sturdy. If I'm going to buy something, I'd rather just buy it once... I may be transporting the amp around semi-frequently some day so I want to get a case that can hold up. I'm interested in the following features:

a. some kind of padding
b. casters (preferably locking ones)
c. not bulky
d. TSA approved (?) locks

2.
I've been experiencing a rattle with my amp, especially with volume levels of 4~5 and above. The rattle is particularly present from about a B to a D on the A string... usually mostly present on a C-C#.

After a bit of troubleshooting, I've determined that the source of the problem has to do with the power tubes. The vacuum tube clips may not be securing the tubes enough, or one or both of the tubes may be too loose as the result of a defect. FWIW, the power tubes have serial numbers that are not sequential (they skip a number).

I've considered a few things:

a. tightening the vacuum tube clips a lot- however, I'm afraid of doing damage. I tried tightening them before and the problem went away for a few hours, but has since returned.

b. installing some kind of dampening device- however, I'm worried about that being fire-safe.

c. buying a new pair of power tubes

I'd really appreciate any help or advice with either of these questions.

Thanks for taking the time to read all that :D

By the way, this is my first post here. Please let me know if I've broken any rules!


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Post subject: Re: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:15 pm
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I suspect the elements within the power tubes themselves are the source of your rattle. Try a new -- better -- grade of glass and see if that doesn't cure the issue.

Ebay is likely your best bet for TSA-approved amp cases.

HTH

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:09 am
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Arjay, thank you for your quick reply!

I can get a matched pair of Groove Tubes GT6V6RD's for about $40. I'm not certain how to tell what the grade of the glass is for either the Groove Tubes or my original tubes. Would you be so kind as to educate me on how to determine a tube's glass grade?

As for the flight case, I'm seeing a lot of listings for specific amps, but none are for the PRRI. Truth be told, I was hoping to find a case pre-made for the amp although it seems as though a custom order might be necessary if I were to follow through. The only thing more expensive than a custom order is a custom order shipped to Japan.


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Post subject: Re: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:24 am
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WTF?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Fe ... _sacat=619

When we use the term "glass", we're referring generically to vacuum tubes. Same with the word "bottle". Try some better tubes. And no, I don't consider Groove Tubes to be "better". I don't even consider them to be "good".

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:42 am
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LOL!

I took offense when I first read your reply. Then, much to my surprise when I clicked on your link I saw loads of applicable cases... WTF indeed! For some reason I wasn't getting any results for that search earlier. I'm totally confused but happy that you sent me that link nonetheless. Thank you.

As for the tubes, I expected such a response to the groove tubes. Anything better goes for a pretty penny over here though. If I'm going to buy new tubes, I'd be happier if it were an improvement as well as a rattle-stopper. If you have any suggestions I'll see if they are available here.

By the way, thanks for the terminology help. "Glass" reminds me of camera lenses ;) .

EDIT: How weird!!! After checking your link on my laptop I get 0 results. For whatever reason on my ipod touch I get all kinds of results. I'll have to check my e-bay search preferences.


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Post subject: Re: '65 PRRI Looking for Flight Case / Mysterious Rattle
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 7:23 am
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ST.California wrote:
I took offense when I first read your reply. Then, much to my surprise when I clicked on your link I saw loads of applicable cases... WTF indeed!


I'm the forum's senior amp snark......

Image

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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