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Post subject: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:44 pm
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After doing a lot of reading on this site and elsewhere on the internet plus listening to a side by side comparsion of the SS22 and the 65 DR I have decided on the SS.

There does seem to be a fair amount of concern about the reliabilty of that amp but I am going to take a chance on it.

These days I am playing with a couple of old friends doing small venues. I had been using my '59 Bassman RI which is a great amp but I need something small enough power wise that I can drive the tubes pretty hard, plus I wanted a smaller lighter amp. I am already hauling around a pedal steel and all the gear that goes with it. I am at an age where dragging around the least and the lightest gear is definitely a factor.

Anyway to my ears the SS stood up very well to the DR in a clean channel comparison. I doubt if I use the burn channel that much. I just bought a Fender Mustang Floor and I will get the effects from it.

I really wanted a FSR DeLuxe Reverb with the wine colored tolex and the brown grill cloth but I could not find one. The FSR amps Fender had and has made are very cool.

Considering some of the negative comments I have read on here I realize I am taking a chance but I think it's worth a gamble.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 7:46 am
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Nashville Kat...sounds like you did your homework! Throw up some pics when you get it and let us know how it is working for you.

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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:30 am
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Let's hope you don't experience any problems. But if you do, rest assured that one of the authorized fender repair stations can and will fix it at no cost. It's annoying to have to take a brand new amp for warranty work, that's the bad news regarding Fender. The good news is they seem to have a good warranty repair network and once repaired, there does not seem to be a recurrence.

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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:02 pm
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I just hope you have better luck with the SS 22 than I've had in my first two weeks. First the reverb doesn't work properly, right out of the box, just constant feedback if I turn the reverb up past two. Now I'm getting these crazy obnoxious vibrations out of the amp, very annoying. I'm sending it back.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:52 pm
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Nashvillekat, let us know what you think of it when you get it!


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:36 pm
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I received the amp friday and had the weekend to try it out.

So far I really like it.. Right out of the box it looked and sounded great. In comparison to others on this forum I was apparently lucky and up to this point, I am very pleased.

The reverb did howl a little bit when I cranked it up but after a while it settled down and doesnt howl any more.

I like the burn channel more than I thought I would. After twisting knobs a little I found a nice overdrive sound that I like.

I was able to compare it to a Deluxe Reverb and there is a little difference in tone. I think I like the Deluxe at lower volumes but, to my ears the SS is better at louder volumes but both are certainly good clean tones.

The true test will be when I get it on stage. I can get all sorts of great sounds and licks at home but when I play in a live setting with a full band it sounds different.

I have tried modeling amps but to me they sound great at home or in the studio but totally lose it on stage. Prior to this my main setup was a '59 Bassman RI with an assortment of stomp boxes. The Bassman is just a little loud for the clubs I play these days. I am hoping the SS, with a lower 22 watts will be just the thing.

I haven't used the SS much but, so far, I am well satisfied.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2013 5:19 pm
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[quote="nashvillekat"]I received the amp friday and had the weekend to try it out.

So far I really like it..

That's great Nashvillekat, I've had mine now for about three weeks, and had a few bugs to work out, but she's working really good now.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2013 11:56 pm
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I sent my SS 22 back. I loved the sound if I played quietly in my room. It was too noisy and had too many issues to play with my band. I have much better luck with my two Boogie's. It's a shame, I love that Fender clean sound. If only they could manufacture a consistently reliable product.

I'm glad you're having good luck with yours.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:02 am
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I bought a used SS22 from my local GC just yesterday (it looks to be a demo model), but it had a little of the reverb howl that has been described here. I have another "problem" though, in that I was going to do a retube right off the bat since I don't know how long these tubes have been in there ( and also thinking that one of them may have gone microphonic). Unfortunately, after taking off the shield, I cannot wriggle the tube out of the base and the metal guard. I have heard that the Groove Tubes used here are of a larger diameter and thus the sticking problems. Does anyone have any practical suggestions on how to get these tubes out or will I have to pull the chassis to unscrew the metal base to be able to pull them?

Mike


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 10:17 am
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mmcwill, for "stuck" tubes, I've used a little contact cleaner (like Caig D5 or GN5). Just dribble a bit into each socket/pin. Then, warm up the amp. Turn amp off and use an insulated glove (Mechanix type are the best). Gently pull each tube straight up, as much as possible. Try not to rock the tubes too much --- as this not not bends the pins but can damage the socket.

East Euro tubes were noted (some still are) for having pins whose diameters don't match the sockets. Sometimes, there is no cure but to remove the chassis. Discharge the main caps And work the socket tangs free of the pins. A dental probe will do the job.


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 12:20 pm
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nashvillekat wrote:
After doing a lot of reading on this site and elsewhere on the internet plus listening to a side by side comparsion of the SS22 and the 65 DR I have decided on the SS.

There does seem to be a fair amount of concern about the reliabilty of that amp but I am going to take a chance on it.

These days I am playing with a couple of old friends doing small venues. I had been using my '59 Bassman RI which is a great amp but I need something small enough power wise that I can drive the tubes pretty hard, plus I wanted a smaller lighter amp. I am already hauling around a pedal steel and all the gear that goes with it. I am at an age where dragging around the least and the lightest gear is definitely a factor.

Anyway to my ears the SS stood up very well to the DR in a clean channel comparison. I doubt if I use the burn channel that much. I just bought a Fender Mustang Floor and I will get the effects from it.

I really wanted a FSR Deluxe Reverb with the wine colored tolex and the brown grill cloth but I could not find one. The FSR amps Fender had and has made are very cool.

Considering some of the negative comments I have read on here I realize I am taking a chance but I think it's worth a gamble.


8) just posted some neto data but have not finished my analysis - i love this amp...old honky tonker from Bakersfield and Chet lover...kills on the blues and it can crunch sweetly...and it can thrash i changed out the TL072's to TLE2072's....and other things. i am not done do more analysis soon and post all my readings

It has 1 Ohm resistors off the cathodes of the power tubes so you can set bias easily

I would re-tube it asap! the groove tubes don't let the amp breath...but are good enough for gigging where tone doesn't matter...

ya bought a great little amp and it drives my V.K. cab just fine too :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 12:59 pm
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mmcwill wrote:
I bought a used SS22 from my local GC just yesterday (it looks to be a demo model), but it had a little of the reverb howl that has been described here. I have another "problem" though, in that I was going to do a retube right off the bat since I don't know how long these tubes have been in there ( and also thinking that one of them may have gone microphonic). Unfortunately, after taking off the shield, I cannot wriggle the tube out of the base and the metal guard. I have heard that the Groove Tubes used here are of a larger diameter and thus the sticking problems. Does anyone have any practical suggestions on how to get these tubes out or will I have to pull the chassis to unscrew the metal base to be able to pull them?

Mike

:mrgreen: Hi Mike,
I live on a beach where the seas can get angry, therefore i have to use Caig Deoxit D 5% with solvent and the 100% D (also have 100% gold and 5% gold) this is great stuff. :D

I ALWAYS, prior to putting in any tube including a brand spanking new tube(s) i treat the sockets and tube pins (i also loosen, scuff the chassis and treat any grounds + chassis and the screw (i BOLT the grounds to the chassis) and re-tighten after treatment )) i use 5% D to clean it all then i use 100%D according to the directions. treat all your jacks including the foot switch and the power connector plug (the ground pin is the biggie to do)
I am using a combination of Mullards, 6201 for the 12AT7 spots and Genalx 6V6's (i have a 12DW7 in the V position that drives the tone suck (stack)..but not saying it staying (i have lots of testing to do yet) and i am not standing in front of it

http://www.caig.com/

Enjoy it 8)

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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 9:41 pm
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rollo wrote:
mmcwill wrote:
I bought a used SS22 from my local GC just yesterday (it looks to be a demo model), but it had a little of the reverb howl that has been described here. I have another "problem" though, in that I was going to do a retube right off the bat since I don't know how long these tubes have been in there ( and also thinking that one of them may have gone microphonic). Unfortunately, after taking off the shield, I cannot wriggle the tube out of the base and the metal guard. I have heard that the Groove Tubes used here are of a larger diameter and thus the sticking problems. Does anyone have any practical suggestions on how to get these tubes out or will I have to pull the chassis to unscrew the metal base to be able to pull them?

Mike

:mrgreen: Hi Mike,
I live on a beach where the seas can get angry, therefore i have to use Caig Deoxit D 5% with solvent and the 100% D (also have 100% gold and 5% gold) this is great stuff. :D

I ALWAYS, prior to putting in any tube including a brand spanking new tube(s) i treat the sockets and tube pins (i also loosen, scuff the chassis and treat any grounds + chassis and the screw (i BOLT the grounds to the chassis) and re-tighten after treatment )) i use 5% D to clean it all then i use 100%D according to the directions. treat all your jacks including the foot switch and the power connector plug (the ground pin is the biggie to do)
I am using a combination of Mullards, 6201 for the 12AT7 spots and Genalx 6V6's (i have a 12DW7 in the V position that drives the tone suck (stack)..but not saying it staying (i have lots of testing to do yet) and i am not standing in front of it

http://www.caig.com/

Enjoy it 8)


I finally got the stuck tube out. I attacked it right after I had been playing for a while so the heat (and expanded metal parts) helped to loosen the pins in the socket and on the bracket base. It wasn't too hard to wiggle out (using a piece of rubber mat normally used underneath a throw rug to keep it from sliding). It kept me from burning my hands and provided excellent grip on the glass.

I used a deoxydizing solution on the pins on the new tube and a bit in the socket and it went right in.

Now to attack the rest of the tubes...


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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:21 pm
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mmcwill wrote:
It wasn't too hard to wiggle out (using a piece of rubber mat normally used underneath a throw rug to keep it from sliding). It kept me from burning my hands and provided excellent grip on the glass.


Try a potholder from the kitchen next time, Dr. Oppenheimer.

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Just orderd a SS 22
Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:38 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
mmcwill wrote:
It wasn't too hard to wiggle out (using a piece of rubber mat normally used underneath a throw rug to keep it from sliding). It kept me from burning my hands and provided excellent grip on the glass.


Try a potholder from the kitchen next time, Dr. Oppenheimer.

:mrgreen:

Arjay


Retroverbial wrote:
mmcwill wrote:
It wasn't too hard to wiggle out (using a piece of rubber mat normally used underneath a throw rug to keep it from sliding). It kept me from burning my hands and provided excellent grip on the glass.


Try a potholder from the kitchen next time, Dr. Oppenheimer.

:mrgreen:

Arjay


If i'm holding the pot don't bother me.... :mrgreen:

i use a handy dandy leather glove. :shock: (side note) lost a Mullard yesterday didn't come out hard but not so easy either, so it opened to air at the pins I'll leave the replacement call to the tubestore...because it was fine until i tried to take it out...in my ancient mind...i believe that was the first "airing in" i have done without a ball peen. :wink:

NOW lets chat ss22.
One issue you should immediately tackle (while using the caig stuff also) is all of the spade lugs MOST are so loose that with the amp on and wiggle them (like a rocking little amp on a crappy stage) would cause static and in one case the A/B switching didn't work...treat and tightened all, i also made nifty little copper wire (about 12ga from romex_ loops and soldered them to the test points on the cathodes of the power section.

fender should have two CHEAP test points there to facilitate biasing. i maybe changing the the bias pot ground bleed resistor like i did on the VK not sure yet, have not bolted the grounds on this one yet..(a few ohms can make a difference) i did most of the early grounding studies for the Patriot missile...neat stuff TONS of volumes of books on the subject...(this same technique can make your Porsche run mucho better also).

most of my jacks were loose

2 spring belton tank, sits on cardboard in a vinyl bag - treat the connectors on the amp and the tank.

The SPEAKER MUST GO. it's farty (mine) and i have 70-80 hours on it

plug a celestion Gold in and this puppy just spews tone,

use the stock speaker and plug the VK cab into the EXT jack HOLY ROCK AND ROLLIE..


so my amp geezer friend is coming from Camano Is. and bringing today some alnico and ceramics for a tone search he's a (3d machinist uses a calculator (old radio shack) and a Chinese mill...to make the stuff the Boeing, Lockheed etc can't do...i taught him electronics 20 years ago ...and this toad has devoured every amp book, built every damn amp configuration you can find (he has done massively cool stuff with BJ i have had two BJ's a great amp to start with). if he bought a boat 8 mile trip by car 65miles...

I'll report on the tone...i am also going to test and use some fine gear to record and stuff the amp with some different combinations of tubes...

last night, i fired up the chassis and dialed all things on the numbers so today i can test stuff like different PI tubes, V2 12DW7 vrs 12AX7 etc and look ONLY at empirical data THEN do the sound tests...with a re-bias when on for 1/2 hour at 24mvdc and a tad AND AND AND...

my old trained on super reverb twins etc...dooh 'dis must be V1...nice that after i stuck a 12at7 in the wrong place how nice the amp sounded afterward....dummy air must be floating around. The tube chart on the ss is complete...the puke on the VK tube chart isn't...but i'm clearly illustrating that in a doc ...to be posted when done and vetted.

i have taken this (not since re-tubing) to blues and country gigs in places where the VK is overpowering or i'm to lazy to hump that beast up a flight or two.....stay tuned...it's a nice amp and mic's nice also (with a good mic).

later stay tuned..taking lots of pics...after this and the VK the 6g15 and i was manic when i did the first tests so a data rich report on that toad is coming...and mine NOW...re-tubed, and some MINOR tweaks and rolled film caps....NICE (sometimes i use it as the reverb for the 22 and it will make people dance in a hurry...most use it with my trainwrecks ad red Jones amps... 8)

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