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Post subject: Problem With HRD
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:16 am
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The sound of my amp has changed after 2 days of at least 3 hour practices with my band at a volume of 3-4. When I took it back home the sound of my amp was very "tin-sounding" it lost it's warmness or something... Does this have something to do with the tubes? Did I play it too long at a loud volume? Any help would be appreciated... I still have warranty :D


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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:45 pm
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Unfortunetly it's hard to tell... But right away i'll say it's a pre-amp tube. Troubleshooting! :D the best really is to change all the tubes but thats mucho $.

So... Start with the pre-amps, tap them with an eraser (or something similar) and listen if there's a ring or any ''loose'' parts. Tapping on them can find intermittent cathode shorts that will suck the volume. (same with the power tubes) Loss in volume can also be associated with power tubes. You can also swap your pre-amp tubes (take the ones you have already and switch them up).

Normally power tubes will always go before pre-amps. As tubes get older they start sucking more power and usually lowering volume, losing highend (treble), muddy lows and then your fuse goes... etc...
I'll stick with my first statement and say it's the pre-amp tube. Remember to change them with the same kind or better yet go see a tech (store you got it from) and ask them about it... you might have to bias your amp when changing tubes.

I know it's very vague... :) good luck.

p!


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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 3:18 pm
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Thanks for the reply, but I won't be changing them thats for sure :D I basically just got the amp lol... I will try the other things you have suggested.

Oh just to let you know I was on another name if you wonder why


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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:21 pm
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Take the amp back and get another one.


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Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:23 pm
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First the easy part: make sure that all the tubes are tight in their sockets.

The pencil eraser technique should then be tried. My experence differs from 'phuot' in that I've found the premature failures to show up in the preamp tubes. They can be rotated as suggested or replaced singularly. If it's a power tube, the pair should be replaced with a matched pair. No re-biasing is necessary for preamp tubes. Power tubes can be purchased within the proper biased range from certain suppliers.

If no bad tubes show up, you better take it or send it to an authorized repair station.

You say that you won't be replacing tubes. Don't be so sure. I've purchased 2 brand new Fender tube amps in the past 4 years and had to replace preamp tubes in both immediately due to tube "rattle". If you are very close to an authorized rpr. station, you can take it there and it may be handled by warranty and you may have to leave it for weeks. I opted to replace the preamp tubes (@$15 ea.). It was quicker and I live a great distance from a rpr. station.

I know that's frustrating and not what you wanted to hear, but I think Fender puts junk tubes in otherwise great amps. So if the eraser technique shows bad tubes, pick your option.

If you end up replacing tubes, I've had 100% success with Tung-Sol tubes. There are really only a couple of tube manufacturers in the world and their tubes are branded by a number of marketers (like Tung-Sol). The difference I'm told, lies in testing. Tung-Sol seems to do a very good job culling the bad tubes.

Good luck!

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The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:17 pm
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I would recommend to always have the bias checked after changing power tubes. If the bias is too cold, the tubes will last long but sound cold and sterile. Too hot and you'll cook the tubes.
This site has a wealth of information. http://studentweb.eku.edu/justin_holton/

Also www.Eurotubes.com has a video on how to bias amps.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:19 am
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RVM lead wrote:
First the easy part: make sure that all the tubes are tight in their sockets.

The pencil eraser technique should then be tried. My experence differs from 'phuot' in that I've found the premature failures to show up in the preamp tubes. They can be rotated as suggested or replaced singularly. If it's a power tube, the pair should be replaced with a matched pair. No re-biasing is necessary for preamp tubes. Power tubes can be purchased within the proper biased range from certain suppliers.

If no bad tubes show up, you better take it or send it to an authorized repair station.

You say that you won't be replacing tubes. Don't be so sure. I've purchased 2 brand new Fender tube amps in the past 4 years and had to replace preamp tubes in both immediately due to tube "rattle". If you are very close to an authorized rpr. station, you can take it there and it may be handled by warranty and you may have to leave it for weeks. I opted to replace the preamp tubes (@$15 ea.). It was quicker and I live a great distance from a rpr. station.

I know that's frustrating and not what you wanted to hear, but I think Fender puts junk tubes in otherwise great amps. So if the eraser technique shows bad tubes, pick your option.

If you end up replacing tubes, I've had 100% success with Tung-Sol tubes. There are really only a couple of tube manufacturers in the world and their tubes are branded by a number of marketers (like Tung-Sol). The difference I'm told, lies in testing. Tung-Sol seems to do a very good job culling the bad tubes.

Good luck!


+1
I also like the Tung-Sol (their big, warm and musical!), they literally saved my super-sonic :)
And yes, fender do cheap out on some tubes....
My favorite place for tube info and products/service: www.thetubestore.com

The best online tube store i've found so far... ask them anything!

p.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:35 pm
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Ditto 'phuot' on www.thetubestore.com.

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The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars


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