| Author | Message | ||
     E Grotz |
Hi Everyone, Cannot find anyone in Richmond, VA that does MM repairs so I'm looking for anyone in the state or even region! Basic problem is this: turn amp on and the most horrendous noise comes out of the speakers regardless of what you turn down. Have replaced tubes, checked fuse, etc. to no avail. I have ZERO electrical experience (although I'd love to learn how to fix this) so any help appreciated. | ||
| michael kaus |
Describe noise-is it a hum, static or howling squeel. If it's there with EVERYTHING turned down, it's somewhere in the final stage(power) so that should narrow it down somewhat. Let us know what it sounds like and EXACTLT what you have tried. Mike. | ||
| E Grotz |
It was a howling squeel, actually. I thought it might have been the fuse going but that looked clean. Can you recommend a good book as a primer for looking into these things? I take apart computers all the time but rarely look into the circuitry etc. | ||
| Steve Kennedy |
Whatever you do, remember that there is over 700Vdc present in an around the internal circuitry and it CAN KILL YOU if you get across it in the wrong way! Working on tube amps is extremely dangereous, which is why most people leave it to someone who does it often enough to know proper safety and troubleshooting procedures, can read schematics and know how to track down components. If you are serious about learning, keep your fingers out of the amp and go buy all the tube amp references you can find (Aspen Pittman, Gerald Weber, etc.). This will get you started. Next, spend a lot of time scouring the web and newsgroups using Google to find info on tube amp design and repair. Learn to read schematics and component color codes. Develop proper soldering technique and troubleshooting methods. Acquire some basic test equipment (meter, scope, generator). Gerald Weber (Kendrick Amps) runs one-day Tube Amp repair seminars where you can bring a problem amp with you and learn to fix it while under the guidance of a professional. Gerald writes a couple of tube-amp columns for Vintage Guitar magazine that can be good too. It isn't easy and it isn't cheap but it IS learnable in time (if you don't kill yourself trying, that is!). Let's be careful out there... Steve | ||
| E Grotz |
Thanks Steve! I plan on dropping this one off, but wouldn't mind learning more later on. I have a mechanics curiosity but not necessarily an electrician's brain. Thanks for the advice! |