I've recently changed quite a few caps in my MM amp. Now when I power it on it looks fine in that the tubes are glowing but the tiny little transformer starts smoking at the back and you can smell burning metal and there is no sound from the guitar. This is the export model so i'm guessing this was the input step-down transformer. Anyway its a bummer, new caps and a blown amp. Does anyone know what could of caused this?
Thanks
Levi
Not a step-down.
Hi Levi,
if your amp has the 12AX7 (ECC83) tube in it, the 'tiny transformer' is a filter choke. An export amp simply has a different power transformer than a US domestic amp (and at times extra fuses inside). I'm not trying to insult you here - but you need to take the amp to a technician who can troubleshoot it. Smoke is never good.
Sincerely,
Lars Verholt
Honestly, as Lars says
Honestly, as Lars says "smoke isn't good". Really sounds like a cap got put in backwards if it worked before. Needs to go to someone with chops. Mike.
Component Failure Analysis
In a 1980's White Paper on Component Failure Analysis at HP, the most common component failure mode was loss of smoke. For a component to work properly, the smoke must not escape.
BTW: Mike and Lars are correct. If you don't have the required skills, take it to a qualified technician. -Mike Griffin
OK-now THAT'S funny. Got to
OK-now THAT'S funny. Got to remember NOT to let the smoke escape.