Ampeg CL Shorted out during a show

Blah114 · #1 09-27-2010, 07:24 AM

So, the band that wanted me to get Ampeg.. I got it.. a used Ampeg CL.. I had it checked out, etc.. all clear.. during a show last week, I heard a high piercing sound, then brief static.. then nothing, no bass.. silence.. the amp stayed powered ON.. but no output.. even the fan kept going.. anyway, wondering thoughts here. I am taking it back into a place that services Ampeg in STL area.. this amp is a USA amp.. made @ STL Music.. I am hoping this is nothing serious.. I am looking for thoughts and recommendations on repair people. Thank goodness I had a backup amp (not Ampeg) with me.. mid-song, I switch to a different head.. it did not have the depth as the CL.. but between this thing weighing 80lbs+.. and the problems.. ah well, I love its sound..

Vintage-Blue · #2 09-27-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blah114

... I am looking for thoughts and recommendations on repair people.

I've never used them before but I've seen others recommend LS Electronics. I believe some of their employees had previous ties to St. Louis Music.

LaklandBass · #3 09-27-2010, 10:39 AM

I have personally seen the quality of recent Ampeg equipment to have terrible reliability.

I went through 3 SVT4Pro's in one week... two were dead on arrival out of the box and the other was sketchy by the 2nd rehearsal with it.
My old bass player has a B4 head and after about 100 hours of use it now shuts off on its own after about 20 seconds of playing.
When I worked for Guitar Center in 2 weeks I saw two guys return ampegs broken within the 30 day return policy. (one svt3, one svt4)

collicsws6z28 · #4 09-27-2010, 11:49 AM

Im in STL, definitly use LS Electronics as mentioned. Employees worked for SLM. Also Obeid Khan works at Killer Vintage, another ex SLM employee

Blah114 · #5 09-27-2010, 11:51 AM

thanks, guys.. the ampeg CL is the best sounding amp I have ever heard.. anywhere.. anytime.. I have to get it repaired, thanks everyone

Blah114 · #6 09-27-2010, 11:52 AM

Obeid Khan rules.. seriously..

Blah114 · #7 09-30-2010, 07:16 AM

here is what happened.. the left bias was set too high.. to make matters worse.. the LED was green... anyway, I have to get the thing re tubed.. which will cost.. but I tell everyone.. there is not a better bass amp that I have heard.. anywhere.. Genz, Markbass, Mesa, you name it.. the Ampeg CL's tone, to me, is hands-down the best.. I know it weighs a ton.. but you get what you pay for.. mine is 14+ years old, used.. so I expected problems.