Bad burning smell... again!

Red Rover · #1 09-02-2010, 05:46 PM

Hey folks,

I recently had a situation with my Peavey Combo 300. I was at rehearsal. I plug in and play a few notes... everything seems fine. I tune up and move some stuff around. I play a few more notes and... where did all my volume go? My volume dropped dramatically and it sounded distorted. Then the burning smell reared it's ugly head. Turned off the amp immediately and started swearing.

This isn't the first time it's happened. About 2 years ago I had a similar situation happen where my volume dropped and then had a nasty burning smell. I had it repaired and was told that it was a "fried transistor" I think... I'm not 100% sure on what part was fried but something on the circuit board.

So what I'm wondering is what is causing this to happen? My guitarist seems to think that it could have been a power surge from the power outlet or a grounding issue. I can believe it since our rehearsal space may or may not be up to code and we've felt that tingling electric sensation go through our bodies before when you touch the strings.

Any help is greatly appreciated... I really don't feel like putting more money into this amp.

Absentia · #2 09-02-2010, 05:50 PM

My money is on a dead fan causing it to overheat.

craig.p · #3 09-02-2010, 06:07 PM

Your amp wouldn't be the first one fried by dirty power. Common sense and best practices say get the power situation straightened out first, even before you send your amp off for repair again. There's a safety aspect to it as well.

Red Rover · #4 09-02-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

Your amp wouldn't be the first one fried by dirty power. Common sense and best practices say get the power situation straightened out first, even before you send your amp off for repair again. There's a safety aspect to it as well.

No argument here... this is in our singer's basement so maybe my guitarist and I can bring it up to him before the next rehearsal.