buying my first tube amp

doomloop · #1 03-07-2011, 07:10 PM

Gonna go check out a 3 year old SVT classic tomorrow. Anything I should look for, listen for. It's my first tube amp....

Thanks, looking forward to posting some pics.

JimmyM · #2 03-07-2011, 07:12 PM

make sure all the switches and knobs work, make sure there's no odd crackles, etc. anything you'd do with an ss amp to check it out, you'd do with a tube amp.

Mr. Foxen · #3 03-07-2011, 07:23 PM

Hear it running, check all the tube are glowing about the same. If you can ding them gently with something non-conductive, like a chopstick, see if any noise comes out the speakers when you do. It doesn't matter if it does, but you might be able to knock the price of a revalve off the asking. It might have bias lights on the back, have a look at those and check they are the right colour.

Another check I do, but till now have never thought to recommend is the 'does it totally reek of weed/cigarettes?' test, this test is achieved by sniffing the amp.

doomloop · #4 03-07-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

It might have bias lights on the back, have a look at those and check they are the right colour.

Another check I do, but till now have never thought to recommend is the 'does it totally reek of weed/cigarettes?' test, this test is achieved by sniffing the amp.

What color is the 'right' color for the bias lights?

So if it smells like cigs=bad, smells like weed=stonerrock?

Thanks...this is awesome!

Calaverasgrande · #5 03-07-2011, 08:17 PM

I actually always smell my gear. I have only once ever had a buyer do the same. Its a good indicator of milaeaage on amps. If it smells like malt vinegar than a lot of beers spilt on it.
I'd check to be sure all input and output jacks work. Exercise all of the switches and knobs. I usually use a no2 pencil to tap the tubes, with the eraser end. All of the tubes will make some sound, a microphinc tube will be very loud and unmistakable!
Also be blunt. Why are they selling it? A lot of times people sell SVT's when they start sounding acting funny. honestly, it can usually be rectified with new tubes and or a proper biasing. They may know this and not be willing to send $150-200 for a full set of tubes or they may not. Dont tip your hand either way.
I also would check to be sure it has all its corners and feet, as well as knobs. Those ampegs have a habit of falling down in tour vans and getting knobs sheared off. I have no idea why this happens so much with ampeg? Almost everybody I know with a recent ampeg has this problem. I guess its the plastic pot shafts couple with the angled faceplate.

JimmyM · #6 03-07-2011, 08:36 PM

why are we putting our svt's on the top?

KramerBassFan · #7 03-07-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calaverasgrande

Also be blunt. Why are they selling it? A lot of times people sell SVT's when they start sounding acting funny. honestly, it can usually be rectified with new tubes and or a proper biasing. They may know this and not be willing to send $150-200 for a full set of tubes or they may not. Dont tip your hand either way.
I also would check to be sure it has all its corners and feet, as well as knobs. Those ampegs have a habit of falling down in tour vans and getting knobs sheared off. I have no idea why this happens so much with ampeg? Almost everybody I know with a recent ampeg has this problem. I guess its the plastic pot shafts couple with the angled faceplate.

More likely people sell them because they are "heavy".

And some hip new little 2,000,000w amp that weighs four ounces has replaced it.

will33 · #8 03-07-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

make sure all the switches and knobs work, make sure there's no odd crackles, etc. anything you'd do with an ss amp to check it out, you'd do with a tube amp.

Good advise, turn every control all the way up and down, make sure they do what they're supposed to do. Flip every switch, push every button and twist every knob.

will33 · #9 03-07-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomloop

What color is the 'right' color for the bias lights?

So if it smells like cigs=bad, smells like weed=stonerrock?

Thanks...this is awesome!

Not smelling like both cigarettes and weed should be a cause for suspicion.

seamonkey · #10 03-07-2011, 10:28 PM

If you don't know what you're doing - take it to a tech. For a small bench fee you can save yourself a big headache.

doomloop · #11 03-07-2011, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

If you don't know what you're doing - take it to a tech. For a small bench fee you can save yourself a big headache.

That's my plan....as soon as I get it I'll have it checked out anyway.

Thanks for all the great tips...I'm making a list and checking it twice and putting this all to good use at about 2pm tomorrow!

80lbs is a little bit scary but I know it'll sound great....

JimmyM · #12 03-08-2011, 12:12 AM

it's only scary if you're in ill health, not sound of body, or a total wuss. hell, i'm not even all that sound of body and i don't mind moving mine, although lately i've been going for the micro vr stack instead

Sartori · #13 03-08-2011, 01:12 AM

Turn it all the way up and see if it does anything funny.

Alex1984 · #14 03-08-2011, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

Turn it all the way up and see if it does anything funny.

Mine tells a joke when I crank it. :P

doomloop · #15 03-08-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

Turn it all the way up and see if it does anything funny.

The amp or the seller...

Thanks...I hope he doesn't have wine glasses hanging anywhere....

**Lazarus.Bird** · #16 03-08-2011, 09:35 AM

I bought mine off the previous owner because it was too heavy for him. Personally, I immediately forget how annoyingly heavy it is the instant I flip the standby switch and hear that glorious sound...

Speaking of, if this is your first tube amp, make sure you know how the standby switch works. It's not entirely obvious. When the amp is in normal playing mode, both of the switches should be switched up. When starting the amp in standby mode, but both switches down and then flip the power switch up to put in standby.

doomloop · #17 03-08-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

Speaking of, if this is your first tube amp, make sure you know how the standby switch works. It's not entirely obvious. When the amp is in normal playing mode, both of the switches should be switched up. When starting the amp in standby mode, but both switches down and then flip the power switch up to put in standby.

I downloaded the owners manual and read it three times...I used to have a Peavey Mace and I've played a few V4's...just never had (the opportunity) to buy a tube amp (affordably).

Thanks, I always double think before I switch the power/standby...just like a powertool, I count my fingers before and after...

**Lazarus.Bird** · #18 03-08-2011, 09:52 AM

And make sure your speakers are plugged in! Now that I've owned my SVT for a few months I've become a little less paranoid, but I still check that everything is still plugged in pretty often.

nysbob · #19 03-08-2011, 11:09 AM

Just make checking the standby switch part of your routine. It's really not hard.

jackcheez · #20 03-08-2011, 11:17 AM

Enjoy.