Buzz Sound

oleskool · #1 02-18-2013, 10:21 PM

Hey all
So about six months ago I buy a Harke Ha3000 for $50 and a old carpet Ampeg BSE115 for $40. I knew the speaker was blown. I replaced the speaker with a Eminice cb15. The guy also said the amp was bad. He said it made a strange sound no matter what cab he used with it. I had been using the the fore-mentioned cab without a problem. Now, I'm getting the same problem he had. I think this amp has a tube pre but, I haven't opened it yet. would bad tubes cause this sort of dirty sound. Another thing it doesn't do this all the time. I purchased this as a project but, it has grown on me. Thanks for any help.

oleskool · #2 02-19-2013, 11:59 PM

Derek Balonek · #3 02-20-2013, 12:55 AM

What does the buzzing sound like? High or low frequency? Does it do it when you play or all the time? Does it do it even when nothing is plugged in? Does messing with the volume/gain knobs affect it at all?

For isolating the problem, I would (assuning it has an effects loop) plug another preamp into the loop in. If the buzzing continues, it's ptobably a power amp issue. If it stops, it's a preamp issue.

If there are tubes, tap them with a pencil (or other non-conductive item) while it's on. This will tell you how microphonic they are. All will make a little noise, but a lot means it might be a bad tube. I've never heard of a bad tube causing buzzing. This kind of sounds like a power supply issue to me, at least without further information.

LoveThatBass · #4 02-20-2013, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Balonek

What does the buzzing sound like? High or low frequency? Does it do it when you play or all the time? Does it do it even when nothing is plugged in? Does messing with the volume/gain knobs affect it at all?

For isolating the problem, I would (assuning it has an effects loop) plug another preamp into the loop in. If the buzzing continues, it's ptobably a power amp issue. If it stops, it's a preamp issue.

If there are tubes, tap them with a pencil (or other non-conductive item) while it's on. This will tell you how microphonic they are. All will make a little noise, but a lot means it might be a bad tube. I've never heard of a bad tube causing buzzing. This kind of sounds like a power supply issue to me, at least without further information.

Rare, but I have had 2 pre-amp tubes in the last 9 years cause a hum like buzz. They are easy enough to change (do it one at a time and try the amp each time before going to the next tube). If that doesn't do it then yes, it could be the power supply in the amp (assuming your not hearing a cab vibration)

oleskool · #5 02-20-2013, 12:25 PM

Maybe, buzz was the wrong word to use here. Sometimes when I hit a string the note sounds like the speaker is blown. At low volume, high volume, it doesn't matter. The speaker is ok. It's brand new. It seems to happen about 30 minutes into playing. Before that it is ok.

B-string · #6 02-20-2013, 12:44 PM

Could be a drifting component in the bias supply for the power amp, could also be the effects loop interrupt in the effects return jack. Try an instrument cable from the effects send to effects return jack first, leave that cable in place and play as you normally would.

oleskool · #7 02-20-2013, 10:25 PM

The more I listen to this it is most likely just dirty contacts somewhere. I turned the volume up a little it's more of a crackle sound. kinda like when something is cutting in and out. I have another amp open right now, and i really don't want to open this one until I am done with that one. Money is a problem at this minute for me. Had a child leave for college, had a bust up with her roommate and decided to come back home, and go to a university close to the house. instant set back for me. I'm living on social security. Too young to take my pension without huge penalties. Single parent. Yes i am male. Just had a interview for some work for the government so i hope that goes well. I got gear to buy.:-)

and fix