Gallien-Krueger Fusion 550 problem ... advice?

SeismicAssault · #1 09-06-2010, 06:19 AM

I'm having some problems with a Fusion 550, and am looking for advice.

Basically, when I connect it up to my cabinet and power-up the 550, a red light comes on on the power switch for about 2 seconds, then a loud pop comes from the cabinet. The first couple of times I did this, the blue light would come on then, but no sound would come out. Nothing comes out of the DI either. The last couple times I have tried it, after the red light comes on for two seconds, the blue light never comes on.

I also noticed that some of the motorized knobs don't stay exactly where I set them. For example, if I set the gain to zero, the motor slowly turns it up a little to 1.

The last thing I noticed is that the ground lift switch on the back won't engage. I can push it in, but it doesn't stay in (like the pre-post switch does).

I don't know if all these problems are from the same root cause or not, but I don't really want to open the case up and look at it as the GK manual says there are no user servicable parts.

Has anyone else run into something like this?

kdogg · #2 09-06-2010, 08:02 AM

I would immediately pursue returning the amplifier to the person that traded it to you. Obviously, they ripped you off, or at least tried to. If they don't respond to your attempts to contact them, take them to small claims court. A pain to be sure, but you will get some of your equipment and or money back.

This is all assuming that you didn't know the amplifier was broken already, and took it in as a fixer upper. If that's the case, then I would suggest sending the unit back to gk for a thorough going over and repair.

Geddyfleaharris · #3 09-06-2010, 11:36 AM

That sounds like a lot more than "something got rattled around in shipment." I have a Fusion 550 and they are great amps so don't get discouraged. I think the former owner should be coming to the plate if warranty doesn't help. For sure it has to go to a GK tech and get an estimate for repair or a confirmation that warranty exists.

kdogg · #4 09-06-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeismicAssault

Sorry, I didn't mention that I've been in contact with the previous owner. He's been more than willing to help out so far, so I'm not too worried about that. I haven't had a bad experience here at TB ever, so I'm trusting that that will continue.

The previous owner says that everything worked perfectly prior to shipment. I don't know if something got rattled around in shipment (like one of the preamp tubes or something).

I just reread my post and realized I came off a bit strong with the "ripped you off" comment. Especially considering you acquired your amplifier here on the classifieds. To you and the previous owner, my apologies. Having said that, the previous owner should do all he can to rectify the situation, including pursuing a claim against the shipping carrier if need be.

Geddyfleaharris · #5 09-06-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeismicAssault

As far as the warranty, has anyone dealt with GK warranty service when it wasn't the original owner requesting service? I read the warranty, and it says basically it only applies to the original owner.

Why not let the original owner make the claim if the warranty is still in effect?

Greevus · #6 09-06-2010, 04:29 PM

send it back and get a refund. you are asking for headaches. GK charges $75/hr bench rate plus parts and shipping. If you get the authority to return it. if you aren't the original owner, it can be quite frustrating.

RickenBoogie · #7 09-06-2010, 04:32 PM

Yeah, I'd hafta agree, send it back to the original owner- he can use his warranty. You seem to have bought a box-o-trouble. Sorry to hear this.

georgestrings · #8 09-07-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeismicAssault

I believe he is not the original owner, either. So he'd probably be in the same boat.

I'm going to take it to USPS today to see if I can make an insurance claim on it. I'll also contact GK customer service. Maybe this is a known problem and they'll correct it under warranty.

I think you've got a better chance of getting some results from G-K than you do from UPS - especially since there is no outward signs of damage... I loves me some G-K, but won't be touching those Fusions - WAY too much stuff to go wrong with them, and "features" added that really didn't need to be, IMO... I hear they sound great, and don't doubt it - but they gave that amp far too many potential trouble spots for me to take a chance on it... Bob Gallien is a brilliant man, and runs a great company - but I don't understand the need to over-complicate that amp with all the motorized knobs...

- georgestrings

SeismicAssault · #9 09-07-2010, 02:36 PM

I just checked the website ... it says they have 12AX7's in there.

RickenBoogie · #10 09-07-2010, 05:21 PM

You're making a big mistake trying to fix an amp by yourself. Take it to a tech, you're likely to cause more damage in there.

SeismicAssault · #11 09-08-2010, 04:30 AM

Yeah, I decided to just have it service by the nearest GK service center. It didn't inspire too much confidence in me when I called them and explained the problem, and the tech said "Well, I'm not really familiar with that model." ... This is from the GK authorized service center!

guitarhuckster1 · #12 09-09-2010, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeismicAssault

Has anyone dealt with the GK customer service with their GK before?

Yes. Gallien-Krueger SEB 1200. I'll never buy another GK product again.

MIJ-VI · #13 09-09-2010, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

I think you've got a better chance of getting some results from G-K than you do from UPS - especially since there is no outward signs of damage... I loves me some G-K, but won't be touching those Fusions - WAY too much stuff to go wrong with them, and "features" added that really didn't need to be, IMO... I hear they sound great, and don't doubt it - but they gave that amp far too many potential trouble spots for me to take a chance on it... Bob Gallien is a brilliant man, and runs a great company - but I don't understand the need to over-complicate that amp with all the motorized knobs...

- georgestrings

Aren't the motorized knobs aimed at providing pre-sets while maintaining an analogue signal path in the Fusion 550's all-tube pre-amp without resorting to a duplicate control set?

georgestrings · #14 09-09-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

Aren't the motorized knobs aimed at providing pre-sets while maintaining an analogue signal path in the Fusion 550's all-tube pre-amp without resorting to a duplicate control set?

Got me, dude - but this isn't the 1st time I've heard of someone having a problem with the motorized knob setup - I'll pass...

- georgestrings

Geddyfleaharris · #15 09-09-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarhuckster1

Yes. Gallien-Krueger SEB 1200. I'll never buy another GK product again.

Never even heard of that. What is it?

GK service is usually top notch. They stand behind their gear. If the local service tech can't help you, GK will.

guitarhuckster1 · #16 09-09-2010, 11:53 AM

200W bass amp that I bought brand new in 1989. I need to get it repaired and contacted GK for a copy of the schematic.

Their reply:

"I’m sorry, schematics for the model 1200SEB is not available for distribution."

BassmanPaul · #17 09-09-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarhuckster1

"I’m sorry, schematics for the model 1200SEB is not available for distribution."

This is pretty much a standard reply from many companies.

Paul

guitarhuckster1 · #18 09-09-2010, 02:37 PM

Hartke sent me a schematic for a Kickback 120.

Why wouldn't GK send me a schematic for a 20 year old amp? It's not like I would start building clones or anything, I just want to get it repaired.