New Hartke LH500 with a "Buzz"

JT_Copy9 · #1 02-12-2011, 11:36 AM

I recently picked up a Hartke LH500 head and a Hartke 4x10 cabinet. The sales person asked about what grade of speaker cable I wanted and I asked for the best one. When I got it home, I plugged it in and noticed that after the warm-up period (about 10 seconds) there is a "faint" buzz. It is there even when playing through the setup, but when "cranked up" (you know about 3 on the knob) the buzz is drowned out.
I am wondering if anyone else out there who owns this head and/or cab has experienced the same thing. Is this normal or do I need to send it back? I really don't want to because aside from this "buzz" I love this setup.
I have attached an MP3 of the buzz. You can hear the click of the power button and then about 10 seconds of silence and then the Buzz. After about 6 seconds I click it off.
I greatly appreciate any help/ info/ advice.
Thank You In Advance.
JT_Copy9

Planetsmasher · #2 02-12-2011, 12:53 PM

Don't dismay... Larry himself will be on this like white on rice. Watch...

christw · #3 02-12-2011, 01:25 PM

Grade of speaker cable? What a way to rip people off. Just like how power cables make $1000 differences...

Try plugging in a bass (with volume on!) and walking around observing how it changes the buzz levels. Sounds like normal "can only help it so much" buzz to me. Could just be you have poor shielding in your bass.

bassplayerbob · #4 02-12-2011, 01:58 PM

Maybe a silly question but is the buzz there when the bass is NOT plugged in?

playerunk · #5 02-12-2011, 02:47 PM

do you have other devices connected to the same outlet ? Remove them and try with only the amp plugged in.
And is you electrical system grounded properly ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassplayerbob

Maybe a silly question but is the buzz there when the bass is NOT plugged in?

+1
Maybe your bass isn't all that well shielded or your effects [if you have any] may induce this buzz

BassmanPaul · #6 02-12-2011, 03:12 PM

Sounds like normal background hum to me. Nothing to worry about.

Larry Hartke · #7 02-12-2011, 03:28 PM

Hey JT_Copy9,

Does your amplifier hum with the bass unplugged?

JT_Copy9 · #8 02-13-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

Hey JT_Copy9,

Does your amplifier hum with the bass unplugged?

Yes. The audio file attached is without an instrument plugged in. I have 2 basses and this buzz exists with everyone or none. I have tried it in multiple areas (different plugs) in my house and in other locations (other jam sites) and it is always there. Got some advice to try and plug it into a power source that has a surge protector or battery backed source (like a UPS), but that seems kind of unnecessary. Thank you Larry for posting. Before I bought this rig I saw where you are active in this site and members have really great things to say about your presence. It really goes a long way.

Thank You All for your input.
JT

Larry Hartke · #9 02-13-2011, 12:24 PM

JT_Copy9,

No worries, the first thing I would do is change the 12AX7 preamp tube. 90% of the time with these noise or hum symptoms it's the tube. I'll be happy to send you a new tube if you like. If that does not solve the problem then just give me a call or e-mail me and I'll get you fixed up right away. Thanks for buying Hartke and I will see you through on this quickly.

201-680-8153 Cell
lahartke@comcast.net

avvie · #10 02-13-2011, 12:34 PM

Damn, Larry!... you posted your cell number?!! That's commitment! lol

BTW, thanks for your work... I'm on my third Hartke rig

billfitzmaurice · #11 02-13-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT_Copy9

Yes. The audio file attached is without an instrument plugged in.

Not at all normal. It could be a tube issue, an easy way to find out is to remove the tube and try it. Since it takes a few seconds to occur the tube seems likely, as it takes a few seconds for the tube heater to warm up before the tube will function.

JT_Copy9 · #12 02-13-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

JT_Copy9,

No worries, the first thing I would do is change the 12AX7 preamp tube. 90% of the time with these noise or hum symptoms it's the tube. I'll be happy to send you a new tube if you like. If that does not solve the problem then just give me a call or e-mail me and I'll get you fixed up right away. Thanks for buying Hartke and I will see you through on this quickly.

201-680-8153 Cell
lahartke@comcast.net

Absolutely I will contact you for this replacement. Thank You Very Very Much! How about I email you?

Thank You Again.
JT

avvie · #13 02-13-2011, 12:48 PM

Does that buzz disappear when the tube preamp is turned down? May be irrelevant, but just wondered.

Larry Hartke · #14 02-13-2011, 12:49 PM

JT_Copy9,

E-mail me your address and I'll send you a new tube first thing in the morning!

guitarhuckster1 · #15 02-13-2011, 01:07 PM

What brand of tubes are original in the LH500? I could of course open my 5210C and take a look but getting the info here would be easier.

Billy K · #16 02-13-2011, 01:12 PM

what a company what a guy. I love my LH500. No problems on mine.Hey "I love my LH500" now that's a t-shirt or bumper sticker.

Larry Hartke · #17 02-13-2011, 01:33 PM

Hey guitarhuckster1,

We have been using Electro Harmonics tubes and we do change brands now and again depending on what seems to be running good. There are plenty of guys here on talkbass who will give you their opinions on different brands of tubes. We've tried them all so I'll leave that for the tube guys here.

guitarhuckster1 · #18 02-13-2011, 01:40 PM

Thanks for the info. And for making great amps!

jjk2007 · #19 02-13-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

JT_Copy9,

No worries, the first thing I would do is change the 12AX7 preamp tube. 90% of the time with these noise or hum symptoms it's the tube. I'll be happy to send you a new tube if you like. If that does not solve the problem then just give me a call or e-mail me and I'll get you fixed up right away. Thanks for buying Hartke and I will see you through on this quickly.

201-680-8153 Cell
lahartke@comcast.net

This is one of the reasons I switched to Hartke. Plus my LH1000 and Hydrive 410 sound pretty killer too.

JT_Copy9 · #20 04-21-2011, 06:00 PM

So after a few weeks I am now again playing my LH500. So far so good. I had to take it to the closest authorized repair shop. I didnt quite understand why this process took so long for a new piece of equipment, but its back and sounds good... no more hum.
I was however very impressed with how Larry responded to my issues and did what he could to expedite this issue. Thanks Larry.
Now comes the test of longevity. How long is this going to last? I went with Hartke because I have had a B60 practice amp that sounds great. I have had it for approx. 8 years. I love the "Shape" control. Only had to replace the cone once.
I dont know really how to sum up and close this thread with info that will benefit future readers, but the hum is gone and fixing it took a while and now it sounds good.