Old amp head misbehaving

[J-TheDoctor]

Ok, so I've got an old amp head, a Fender BXR Dual Bass 400. It's as old as I am and pretty basic. Just 2x200 amps that can be run "biamp" or "stereo". I run it stereo because it's louder and sounds better. The problem it's been giving me is that it wont maintain a constant volume output. Every couple of minutes it goes quiet, so I have to turn it up to compensate. Then a bit later, it decides to go normal again, so of course I need to turn it down to keep the output level that I want.

Has anyone else had a similar problem or can offer suggestions that don't involve me buying a new amp? I've got a bit of a background in radio and electronics so even if I've got to replace a component in there, any advice would be helpful.

[RickenBoogie]

Honestly, an amp tech could diagnois and fix it much better than any online advice. Basically, if you need to ask, you need an amp tech. Good luck.

[oldbassplayergu]

I don't realy know about your amp but I had the BXR 200 head and it did the same thing. I got it on a trade so I used it as a spare, but once it became untrustworthy I had to get rid of it. Does it happen when it gets hot (15-20mins). That was the hottest running amp I ever had I think it had alot to do with the problem

[T-Bird]

Hi.

+1 to the tech time.

You say you have electronics background. Cold/hot treatment check would be the first on my list.

After a thorough cleaning and FX loop bypass that is .

Regards
Sam

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Honestly, an amp tech could diagnois and fix it much better than any online advice. Basically, if you need to ask, you need an amp tech. Good luck.

Oh yeah, the correct answer. Why is it that so many folk on this site think that they can fix their broken amp themselves without any formal diagnostic training???? Any success would be through shear luck rather than ability. PLEASE take your amp to a tech before you make a $100 repair cost $500. Pay the man his coin and support another in making his living (it'll be cheaper too!)

Off topic note: Hey Sam I hope you are well!

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Why is it that so many folk on this site think that they can fix their broken amp themselves without any formal diagnostic training???? Any success would be through shear luck rather than ability. PLEASE take your amp to a tech before you make a $100 repair cost $500. Pay the man his coin and support another in making his living (it'll be cheaper too!)

Off topic note: Hey Sam I hope you are well!

I'm fine, thank You for asking Paul. Plenty of snow and cold weather here up in the north, but that's a nordic winter for ya .


As for Your question, my take is that the "good years" effectively gets rid of the cheaper techs, and that leaves people in a bind when there's not so much money to spend for repairs. Regardless of the trade.

Then there's those people who look every trade as a potential rip-off, and refuse to pay anyone for something that they sure can do by themselves. IME, el. equipment repair is just a minor part of that trend, the real problems lie in the automotive and construction, the brakes fail and the DIY plumber or electrician destroys his/her house. Happens all too often.

Regards
Sam