power transformer

[benchpress11782]

OK. So i bring in my Hartke vx3500 for service. They tell me that it needs a power transformer for 230.00. does that sound about right? amp was about 700.00 2 yrs ago. It is kinda a spare amp anyways, was actually considering selling it. Any input on any of this? need some advice. does that sound like a fair cost for that job? And I guess it would be difficult for me to do on my own? And if i sell it, i wld prob get like what 300.? so if i add another 230. to the amp, that wld be like almost 1k. Ugh, do i just call it a lost? UGH HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by benchpress11782

OK. So i bring in my Hartke vx3500 for service. They tell me that it needs a power transformer for 230.00. !does that sound about right?

With labor, probably.

And I guess it would be difficult for me to do on my own?

If you have to ask...
Basically you have to dismantle the entire amp.
OTOH blown power transformers are very rare. I'd get a second opinion, and if they agree I'd sell it for parts.

[KramerBassFan]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

With labor, probably.
If you have to ask...
Basically you have to dismantle the entire amp.
OTOH blown power transformers are very rare. I'd get a second opinion, and if they agree I'd sell it for parts.

+1

Hate to be a downer, but this is a classic time where: "If you have to ask, DON'T do it" applies.

Hartke does sell replacement transformers, and if the VTX3000 or whatever the model name is anything like the A70, then all there is to do is to swap a few leads.

That said, DON'T do it if you don't have the experience. The transformer in my case cost me only $40, but the EE certified family member who supervised the whole time cost much, much more.

Not to mention, You're life is NOT worth some Hartke amp.

That said, on a current amp, a replaced transformer has no effect on the resale value, providing it was done properly. Now, a tranny replacement on a 66' Marshall JMP.... that is different.

[JimmyM]

for as inexpensive as hartkes are, i'd just buy another one.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

IME, not worth it, even though the price seem fair (if the labour is included as Bill said.)

Transformers tend to bit dust every once and a while, but if mechanical damages are counted out, 95% of the time it's not the transformer that's the primary cause. IOW, when the tranny is swapped, You're left with a non-functioning amp with a brand spanking new transformer.

Regards
Sam

[MAMMOTHvolume]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

With labor, probably.
If you have to ask...
Basically you have to dismantle the entire amp.
OTOH blown power transformers are very rare. I'd get a second opinion, and if they agree I'd sell it for parts.

+1

people tend assume transformers but it's very rarely the transformer unless it was really underspeced or getting very old.

[Mr. Foxen]

Or someone did something really silly.

[Larry Hartke]

benchpress11782,

I'm not sure where you took your VX3500 amplifier or what's really wrong with it, but give my service manager a call and he will get you on the right path. Joe Antonelli 1-800-328-2882. Everyone is at the NAMM show this week in Anaheim so next week would be a good time to call Joe. If you need further help I'm right here 201-680-8153 Cell. Thanks for playing Hartke!

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Transformers tend to bite dust every once and a while, but if mechanical damages are counted out, 95% of the time it's not the transformer that's the primary cause. IOW, when the tranny is swapped, You're left with a non-functioning amp with a brand spanking new transformer.

I agree. Furthermore, you're non-functioning amp may have a short or
something that is working to destroy your new transformer in the same
way that it destroyed your original transformer.

Buy a new amp and sell the old one for parts on ebay.

[christw]

Originally Posted by Larry Hartke

benchpress11782,

I'm not sure where you took your VX3500 amplifier or what's really wrong with it, but give my service manager a call and he will get you on the right path. Joe Antonelli 1-800-328-2882. Everyone is at the NAMM show this week in Anaheim so next week would be a good time to call Joe. If you need further help I'm right here 201-680-8153 Cell. Thanks for playing Hartke!

Again with the mind blowing customer service!

[benchpress11782]

Thank you all, and ecspecially Larry. I will call that number.

[JimmyM]

larry you have a soft spot for keeping those old heads working, eh? good for you, bro. that's commitment.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

Or someone did something really silly.

Yeah - not to be a jerk, but whenever I read a thread like this, the 1st thing that comes to mind is: what did you do to it???



- georgestrings

[KramerBassFan]

The transformer in the Hartke A70 had been shorted out some how, most likely due to the amp getting thrown around or something of the sort...

[pbagley]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

OTOH blown power transformers are very rare. I'd get a second opinion, and if they agree I'd sell it for parts.

I agree with Bill. I've fixed two amps, one a Hartke, that had broken solder joints on one of the filter caps. Both had no power - one could jump to a conclusion that the transformer was bad I suppose. In both cases wiggling the large capacitor cans in the power supply gave solid crackles from the speakers, unbolting the circuit board confirmed the broken solder joint. Easy fixes, just my time and a touch of solder.

A note on that Hartke - it was a 5000. If you'd seen the dents in two corners of the case you'd have been as surprised as I that it worked as long as it did. It was a pretty rugged piece of gear, and I like the sound of the tube preamp. I foolishly sold it when I went to an all tube amp. Bad decision, and that all tube amp is long gone.

+1 on Larry's great customer service. I'll add that I'm a fan of the products.

Good luck,

- Paul