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06-22-2010, 09:44 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tulsa, Ok | | | Resources for tube amp repair/maintenance
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I'm looking to start performing my own maintenance on my Ampeg SVT-CL. Are there any books, forums, videos, etc that I can refer to? Also resources for parts. Thanks.
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Last edited by ransombass : 06-22-2010 at 09:48 AM.
Reason: Bacon!
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06-23-2010, 08:17 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tulsa, Ok | | | Nobody?
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06-23-2010, 08:28 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Chicago and Virginia Beach VA | | | What is your electronics background and level of experience? This will determine where to send you. |
06-23-2010, 08:35 AM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brooklyn Park, MN. | | |
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06-23-2010, 08:47 AM
|  | Supporting Member | | Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Houston,Tx | | | There's a lotta info on what people have done to there SVT heads right here on this forum ..you'll have to do a extensive search and read most of the posts, there's a ex-Ampeg engineer who regularly visits & posts ..as to how-to videos and books specficly to the amp you have, I know of none, but you'll need some basic tools & equipment, like a tone generator, oscilloscope, multi-meter, and a set of high power handling resistors, all this is needed to set the bias for an SVT also get a life insurance policy, as your dealing with 600+ volts ( this is high voltage and it will kill you ) ... you might want to get a small old tube amp ( you really don't want to start learning on a SVT amp, you want to start with the basics and on a smaller scale ), and start testing the components values, be sure to bleed the large capacitors with a resistor, and any amp probing, should be done with one hand in your back pocket .... there are some books on tube amps, one author that comes to mind is Gerald Weber ( I haven't read those books, so I can't really comment as to the quality of the content ), check on Amazon.com .... as to getting parts, one place is fliptops.com .....best of luck !!!
Last edited by jastacey : 06-23-2010 at 09:02 AM.
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06-23-2010, 09:55 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tulsa, Ok | | | Thanks for the responses. I have basic electronics training. I have repaired my own solid state power amps and bass amps. I have never worked on any tube amps though. I thought now would be a good time to learn since my amp is no longer under warranty. Thanks especially for the safety tips.
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Last edited by ransombass : 06-23-2010 at 09:57 AM.
Reason: smoked turkey and swiss
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06-23-2010, 10:23 AM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada | | Quote:
Originally Posted by ransombass  Thanks for the responses. I have basic electronics training. I have repaired my own solid state power amps and bass amps. I have never worked on any tube amps though. I thought now would be a good time to learn since my amp is no longer under warranty. Thanks especially for the safety tips. | May I humbly suggest that you don't use an Ampeg SVT as a vehicle for learning about tube electronics. It is a fairly simple circuit BUT the voltages it operates on are highly lethal. One slip up could be your last and we ALL slip up from time to time. Please do not run before you are able to walk.
Try building a few tube circuits. A pre-amp, 5W single ended like a Champ, 15W push/pull using 6V6GTs or EL84s. Work your way up to 50W then 100W amps. Guitar players will love the lower wattage stuff and they will be useful for recording. Once you know what you are doing THEN and only THEN should you crack open an SVT.
I have been working with tube electronics since I was in my early teens. I will always have reservations about working on a 200 or 300 watt tube amp.
Paul |
06-23-2010, 11:06 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tulsa, Ok | | | Thanks for the warning. I'm thinking smaller amps first is the way to go.
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06-23-2010, 09:35 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Madison, WI | | | I agree, the SVT isn't a great place to start tube learning.
The circuits aren't all that hard to comprehend for a tech with decent theory, tube is just voltage oriented instead of current oriented as is solid state. I suggest getting an older ARRL Handbook and an RCA tube manual. Then spend some quiet time with a calculator. As you chew through the theory, you'll hit a few walls - that's where the techs around here will be very happy to help.
That's the easy part.
The hard part is building safe approaches and a sense of what is apt to fail. The safety part really needs to be handed down from another tech one on one. The sixth sense is just "time in the saddle."
But, I don't recommend guys jump into tube amp repair in order to save money by taking a limited skill set and stretching it for one amp. It is cheaper to outsource at that point.
The guy I take my BMW to has a sign in his shop that reads: "Wait until you see how expensive a cheap mechanic is."
Jim
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06-24-2010, 07:35 AM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tulsa, Ok | | | Great responses! I took the amp to the best tech in town who said that he would be happy to let me "apprentice" with him if I am serious about learning the trade. A very attractive offer I think.
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03-20-2011, 04:30 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles | | |
Last edited by Stumbo : 03-20-2011 at 04:40 PM.
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03-20-2011, 04:42 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles | | Tube amp library (design/build, schematics, mods, history, service,Randall amps and more): Tube amp parts, Guitar Tube amplifier building supplies, Tube amp Information, Guitar amp parts, Tube amp schematics
Tube amp parts: http://www.hoffmanamps.com
Tube Amp forum: Hoffman Amplifiers - Index
Home Studio Recording;Equipment/Techniques: My recordings (some interesting stuff here).
Lots of great info. All hosted by Mike Hoffman.
Last edited by Stumbo : 03-20-2011 at 04:58 PM.
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