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Ampeg SVT4 pro humming issue
- Thread starter jackson bass
- Start date
If you don't have extra preamp tubes laying around, they're cheap. Go buy a couple, use them to switch out each tube in the amp one at a time, see if any make a difference. That and getting a can of De-Oxit pot cleaner and hitting all the jacks, pots, switches, etc. is basic maintenance you can do yourself. If that much doesn't cure it, it's likely time for an amp tech.
Well.....props for being honest. Often the answers we want and the answers we need are not the same. What answer did you want?
You could have a bias problem only a tech should correct for you.
Thanks for the recomendation on the DeOxit. I will go pick up a can of that tomorrow, as well as some new tubes. Hopefully that will fix the problem.
Well.......I was just being honest. I knew it probablly wouldn't be the answer I wanted, is there something wrong with wanting to take the easy, less expensive way out?
No it's normal. Just wondered if you had an answer in mind that might actually apply to your concern.
No it's normal. Just wondered if you had an answer in mind that might actually apply to your concern.
Nope, that is why I asked. I didn't know how bad it could be, but I was hoping for the best. All I know, this means my amp could be in the shop in my busiest gig time if this is anything serious.
Serious trouble I doubt, filter caps at worst, dirty effects jack, cold solder joint or bias drift most likely. A preamp tube can cause both concerns and is a DIY job with no down time (as is the return jack cleaning). Just remember DeoxIT or a good contact cleaner (RidOx is an alternative), NO WD40!
Yea, I doubt it is anything serious, this is just my first real problem and I am probablly making seem much much worse. I am goin to check out some tubes tomorrow or maybe the problem will become clear if I take the lid off. Can you get either of those cleaners at Sam Ash or guitar Center?
Probably not but if you have a Fry's electronics they will. Check the yellow pages for electronics supply, I think Mouser is close to you?
I don't know about Mouser or Fry's but Altex is just a couple of miles from my house. I'll get some tubes and swing by there if Sam Ash does not have the DeOxit or RidoX. Thanks again guys, y'all just made my first amp problem seem so much eaiser. It really sucks spending $1200 on an amp and having it freak out after just like 3 months.
You know what they say: "Stuff happens, only the depth varies."
New life motto right there.
3 months is new enough you shouldn't be having any of these problems, especially dirty jacks/pots, etc. The cleaner is still good to keep around for general maintenance, fixing up older gear etc. Try the preamp tube switching first. Tube quality/consistency isn't what it was in the old days, may just have a bummer in there. If not, hey, you got a spare tube or two, they're only like $10-$15.
That is what I was thinking. I have a spare of everything thing else, might as well add more the pile.
Alright, I put some new tubes in just a couple of minutes ago and the buzzing is quite a bit better. It is still there, exspecially at high volumes, but it is managible. Thanks guys!
