Fat Steve
The poodle bites, the poodle chews it.
What does one need in order to qualify?
I don't get this at all. Are they afraid someone is going to sue Ampeg if a customer breaks their own amp trying to fix it? That just seems greasy as all hell.
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Another Red Flag On The Ampeg PF-500.....
- Thread starter shoot-r
- Start date
What does one need in order to qualify?
I don't get this at all. Are they afraid someone is going to sue Ampeg if a customer breaks their own amp trying to fix it? That just seems greasy as all hell.
I have no idea what they do to qualify you, but I suppose they try to figure out if you have a working knowledge of how amps work and can solder PCB's. Hodgy can probably answer that more. As for it being "greasy," bear in mind that they're under no obligation to give you a schematic in the first place.
If you want the answer straight from the horse's mouth, just email Ampeg and ask them for a schematic for your amp. The procedure is quick and easy. You provide a serial number, they provide you with an agreement, you respond, then you get the right schematic for the amp with the serial number you provided.
Why dos it work this way? Because cooperation is the price you have to pay for a free schematic.
Nothing greasy about it.
In the agreement, they want you to be warned that servicing an amp is dangerous (they don't want to be held liable), that you can't redistribute the schematic without their consent, and that you understand that if you service the amp yourself the warranty is void.
I'll get flamed for this, but here's where I got mine, great deal for 500 watt amp, still no issues with mine.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid/?icid=204625&noPopup=true
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/stupid/?icid=204625&noPopup=true
I have considered requesting a schematic for a current production SN PF-500 to see what is different than the early rev schematic I already have. I thought I would just get a SN from a brand new amp found on the showroom at a local retailer. I know for sure that they don't require that you have registered a SN for warranty before they will send the schematic.
Well, I gigged my used but dead mint PF 500 and upgraded PF 210 HE cabinet for the first time last night. sounded wonderful, for two sets at a casino. Then, third set- uh- oh... a hiccup. Few seconds off- then back on.... Then it played o.k., and about ten minutes later, off it went for more than a few seconds. I wisely brought a backup rig, a Genz Benz shuttle 9.0 and a killer Carvin BRX 10.2 cabinet.
So, here I am wondering what to do about this... Even after reading many of the posts and comments here- is there no definitive solution? I went searching for a rev 'J' circuit board for mine- Has anyone repaired their PF 500 themselves? And if so, would you please help me, describing what you did. THANKS!
So, here I am wondering what to do about this... Even after reading many of the posts and comments here- is there no definitive solution? I went searching for a rev 'J' circuit board for mine- Has anyone repaired their PF 500 themselves? And if so, would you please help me, describing what you did. THANKS!
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
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- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
I wonder if ampeg moved to the ICE modules instead of their own.if they would have less issues with their Class D amps.. I so much would love an SVT 7 with its 1000 watts. But i still hear about the problems ..
Changing out the main board is not hard to do, price is the question. From what I can gather these bad units only wind up with TalkBass members and no one else. I guess they are picking on us? Aluminum foil hat time 
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I don't understand why guys, after reading all the failure reports, still buy this amp. It's like a guy buying a rattle snake, after being warned not to, then asking for advice on how to treat his snake bite.
LOUD has the schematics online now. I don't know that they have service bulletins explaining how to apply the revision updates.
Support Loudtech
No ice modules, but standard off the shelf class-d support chips.
I can't see why they'd have a problem over all the other amps using the same. Well now that their up to rev on a few things.
Support Loudtech
No ice modules, but standard off the shelf class-d support chips.
I can't see why they'd have a problem over all the other amps using the same. Well now that their up to rev on a few things.
I don't understand why guys, after reading all the failure reports, still buy this amp. It's like a guy buying a rattle snake, after being warned not to, then asking for advice on how to treat his snake bite.
Well, it's kinda like dating a redhead. 'Nuff said. My reasons for buying it are as follows:
I got a great deal, 250 bucks for the head and cab- mint. I knew full well, when I bought it, of the possibilities of failure. I'm a bass repair tech, and can do some electronic repairs. I'm no Jess Oliver, but I re capped a B-15 once, and have replaced two output transformers, one in a '66 B-15n and one in a BT-15C. I recently replaced a small electrolytic in my Acoustic B-200 combo. Cost $1.75, and my labor. If I can get the parts, and fix it myself- it will still be a great deal.
P.S., thanks for the link!
Well, it's kinda like dating a redhead. 'Nuff said. My reasons for buying it are as follows:
I got a great deal, 250 bucks for the head and cab- mint. I knew full well, when I bought it, of the possibilities of failure. I'm a bass repair tech, and can do some electronic repairs. I'm no Jess Oliver, but I re capped a B-15 once, and have replaced two output transformers, one in a '66 B-15n and one in a BT-15C. I recently replaced a small electrolytic in my Acoustic B-200 combo. Cost $1.75, and my labor. If I can get the parts, and fix it myself- it will still be a great deal.
P.S., thanks for the link!
IIRC the mainboard revision is up to G or H? The chassis is still C.
Edit: It is up to rev J03 now on the mainboard.
Edit: It is up to rev J03 now on the mainboard.
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When I saw an ad on CL for a straight across trade from a guy with Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 for a PF 500 I couldn't call fast enough. He liked the tone of the PF better and I liked the tone of the GB better. Mine was new barly used and his was well worn but working fine. He knew the issues and took it and was happy, I was happy and still am. I hope his is still working but he was a hobbyist and I am a working Pro. I want something well testd and roadworthy. Plus the GB weighs way less and has more power. Win win in my book. I haven't missed it once.
Thanks for the info. Mine is Rev D. Hopefully it works forever, if not...oh well.
Because it sounds great and doesn't cost much money. Might have a problem with getting one made in the first year and a half of manufacture used, but then again I know a couple working players around here and online with first-year PF500's that are still going for them.
Not trying to give any false hope, but if it does have trouble the last revision was done over a year ago (12/05/13). So they either have it stable or "close enough".
