Crackling rig. help!

[madjazzbass]

Before assuming it’s the speaker cable (it’s not likely if the amp is making the noise without playing) can you verify if the noise goes away with the master volume turned down?

It could be a lot of different things.

Hey Thanks man So, I actually Don't hear it when the volume is turned completely down, but when I touch the volume knob to turn it either up/down it's Incredibly crackly? and LOUD as F#$%! to the point where I think my speaker's gonna blow. I thought it may be a bad/dirty volume control 'cause that's the ONLY knob that does that; not the Gain or any of the others. I thought about spraying a little tuner cleaner in there but I haven't as of yet; I didn't even try pulling the knob off yet, but when I move it just a hair, it gets REALLY bad and loud; it sounds like a bad thunderstorm is approaching, then again after about 10 min or so, it completely stops. It's def. not the cab, cause it does it with my 2x10 cab as well.

 

[agedhorse]

The better the shop, the more qualified the shop, the better the experience. Most qualified shops will incorporate the diagnostic fee (estimate) into the cost of repair should you have the amp repaired. You shouldn't pay for the diagnostic time twice. You should also pay for the diagnostic time if you decide not to go forward with the repair.

That said, if a shop charges for diagnostic time, they should actually do the diagnostics.

It could be the effects loop, but not is the amp makes noise with no signal present. That's why I asked the question.

 

[agedhorse]

Hey Thanks man So, I actually Don't hear it when the volume is turned completely down, but when I touch the volume knob to turn it either up/down it's Incredibly crackly? and LOUD as F#$%! to the point where I think my speaker's gonna blow. I thought it may be a bad/dirty volume control 'cause that's the ONLY knob that does that; not the Gain or any of the others. I thought about spraying a little tuner cleaner in there but I haven't as of yet; I didn't even try pulling the knob off yet, but when I move it just a hair, it gets REALLY bad and loud; it sounds like a bad thunderstorm is approaching, then again after about 10 min or so, it completely stops. It's def. not the cab, cause it does it with my 2x10 cab as well.

Don't use tuner cleaner (quick way to ruin the part), and don't try spraying anything down the shaft (another quick way to ruin a pot). It depends on the type of pot used, some may respond to a TINY spray of DeOxit D-5 into the slot where the terminals exit, but some are sealed. Did I mention TINY AMOUNT, less is more in this case.

It COULD be a dirty pot, but it sounds more like a pot that has mechanical damage. The proper repair is to have the pot replaced.

Now the challenge with this amp is that it uses a custom motorized pot and i don't believe it's even accessible for cleaning. It's a nice amp, this is an example of an amp that I would take to an experienced, qualified GK service center that has access to factory parts and support. It's worth repairing IMO.

 

[El Güero]

starts about 5 minutes or so after first turning on the amp

Are all the tubes and their related connections good?

 

[madjazzbass]

Are all the tubes and their related connections good?

As far as I know they are; I never opened it up so I have no way of telling.

 

[madjazzbass]

Don't use tuner cleaner (quick way to ruin the part), and don't try spraying anything down the shaft (another quick way to ruin a pot). It depends on the type of pot used, some may respond to a TINY spray of DeOxit D-5 into the slot where the terminals exit, but some are sealed. Did I mention TINY AMOUNT, less is more in this case.

It COULD be a dirty pot, but it sounds more like a pot that has mechanical damage. The proper repair is to have the pot replaced.

Now the challenge with this amp is that it uses a custom motorized pot and i don't believe it's even accessible for cleaning. It's a nice amp, this is an example of an amp that I would take to an experienced, qualified GK service center that has access to factory parts and support. It's worth repairing IMO.

Yes, I totally agree, I wouldn't dare attempt to open it up and start "tinkering" around in there (Like I do with my Basses), I love this amp too much, and I haven't heard or played through anything (as of yet) that sounds as good as this amp. The weight MAY be an issue IF I were a gigging musician, but all my gigs are in my "man cave", Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[Sturg21]

I have the same EXACT issue with my Fusion 550; very loud crackling and popping; starts about 5 minutes or so after first turning on the amp; then after about 10/15 minutes completely goes away. So, Which speakon cables did you replace the bad cable with? and Is it a 2 wire or a 4 wire? Thanks.

These speak on cables worked but I’m still getting some pop when I turn the gain or contour knobs… could be a number of things I’m still trying tho.

 

[Sturg21]

The contour frequency switch is also stuck on 500Hz (can’t flip up to 800). GK sent me new tubes and the switch but replacing it is above my pay grade, I guess it’s tough to solder where the circuit is , again I can’t do that. I don’t know if this would even be a part of the whole issue but jus wanted to share in case anyone knew more. Thanks