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head troubles.

D

dereksilloway

Dec 9, 2006
439
3
Stevens Point Wisconsin
#1
I own a behringer 3500 head and the thing has been nothing but awesome to me...until recently. I plug it in and it makes absolutely no noise whatsoever. It will occassionally work but when it does there is a very loud noticable hum that changes frequency when I turn knobs. When it does decide to work when I turn it on my tone is distorted for a few seconds. Non of this is usual to the head. The VU meter reads though so it is getting the signal from my instrument (at least I think). Any suggestions? Ive tried different cables and differents basses. Im asking because I dont want to take it in and have the repairs be near what I paid for the head because if it was id just buy a new head...but I really dont want to do that.
Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.
 
#3
Hi.

IMHO Behringer gives You an exellent run for Your money, until something gives. Then it's unfortunately scrap. Unless it's under warranty, of course.

I use some bits and pieces off their product line, but those have paid themselves already.

There are some schematics available, but I don't think You find a tech who is willing to work with anythig of that level of equipment for the price that's reasonable compared to the resale value of the unit. With or wihout the schematics.

The problem might be a minor one, but unless You have someone who's willing to make an repair estimate for free, I'd suggest that You find a brand that have better aftersales and warranty.

I use Behringer stuff and will be using and buying some in the future, as the 3 year warranty is good enough for me. But I also don't expect it to work as long as my vintage pro-stuff.

"You get what You pay for" should be Behringers motto.

Just My 0.02€
Sam
 
#4
Thats kinda the way I was looking at it. At like $250 for a new one is it really worth taking in and getting fixed? I was just trying to see if anyone could give me some places to start before I actually take it in I thats what I decided to do. Ive had it for lilke 3 years and it has definetly served me very well.
 
#6
Hi.

rodl2005 said:
B4 y'all take me 2 the cleaners- I actually own & like some Behringer stuff. That said. 3 yrs?????? & some ppl say tube amps are expensive- I've had my one since 1989(was built in '76) retubed it recently-all up (cost of unit & services & tubes) has cost - approx. $1000.00 USD U do the maths!!!
Click to expand...

Excactly. In fact my cheapos have to pay for themselves in 6 months for me to buy them.

If You play a lot through Your quality tube amp and a tech gives it a maintenance check once a year and changes tubes for about every five years, You'll be looking about 30 additional years before a major overhaul. And even then it might be feasible to do it.

As a sidenote, not related with the cheapo equipment.

Some people also say that quality power tubes are expensive.
10-20€/piece ones that last from 0 secs to 6 months vs. ~50 €/piece that usually lasts ~5 years (and sound a helluva lot better too).

Back to the issue at hand.

With cheapos You're screwed. When it goes it's gone, no matter what You do.

Cheapos are good as long as You take and treat 'em as such. (NOT so with the tubes ;) )

Just my 0.02€
Sam
 

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