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Is my amp dying?

MarshallNole

MarshallNole

Guest
Dec 1, 2013
414
96
#1
This is the second time this has happened.

I'm playing bass through my GK 700RB II, then all of a sudden I can barely hear my bass. Nothing has changed, settings are the same and they sounded fine, but then all of a sudden I Can barely hear it.

I take my pedals out of the loop and plug directly into the input of the bass and no luck. I try my other bass guitar and it has the same issue.

Occasionally when I turn my amp on it turns off immediately and I have to turn it on again. Is it my amp or something else?
 
#2
The volume drop sounds like the unused effects return jack needs a cleaning, there are internal contacts in that jack that connect the preamp and power amp. A common trouble with any make amp that has a serial effects loop. Next time it does it loop an instrument cable from effects send to return, if all is well the jack needs a proper cleaning.

The turning off immediately sounds like a worn or dirty power switch that is not latching all the time.

If the amp had a major fault the power light would stay red. Expect at least another 30 years from that amp unless you drown it in beer or run it over with a truck.
 
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#7
IMHO I'd clean ALL of the jacks if you're going to get out the contact cleaner. As you said, you got it used and it has a possible effects loop problem. Just squirt a little into each jack and plug and unplug the cord a few times.

If you dont want to go thru that much trouble just get both the send and return jacks and plug and unplug the cord a few times.
 
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#13
Any qualified tech should be able to replace the switch. They should use the original factory part or an approved equivalent.
 
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#15
MarshallNole said:
Would it have to go back to GK to fix a power switch? Not sure who to take it to... certainly don't want to be ampless.
Click to expand...

agedhorse said:
Any qualified tech should be able to replace the switch. They should use the original factory part or an approved equivalent.
Click to expand...

As agedhorse said, it is a simple, quick repair for any amp tech. G-K's site has a list of authorized service centers or call to order the switch:
Parts

[email protected]

or (209) 234-7300 extension 120. 9am to 4pm PST USA
calling is best as sometimes email don't get answered quickly. Any repair shop could then safely install the new switch.
 
#16
My amp is exhibiting the same behavior again. Looping an instrument cable from effects send to effects return did nothing, and I also cleaned the jacks again. Basically if I press the -14db button you can't hear it, if I depress it then it sounds like a farty, distorted mess. This is without pedals in the loop, different instrument cables, and different basses.

Looks like my amp is screwed. I bought it from here used. Should I get it repaired or buy new? I can't really afford new right now.
 
#17
I had a 1001RB II take a dump less than an hour after buying it. It did exactly what you are describing.. Played fine initially, then the output dropped to the point where the amp had to be dimed to get any output. After turning it off and letting it think about its behavior for some unpredictable amount of time it would turn on and play just fine. Until it didn't. Wash, rinse, repeat and back to the store it went.

Sounds like your amps behavior might be similar.
 
#18
coughingskunk said:
I had a 1001RB II take a dump less than an hour after buying it. It did exactly what you are describing.. Played fine initially, then the output dropped to the point where the amp had to be dimed to get any output. After turning it off and letting it think about its behavior for some unpredictable amount of time it would turn on and play just fine. Until it didn't. Wash, rinse, repeat and back to the store it went.

Sounds like your amps behavior might be similar.
Click to expand...

Is this common with GKs? What did you get when you sent it back?
 

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