my head is buzzing/sounding distorted????

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Dug2, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. Dug2

    Dug2

    Sep 24, 2011
    chicago
    Hey everybody, i have a EBS T90 tube head about a year old. lately ive noticed that while playing
    it starts to distort (which i do not like and drives me crazed). i replaced cords, batteries, etc.. but
    its still there. could it be the tubes or tube went bad? what would you do? im open to doing anything
    to fix this. thx talkbass
     
  2. BassmanPaul

    BassmanPaul Inactive

    Is there still a warranty on the amp? If not, take the amp to a tech for some TLC.
     
  3. CTW68

    CTW68

    Apr 30, 2007
    Portland, OR
    If the warrantee is out, try this first. Turn the amp up loud with no bass plugged in, and tap each and every tube lightly. If you hear anything through the speakers when tapping a tube, replace it. Do this because a tube that reacts to tapping by making a sound will do the same if the speakers vibrate it. It's called a microphonic tube, and leads to distortion and feedback. Also check to see if the power tubes all glow with similar brightness. Often a power tube will glow brightly before failing, and can distort easily.

    If the above doesn't find a problem, time to go to the tech.
     
  4. vmabus

    vmabus

    Nov 1, 2013
    7200'
    ...too much coffee
     
  5. I was thinking too much to drink. :roflmao:
     
  6. BassmanPaul

    BassmanPaul Inactive

    As was I. Perhaps an icepack on the forehead might be soothing. :D
     
  7. JACink

    JACink

    Mar 9, 2011
    Spain
    My head is buzzing/sounding distorted, and also has 60Hz hum, but its my hangover.
     
  8. Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    90% of tube amp problems are caused by tubes. If you have spares, give them a try, if not take it to a tech to test them.
     
  9. Dug2

    Dug2

    Sep 24, 2011
    chicago
    pretty sure the warranty is up, ill try the above suggestions. thank you guys. ill work
    on this later today.
     
  10. webmonster

    webmonster

    May 19, 2013
    New Zealand
    One of my amps was displaying this behaviour and has just been repaired. Some components in the phase inverter circuit needed replacement but my amp is 40 years old.