I think the time has come here I have to replace the tubes in this behemoth, and I was wondering what it costs to get a new set of power tubes installed. I am pretty sure it is a tube issue. The volume knob has been acting sketchy, every once and a while the sound will get all crunchy -as if I am playing with a distortion pedal, and there are a couple tubes that look pretty purple (the back 3). The weird distortion sound goes in and out, and is more noticeable at sometimes more than others. The volume knob is just kind of weird in that I feel like the amp is never as loud as the volume knob indicates, and at certain points it will randomly kick up and be very loud, but only for like a couple seconds. This has only started within the past week, but I play a lot on it. Any input would be much appreciated.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
New Set of Tubes for SVT-CL
- Thread starter dollarsign_wag
- Start date
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
Total re-tube cost me about $400, I did power and pre. I bought Electro-Harmonix and Groove Tubes on top of being Canadian so I paid a little more than you will.
I just recently retubed my SVT - CL ..... here's what I used ... the preamp had the Sovtek 12AX7WA in them and I swapped them out with the standard JJ's 12AX7 , the reason I did this was the amp was breaking up just a little too soon, the cost was about $25.00, I then retubed the power section, I used JJ's for the driver tubes (12AU7x2 & 12AX7) I purchased the balanced & matched set from EuroTubes, I paid about $50.00 , the reasoning is the CL really has no control adjustment on/in the inverter section and a balanced inverter tube just makes sense, for the power tubes, I used Sovtek 6550's and I purchased them from TC Tubes, I paid $170.00 for the set and they had a sale at the time I purchased them, my reasoning for buying from them, is they screen the tubes and burn them in, at the voltages that the amp runs on, I also removed the spring power tube retainers and installed the newer "Ampeg" clamp base retainers, the reason why I did this, the spring retainers put some deep scratches in the power tubes and prudence say's change them out before the tubes crack ... did the usual checking of know issues and now I have an amp that I like playing, the only thing I can't change is hauling the amp after a gig .... too heavy at 3 A.M.
YMMV
YMMV
Last edited:
