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Tube amp problem

poorbassist15

poorbassist15

Dec 29, 2009
1,372
148
Danville, VA
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#1
I would've searched, but I have no idea what I should be looking for. anyway, I usually use a Peavey Windsor through a Peavey 2x15 or two Peavey 2x10s. I have for a while. Today, while playing through my 2x2x10 stack, I noticed that it was going into distortion WAY sooner than it should have been. It also sounded weaker than it usually does. The power tubes also seem to be glowing more red than orange. I'm not sure what I should do at this point.
 
#3
+1
Could just be power tubes or a re-bias, sometimes a resistor or other component failure; it's telling you that it's in trouble and should not be used until checked out by a tech with tube experience
 
#6
That's a guitar head, isn't it? That's not necessarily a problem, but it does raise one question in my mind. Have you been running it at the right impedance (ohm) setting? It seems that guitar cabs, for whatever silly reason, are often wired at higher impedance than bass cabs (16 ohm cabs being very common for guitar, while pretty rare for bass).

What Peavey cabs do you use, specifically? Most 2x15"s are probably 4 ohms. Though it doesn't seem clear, the Peavey TVX model 2x10 seems to be 4 ohms as well, which would mean a stack of two of those would be (if in parallel) 2 ohms. I wouldn't expect most guitar heads to be made for loads that low, and upon further research, it appears that the Windsor is switchable between 4, 8 and 16 ohm settings. Have you got it on the 4 ohm setting for running the two 2x10"s? This concern really only applies if you have the TVX series 2x10's, mind.

I agree with the others on taking it to a tech.
 
#12
Sartori said:
That's a guitar head, isn't it? That's not necessarily a problem, but it does raise one question in my mind. Have you been running it at the right impedance (ohm) setting? It seems that guitar cabs, for whatever silly reason, are often wired at higher impedance than bass cabs (16 ohm cabs being very common for guitar, while pretty rare for bass).

What Peavey cabs do you use, specifically? Most 2x15"s are probably 4 ohms. Though it doesn't seem clear, the Peavey TVX model 2x10 seems to be 4 ohms as well, which would mean a stack of two of those would be (if in parallel) 2 ohms. I wouldn't expect most guitar heads to be made for loads that low, and upon further research, it appears that the Windsor is switchable between 4, 8 and 16 ohm settings. Have you got it on the 4 ohm setting for running the two 2x10"s? This concern really only applies if you have the TVX series 2x10's, mind.

I agree with the others on taking it to a tech.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is a guitar head. And the 2x10s are old P.A. cabinets at 16 ohms each. I'll take it to a tech.
 
#17
BassmanPaul said:
Sounds like an intermittent bias failure or a failing tube killing the bias. You should take it to a tech before more damage is done to the amp. Output transformers are expensive items.

Paul
Click to expand...

+1

Seems like it cooled down enough to work for awhile. You could keep it on for awhile and see if it over heats and but risk damage.

+1 on getting the tubes checked out.
 
#18
poorbassist15 said:
Yes, it sounds the same. And I don't think anyone on TalkBass lives near me.
Click to expand...

Here are few contacts in your state to possibly check out. Note: These names are from a list at: http://www.el34world.com/service.htm. The only one I couldn't get more web info on is Atlas. I suggest sending an email.


VA Atlas Amplifier Repair - (Fairfax Station, VA) We specialize in vintage tube amps. Our focus is on meticulous attention to the details that affect the tone of the vintage amp. We stock vintage carbon comp resistors and have many vintage period correct parts for Fender and Marshall. Tube amplifier repair, vintage vacuum tube sales, and more. Reasonable rates. Contact: Jimmy Hummer via email at - [email protected] PH: 202-596-5196

VA Rob Hawkins does work for several music stores in Virginia and has tons of satisfied walk in customers. He works on many brands of tube amps but prefers to specialize in Fenders. He prefers the hand wired amps, but will work on a pc board model if there are no transistors or channel switching devices (i.e., Boogie). He is set up for UPS shipping of amps, and is experienced at packing up an amp the correct way so as to avoid damage. He has never done a board kit but I feel he is a good source if you are looking for a technician to install your kit. Rob Hawkins, Cub Creek Audio, 56 C&C lane, Roseland, VA, 22967, 434-277-9355.
References

VA Joe Kolla, "The Tube Amp Guy" is located in the west end of Henrico county in metro Richmond, VA. I have 25 years experience and a degree in electronics engineering and I play guitar and drums. I prefer to work on tube amplifiers but I also do solid state work. I do troubleshooting and repair, tone mods, bias adjustments, custom builds, board mods etc. I treat your vintage gear with respect! I also perform guitar set ups and mods and I can repair effects pedals, Vox organs, Rhodes pianos, analog tape machines and PA gear. Very reasonable rates and professional quality work. By appointment only. You can contact me at: [email protected] or call 804-698-9488. web site Link Removed

VA Roger Pinto, owner of Universal Electronic Repairs has 27 years of experience servicing anything that plugs in the wall. He is the former Senior Technician for Marshall Amps as well as a Lead Technician for Korg USA. While working for Marshall, Roger has had the opportunity to work on some of the most famous musicians equipment in the world as well as teaching for Korg and Marshall service centers. He was also an Adjunct Professor of Electronic Technology with Five Towns College in N.Y. With his extensive background and knowledge of electronics as well as his experiences with Marshall and Korg, he can fix or modify anything you have that needs it. Whatever it is, just call or e-mail. [email protected] or 434-974-1519. All estimates are free and the prices are low. web site www.universalelectronicrepairs.com

P.M. Sound Technology, LLC. My name is Phil Mountjoy and I specialize in custom built tube amplifiers and tube amp
repair & restoration. I am located in the Washington DC suburb of Warrenton, VA. Link Removed
 

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