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Walkabout Scout - Back Panel Rattle / Flutter

wateroftyne

wateroftyne

Dec 22, 2002
2,171
1,864
The Geordie Delta, UK
www.jollybeggars.co.uk
#1
Hi all

I first asked about this a while ago but I got no bites, so... one last try!

The back panel on my 12" Scout combo rattles / flutters when it's played at volume. Around the A > B on the E string causes the worst problems.

The whole things seems solid, but the noise subsides when I press my hand on the panel. All the screws are tight, and there's no damage anywhere.

I'm just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem, before I spend more time working out where to shove foam, etc...

It's not noticable at most gigs, but I might want to mic it for a few things I have coming up...

Thanks!
 
#3
Along the lines of the gaffer's tape.......that back panel comes with a foam type seal around the edges.......could your's be too compressed or missing completely? I've had both 15" and 12" Walkabout Scout combos, but I've never experienced the sound you are describing. :confused:
 
#4
Yes, check the seal on the back panel first. See if possibly the panel is rattling against the amp head. Take the head out of the combo and leave the panel off and see if it does it. If it doesn't, then your problem is somewhere there. If not that then there could be any number of things causing it and you'll have to check out everything possible that could be loose.
 
#5
would agree about checking on the rubbery/foam strips along the inside potion of the panel that unscrews to remove the head. Perhaps is is worn, or too compressed, or even possibly missing.

Perhaps you got something down in there ? worth checking.

I have not heard any rattling at all from my Walkabout 12 in 2 years of use at all volumes.
 
#8
Well... that seems to have done the trick!

I put new foam strips along to top and bottom of the back panel, and it changed the rattle but actually made it worse.

So... I went nuts with the foam. I put strips across the middle of the panel, and along the bottom edge of the 'head' section on the cab itself and on the back panel of the cab, where the amp lies.

That seems to have sorted it! It sounds great now.. much tighter tone that it had, to.

One thing I've noticed - and it did this beforehand IIRC - the back panel is slightly 'arched' when screwed tight. When you take it off an lie it down, it's flat but there's a definite arch when it's in place. At it's peak, in the middle, it's arched about 3mm out of 'straight'.

I wonder if that's what the problem was...?
 
#9
If it is arched once you screw it down tight, that would leave just enough clearance for some vibration.........probably what you were hearing. The extra foam seems like a good idea........I'll keep that in mind if my Walkabout ever develops the "crushed foam rattle". I don't have mine apart very often, but the foam is very compressed, and I can see where that would become an issue eventually.
 
#10
wateroftyne said:
When you take it off an lie it down, it's flat but there's a definite arch when it's in place. At it's peak, in the middle, it's arched about 3mm out of 'straight'.

I wonder if that's what the problem was...?
Click to expand...
A slight arch is OK, a curved panel is more resistant to vibration.
Try the knuckle test on it, rapping it with your knuckles. If the sound made is a high pitched whack then the panel is adequately stiff. If the sound is a low pitched thud, or even worse resembles a drum, the panel isn't stiff enough and requires internal crossbracing.
 
#11
billfitzmaurice said:
A slight arch is OK, a curved panel is more resistant to vibration.
Try the knuckle test on it, rapping it with your knuckles. If the sound made is a high pitched whack then the panel is adequately stiff. If the sound is a low pitched thud, or even worse resembles a drum, the panel isn't stiff enough and requires internal crossbracing.
Click to expand...

Hmm... there's a bit of resonance there. I can feel a bit of crossbracing coming on...

Thanks, Bill!
 
#13
Chef said:
How are you going to "internally brace" a removable access panel that you take off to remove the head from the combo?
Click to expand...

If it should really become necessary, you could probably install your "internal bracing" on the outside. It would still serve the same purpose.........to stiffen up the panel........but it may look a little strange.
 

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