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Topic: Tubes Gone Bad? |
Michael Pierce
From:
Madison, CT
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Posted 13 Dec 2008 11:23 am |
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First time tube amp owner. I have a Fender Blues Junior, probably 2 or 3 years old, with what I believe to be the original tubes. I'm getting kind of a scratchy sound from it on occasion... given that this is my first tube amp, it would be helpful to know if that's one of the signs of tube fatigue or failure? Are there others (I assume if it goes "pppfffftttt" that's a pretty good sign)?
Thanks. mjp |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 13 Dec 2008 7:41 pm
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| Is your amp a newer reissue? |
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Michael Pierce
From:
Madison, CT
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Posted 13 Dec 2008 7:46 pm
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| I think it's about a 2006 model Blues Junior (cream board); I bought it second-hand. Someone on the Fender Forum recommended re-seating the tubes, which I did this evening, and that seemed to take care of this specific problem. I was more just curious what to listen for in general when tubes start to go bad. thanks. |
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 13 Dec 2008 8:38 pm
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| Yes, dirty tube sockets, or dirty connections, input jacks, ect. A little eloectronics cleaner might do the trick. |
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Steve Feldman
From:
Central MA USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2008 11:06 am
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Tube sockets, pots, screen resistors, jacks, etc. like was mentioned above. I'd almost bet it's not your tubes, but why not swap them out if you can and try the amp?
_________________
"...An admission of interest in protracted commentary is certainly no reason to capitalize on surmised aberations that do not exist." - BH |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2008 4:48 pm
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I own a blues Jr also and from what I read about it the little guy is biased very hot. This shortens tube life.
When they start to give up they will first seem to distort on the bassier notes and you may hear noises, cracks and pops. You may also hear something that sounds like a mouse running around on the speaker cone. The amp may become very sensitive to input. ie: When you crank up the guitar and play harder you may hear it distort un-naturally.
RH |
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Michael Pierce
From:
Madison, CT
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Posted 15 Dec 2008 6:16 pm
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Thank you, gentlemen.
Rick, thanks especially for the tips on what to listen for. I think re-seating the tubes helped in this case, but I will definitely be listening for that mouse. Perhaps as Steve suggests, I'll be a sport and spring for a set of new tubes and see what happens. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 16 Dec 2008 5:48 pm
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| Quote: |
| I'll be a sport and spring for a set of new tubes and see what happens. |
Save your money, get some Caig Deoxit and Pro Gold, and clean (with deoxit) and treat (with Pro Gold) every connector - tube pins, jacks, pots ESPECIALLY (those amp use REALLY cheesy pots). Try that first.
There's no way you ate tubes, even in that one, unless it just has bad ones. If they are Sovtek or EH n(or Groove Tubes) EL84's then yes - might as well replace them...but also replace the preamp tubes while you're at it. New tubes in those are "budget" tubes - try KCA NOS Tubes, Eurotubes or Lord Valve for quality, tested tubes.
Last note - don't EVER use "cleaner in a pot. It will destroy it. Always use a cleaner/lubricant (like Pro Gold).
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
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Posted 17 Dec 2008 6:07 pm
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| I had one in the shop yesterday. A new set of JJ tubes and it sounded great. |
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Michael Pierce
From:
Madison, CT
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Posted 17 Dec 2008 6:41 pm
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| That's exactly what I was thinking. Eurotubes? |
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Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
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Posted 17 Dec 2008 6:45 pm
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That would work. Also Mojotone and Antique Electronics. I buy wholesale as a licensed business from another source.
I can't find a better tube for my shop that JJ. And that includes NOS tubes. To many problems with those in the past |
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