session 500 crackling

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

I have a session 500 and when I power it up, it makes a crackling sound similar to a scratchy pot, this sound is present with nothing plugged into the amp and all knobs fully counter clockwise, and turning all knobs to clockwise doesn't increase the volume of the crackling. I had a problem similar to this when I initially got the amp shipped to me via ups, but in that case it was a much louder popping sound.
I took it to one of the only guys in LA that fix these things and he fixed it, I never spoke to him so I am not sure what the problem was, but when I got my amp back there was a chip taped to the outside of the amp I assume signifying that was the problem. I know these things are supposed to be tanks, but thats 2 major problems inside of a 6 months, maybe I got a lemon.

any thoughts?

thanks in advance,
Jesse

Bob Hamilton · From: California Central Coast

Jesse, I had the same problem with a Session 500, that's why I only paid 150 bucks for it. Check the white molex connectors within the amp (there are several) and retension them before reassembly. Also spray a good electrical cleaner with lubricant in all of the pots while you have it open, and operate them full cycle, it never hurts. Be sure to stay away from the power caps, they can hold quite a charge. These are great amps, if you have a roadie..

Dave Potter · From: Texas

I never had a "roadie", and I still consider it a good amp.

Gary Walker · From: Morro Bay, CA

My 500 sometimes sizzles a bit but a good slap in the side stops it, telling me it's time to spray some contact cleaner on the connectors.

Bob Hamilton · From: California Central Coast

Dave, when I have to carry it, it's a good amp, but when my son carries it, it's a great amp.

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Jesse, if you wish to send the power amp and chassis to us here at Peavey, we will be glad to restore your 500 to factory specifications. When buying "used" gear, you don't ever know what you are getting, especially if it is a piece that you don't know its service history.

You may send only the power amp section and preamp sections. If you need assistance in the removal of the pieces, call me before you start to disassemble at 1-877-732-8391.

The extra IC chip could have been replaced with a good IC, but you won't know that until you speak with the guy who repaired it.

As far as a lemon product, this is very unlikely since it has been in use for close to 20 years. If a tech "attempted" to repair it at some point in time and did a poor job, then that might tell the story. Nonetheless, I consider a product to be a "lemon" if every product of that same model has the problem too. Obviously, this is not the case.

You can send the items to;
Peavey Service Center
Attention; Mike Brown
412 Hwy. 80 East
Meridian, MS 39301

Thank You,
Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

Mike
your so right,
I misued the word lemon, and it seems pretty obvious to me that peavey has never made a steel guitar amp that was such, and even if by chance there was a problem they've got you so its all good.

thanks
Ill be gone for a couple of weeks
and I'll start working on this problem
at that time.

Jesse

Jesse Harris · From: Ventura, California, USA

Mike,

I have to go on the road next wednesday, and obviously I don't have time to send it to you guys and get it back, and I really need this amp for the tour, can you suggest anything I can do to possibly solve the problem myslf?

I understand if you cannot reccomend that, just thought I would give it a shot.

thanks,
Jesse

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

I thought that the guy in L.A. repaired the amp? I'm confused. Call me and let's figure out something.

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