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Post new topic Session 400 Amp Distortion
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Author Topic:  Session 400 Amp Distortion
Dennis Detweiler


From:
Solon, Iowa, US
Post  Posted 28 Jul 2013 2:31 pm    
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1976 Session started crackling. Then, shortly afterwards, distorting. It's not the speaker. Is it most likely a cap? Can they be tested in circuit with a multimeter?
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1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Revelation preamp, Carbon Copy Delay and Hall Of Fame Reverb, Crown XLS 1002, 2- 15" Eminence Wheelhouse speakers, ShoBud Pedal, Effects Pedals. 1949 Epiphone D-8.
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Craig Baker


From:
Eatonton, Georgia, USA - R.I.P.
Post  Posted 28 Jul 2013 10:27 pm     Snap, Crackle and Pop
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Dennis,
Probably not a cap. . . but it's hard to troubleshoot an amp across the miles. Years ago I had a Session 400 and if I recall, it used several "push-on" molex connectors. Their contacts get old and oxidize, and that's the first place I would check. If you can get a spray can of DeOxit D5 that may help, but you need to use a very small tool to tighten the connectors. Seems like I had to do it about once every year or so. Hope this is helpful. Please share your progress.

Respectfully,
Craig Baker 706-485-8792

cmbakerelectronics@gmail.com

C.M. Baker Electronics
P.O. Box 3965
Eatonton, GA 31024
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Bill Terry


From:
Bastrop, TX
Post  Posted 29 Jul 2013 9:36 am    
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I've owned a bunch of these (I have 2 now) and one common problem is broken/intermittent solder connections. I don't bang the amps around a lot, they just seem to happen, vibration and age I guess? The symptoms are sometimes as you describe.

Craig's comment about the Molex connectors is spot on as well. Been there, done that too. Smile
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Lost Pines Studio
"I'm nuts about bolts"
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