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Josh · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 5:06 am Post subject: Tube amp help

I've been having this issue with my silvertone 1482 where the volume cuts out and stuff. When I tap on it it comes back on and does it every few minutes, sometimes doesn't do it at all.

Is this an issue with the tubes or is this more serious?

Johno · . Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 1881 Location: East London

I don't think its tube as you would get more volume fluctuation rather than cutting out altogether if a tube was on the way out. Take it to a tech its safer!

George · . Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 20015 Location: UK

It might be something like the speaker cable having a loose connection, which sounds of low importance but for power transformers very bad indeed.

Yes, take it to a tech.

Doog · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 10:01 am Post subject:

Might be worth removing the tubes and cleaning the sockets (spray contact cleaner) and firmly reseating them before doing anything more involved.

I had similar intermittent issues with my Marshall before recording, and cleaning the entire chassis (jack sockets, pots and switches too) sorted it out.

Also, try tapping the tubes directly with a pencil when you're having the issue, should help determine if it's a dying tube rather than something wiring or component-based that is being temporary 'righted' by slapping the whole amp about.

Josh · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 3:06 pm Post subject:

Word. Thanks for the help guys, I'll try giving it a clean and stuff when I get home as well. Definitely am gonna contact my tech too to take a look.
The volume does kinda fluctuate, sometimes sounds low and clean at full blast. Part of me might have to let this one go as I've heard the vibration can tear these apart, after I get it checked. Bummer is I've only had 2/3 good months of using it and it started happening. I've been using my 1483 since, bought the 1482 cause I was sick of carrying around the 1483. Gah.

How are blues jr IIIs?

Thomas · . Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Posts: 3172 Location: Glasgow, UK

I had a similar issue with my Bassman when I got it. It turned out to be the actual volume pot. It had the shitty 70s Fender plastic shafted cheapos in it. Once I switched it out it was fine.

Josh · Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2017 8:06 pm Post subject:

Took the tubes out and sprayed the canned air, gave it a good clean. So far so good. Gonna test it more soon and post updates. Thanks guys!

Bacchus · Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 12:51 am Post subject:

Maybe retension the clamps in the valve sockets?
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Josh · Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 3:57 pm Post subject:

How would I do that? So far using it all day yesterday it didn't cut out once when it would normally cut out in the first 20 mins of using it. Gonna use it again today to see for sure. Have a show coming up on the 30th and really wanna use this amp. It sounds massive mic'd up.

Doog · Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2017 5:56 pm Post subject:

Josh · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 12:57 am Post subject:

Oh shit you're right you're right. after taking the tubes out and using that canned air it hasn't done anything weird since it sounds like it did when I got it. Weird.
Definitely gonna get contact cleaner and give it a good clean though, and probably have someone look at it if anything weird starts happening again.

Doog · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 8:50 am Post subject:

I guess it's possible there is/was a bit of corrosion on a tube pin or socket, and re-inserting them has cleared it a little bit?

Defo get some contact cleaner in that bad boy generally, never a bad idea to clean all your inputs, pots and sockets as its soooo easy and can keep the scratchies at bay.

I just bought one of these beasts to clean up a guitar I'm selling for my gf, gonna fucking clean EVERYTHING I OWN TOO, GONNA SPRAY IN MY EARS TO GET MY BRAIN TO WORK PROPERLY AGIAN

Bacchus · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2017 10:25 am Post subject:

http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=571400
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