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#1
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Blew up 2 tube amps
In the last 2 days, I decided to fire up 2 amps that have been idle for a number of years. A Fender Super Twin Reverb 180Watt from 1979 and a Fender Bassman (AB165) from 1968 or 1969. After playing at low volume for 15 to 30 minutes, both ended up crackling and then smoking. Both had a blown capacitor with a bad smell in the control room. I have located a local amp tech and will schedule an appointment to bring them in. The Bassman had paper caps, so will probably have all replaced. Not a good way to celebrate my birthday (tomorrow).
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"Whiskey Bottle...Brand New Car...Oak Tree You're in my Way" RVZ Digi 002 rack , Command 8, Behringer ADA 8000, Tascam M-320B Mixer, Alesis Monitor Two Speakers, Vintage and Modern Tube Amps, Fender American Strat, 1973 Gibson SB-450 Bass, Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro, Roland W-30 Keyboard, Preimier XPK Fusion Drum Kit. |
#2
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Re: Blew up 2 tube amps
What I've heard some people do with tube amps that have been sitting for a while is to put a Variac between the wall outlet and the amp and slowly bring up the AC to regular level. Supposed to help re-form the caps.
Hope your tech does a good job. Would love to have an old piggyback Bassman (or a Bandmaster). |
#3
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Re: Blew up 2 tube amps
I don't think the Bassman suffered too much damage. The Super Twin Reverb, on the other hand, may have lost a resister or two also. The capacitor melted pretty bad before I smelled anything and rushed to shut it off. The second thumbnail shows the paper caps in the Bassman. They are probably original.
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"Whiskey Bottle...Brand New Car...Oak Tree You're in my Way" RVZ Digi 002 rack , Command 8, Behringer ADA 8000, Tascam M-320B Mixer, Alesis Monitor Two Speakers, Vintage and Modern Tube Amps, Fender American Strat, 1973 Gibson SB-450 Bass, Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro, Roland W-30 Keyboard, Preimier XPK Fusion Drum Kit. Last edited by mjslakeridge; 10-31-2020 at 06:22 AM. Reason: Added pic of Bassman Capacitors |
#4
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Re: Blew up 2 tube amps
Quote:
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#5
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Re: Blew up 2 tube amps
Jack, I dropped one of the amp chassis off at the repair tech yesterday. After repairs, he said he would hook up a variac, and see if anything else blows.
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"Whiskey Bottle...Brand New Car...Oak Tree You're in my Way" RVZ Digi 002 rack , Command 8, Behringer ADA 8000, Tascam M-320B Mixer, Alesis Monitor Two Speakers, Vintage and Modern Tube Amps, Fender American Strat, 1973 Gibson SB-450 Bass, Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro, Roland W-30 Keyboard, Preimier XPK Fusion Drum Kit. |
#6
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Re: Blew up 2 tube amps
Smart move and one that a good tech would do when putting in new caps. Good luck with the rebuilt amps. Hate to lose an old amp.
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