Beedster Posted March 16, 2010 Posted March 16, 2010 Please excuse my ignorance folks, but I've used mainly solid state amps until this year. Could you let me know the likely symptoms (on sound, performance etc) of a) an old valve that needs replacing, or a faulty valve. Thanks Chris Quote
Tee Posted March 16, 2010 Posted March 16, 2010 a drop in volume, rattles, pops, glowing output valves, decreasing attack, lack of gain. Things like that generally. Quote
umph Posted March 17, 2010 Posted March 17, 2010 [quote name='Beedster' post='776523' date='Mar 16 2010, 06:21 PM']Please excuse my ignorance folks, but I've used mainly solid state amps until this year. Could you let me know the likely symptoms (on sound, performance etc) of a) an old valve that needs replacing, or a faulty valve. Thanks Chris[/quote] when it stops working really, valves aren't as fragile as everyone makes out really. obviously if it starts red plating its probably a sign it could do with being replaced or if they've been used since 1950 they could be getting a little tired and a new set wont do the amp any harm. Quote
The Burpster Posted March 17, 2010 Posted March 17, 2010 [quote name='Beedster' post='776523' date='Mar 16 2010, 06:21 PM']Please excuse my ignorance folks, but I've used mainly solid state amps until this year. Could you let me know the likely symptoms (on sound, performance etc) of a) an old valve that needs replacing, or a faulty valve. Thanks Chris[/quote] You'll know when one goes wrong.....! FWIW have a full set on stand-by. Expesnive maybe.... but better than waiting for a new set and being ampless! As said above they are not that fragile of treated with a bit of respect. (my guitard has had the same set in his MM RD amp for 30yrs and not so much as a pop) Quote
Tinman Posted March 18, 2010 Posted March 18, 2010 I had the HT fuse blow in a valve guitar amp of mine, it turned out to be one of the power valves had gone. Quote
Ancient Mariner Posted March 18, 2010 Posted March 18, 2010 Power valves: when the output goes down and the tone gets muddy or slightly distorted. Preamp valves: when you fancy changing them unless they go microphonic - they should last a LONG time. Quote
umph Posted March 18, 2010 Posted March 18, 2010 [quote name='The Burpster' post='777783' date='Mar 17 2010, 06:25 PM']You'll know when one goes wrong.....! FWIW have a full set on stand-by. Expesnive maybe.... but better than waiting for a new set and being ampless! As said above they are not that fragile of treated with a bit of respect. (my guitard has had the same set in his MM RD amp for 30yrs and not so much as a pop)[/quote] those music man amps are really kind on the valves though if you stuck a fan in their i don't think you'd ever need to change them! Quote
peteb Posted March 18, 2010 Posted March 18, 2010 (edited) You will know when a pre-amp fuse goes - loss of volume, sometimes a high pitched sqeal and generally sounding like you're using a cheap fuzzbox with a flat battery! Edited March 18, 2010 by peteb Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.