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Amp woes

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:47 am
by Bearstripes
Hi folks.

I have a traynor bass master that I haven't used in a while. Just broke it out to jam and noticed it driving way early. Also it's not getting any louder past 9 o'clock.

I am using a different cab but the impedance is the same so I feel like that should not be an issue. So is it me or is there something wrong with my amp?

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 1:33 pm
by crochambeau
Are output tubes glowing orange?

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 2:03 pm
by Kacey Y
This is a total shot in the dark, but did you check which output jack you plugged into? Because the output jacks are wired in series, not parallel. So if you plug into the Ext jack instead of the Speaker one, it will sound kind of crapped out and quiet. Lots of other things that it could be, but check that first, because it costs no money to fix.

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 5:06 pm
by frigid midget
When I just bought my old bass master it had similar issues...It just needed new tubes, though it doesn't sound like that can be the case with yours :idk:

I'd try to find another 8 ohm cab, or try another 8 ohm amp on your cab, just to be sure you can rule out the possibility of some weird cab/spkr/wiring problem.

Also, and this just from experience with my amp rather than technical knowledge: Pots are weird mahfokkers. A broken/dirty one can make your amp sound crunchy or quiet. Probably not a prime suspect here, but it doesn't hurt to wiggle/push each control :idk:

Anyway, good luck, it's a glorious amp, I know I don't see myself parting from mine anytime soon...

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 9:15 am
by Bearstripes
So the output tubes are glowing, the pots seem good, issue is consistent with all four inputs and both outputs as well. Am I in trouble? Is it dead?

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 9:15 am
by Bearstripes
So the output tubes are glowing, the pots seem good, issue is consistent with all four inputs and both outputs as well. Am I in trouble? Is it dead?

Re: Amp woes

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 1:15 pm
by crochambeau
It's not dead. It may need attention.

When you say glow, are you referring to the glimpse of filament that warms the tube, or the larger metal cylinder assembly (plate)?

If the plate is glowing orange the amplifier is conducting way too much and you are in problem territory. This can be due to inappropriate bias (replacing output tubes may help) or something having failed. Failed parts are able to be replaced, either DIY or repair tech..