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  • Tube amp question

    If you don't have a guitar plugged into the input of a tube amp and dime all the controls, should you hear any static/low popping?

  • #2
    Yep. That is the nature of the beast. And, yes I have had many tube amps. There will always be leakage. Every fucking part of a tube amp has the ability to make noise. Transfomers, more than meets the eyes, can do it.
    Last edited by fett; 09-08-2007, 03:38 PM.
    I am a true ass set to this board.

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    • #3
      So my amp should be normal? I get the static popping from the 2 channels, worse on the high gain, but if I plug a pod or something into the fx return, it is quiet - unless I play.

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      • #4
        A little noise on a tube amp is normal. Does the noise interfer with the actual sound when playing?
        I am a true ass set to this board.

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        • #5
          It just doesn't sound right. I may retube it to see if that resolves the issue, but the amp may need servicing. Thank God for my Vetta.

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          • #6
            Lose tubes maybe?

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            • #7
              Pulled and reseated everything as well as checked the bias. I gotta take it in, I guess.

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              • #8
                Pete, all of my tube amps made noise when everything was dimed out.

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                • #9
                  John, when I don't dime it, I still get the static. I maybe need to go to a store and check out "good" tube amps to see if mine is bad. I think it is, but who knows.

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                  • #10
                    You mean nothing plugged in, all controls low, amp still has static? then there is surely a problem. try plugging in an empty guitar cable (minus guitar) and see if the problem exists. On my 5150, with nothing plugged in, the amp was damn quiet. But if I remember correctly, on the XXX, it used to make some sound with nothing plugged in.
                    Sam

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                    • #11
                      Try spraying some contact cleaner in the loop jacks. If that doesn't work it is most surely one of your preamp tubes.

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                      • #12
                        The amp currently has Ruby 6L6's and Electro Harmonix 12AX7EH. Are these good tubes? If not, I'll replace them - I need to find out what the issue is and rather not bring it to a service facility unless absolutely necessary.

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                        • #13
                          Maybe the static is just the floor noise. When playing thru each preamp, the guitar volume is loud. If I stop playing, the static is there but very low and this is with the master at about 8 oclock.

                          I think this is why I never messed with tubes.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by lhrocker View Post
                            The amp currently has Ruby 6L6's and Electro Harmonix 12AX7EH. Are these good tubes? If not, I'll replace them - I need to find out what the issue is and rather not bring it to a service facility unless absolutely necessary.
                            Its most likely 1 preamp tube Pete. Try swapping them around.

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                            • #15
                              Well, I replaced all 3 preamp tubes with GT Gold series 12AX7, which was the only thing I could get on short notice. Everything is now quiet - no more static popping at any volume, and the drive channel is really rich and fat now. Thanx to everyone for all your help. Should I keep the old set or buy a less expensive set of AX7's for backup?

                              John - did you sell your 2x12 Randall cab yet? Need anything - please pm or email me.

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