Simple Tube Amplifier Repair Tips

By Julio Knebel


Many musicians prefer the sound of a tube amp to a solid state amp because of the warmer, rich sound. Although these amps have many benefits over solid state amps, they are usually much more expensive, emit more heat and are also more fragile. It is for these reasons that they need the right tube amplifier repair and maintenance in order to perform optimally.

It is possible to do a lot of your own maintenance tasks to save on costs, but it is imperative to know what you are capable of and not attempt to fix things that you are not familiar with and have not read about extensively. Trying to work on problems without the right knowledge could result in further damage or even severe electrical shock, as these amps carry very high voltages and can hold a charge even after being switched off.

The fuses and preamp tubes are quite easy to change, but when replacing a tube, be sure that it is the correct one as they are not interchangeable. Check your user manual to make sure. Many guitarists keep spare fuses as well, but one should be aware that a blown fuse could be an indication of an underlying problem that should be attended to.

Although the preamp tubes are quite easy to change, the power and output tubes are much more complicated to change and should not be attempted by anyone who is unfamiliar with the procedure. Get a technician to do it for you if in doubt, as it may also be necessary to change the bias on the output tubes to stop them getting excessively hot.

It is almost inevitable that some level of damage will eventually occur in amps that are frequently transported for rehearsals or shows. One should take the time to check every so often that no wires or cables have become loose. Also, check the speakers, chassis, jacks and other components that could get loose or disconnected during transportation.

No matter what level of skill you have, it is worthwhile doing a yearly tune up to make sure that everything is in working order. Inspecting the tubes, wiring, resistors, speakers and other parts can save a lot of hassle down the line.

If you notice a problem with your amp at any time, it is important not to ignore it but rather get it checked as soon as possible. Playing a damaged amp can cause even more damage along the line, so rather get the right tube amplifier repair work done.




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