Gibson GA30RV amp rattling. Combos vs heads?

[Red Sun]

Well I was tracking a few guitars today(or tried to) and got pissed off at the mad rattling coming from my amp(obviously the louder the volume more rattle). I do accredit a bit to fret buzz(but slightly and mostly because of heavy hitting. This made me think back of my old amps and think "IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WILL ALWAYS HAPPEN WITH COMBOS?"

This amp is in great condition but it has traveled a lot. I a case and with care but roadies will be roadies so i guess it has taken it bumps.

I intend to switch preamp tubes just to see (and also test sonic possibilities) and check all screws and components.

any other suggestions? Ideas?


Now to the next topic. Is this something that all combos go through dude to vibrations of playing? (I do play larger venues and loud volumes so I guess this account for a bit)

Do heads have this issue? Ive only owned a jcm900-4100 which i didnt use much and I have a TT which I only use in the studio. Now I imagine that by being isolated (head/cab) this would eliminate extraneous noises? Any observations. Im actually thinking about selling my supergoldtone. I love this amp but cant deal with the fact that i cant use it for recording dude to the damn rattle. Im contemplating selling and buying a Orange Rockerverb and a 2x12 and maybe get a couple low wattage mini heads for different tones. I dont want to quit combos but damn! My amp before the SuperGoldtone, A gibson 15rv had the same problem. Cant remember if this happened with my 2 blues juniors.

Whats your take? Head or combo?


By the way I like 50w and under with 30 being just perfect!

[JohnnyCrash]

It depends on the source of the rattle.

If it is physical (the wooden cabinet or other hardware shaking), you might have a few options. For instance if its a loose baffle, you might be able to tighten it. A shakey back panel? Weather striping. Etc. Sometimes newer amps have tolex that hasn't been compressed and hardened and acts like a vibration absorber.

If it is rattle coming through the tubes (most likely a preamp tube), you can try extremely noise resistant preamp tube brands/models. If that doesn't cut it, tube retainers might help (for pre and power). If it still doesn't cut it, maybe a head + cab is a last resort.

I've had some combos that were easy to de-rattle. I've had others that I just couldn't bother with. If you like the sound that much, try to chase down the source of the rattle.

[Mik]

GA15RV, that metal cover "cage" on the back of the amp can rattle, tighten its screws or take off the cover. Similar cover on the GA30RV?

[Red Sun]

Thanks for your replies.

Il be switching preamp tubes this weeks try to find the source.

Mike- thats sometimes is the problems but i wasn't on GA15rv but i can imagine if it gets loose it will rattle like crazy. The Ga30rv has a wooden back, no grill at all.