Reverb tank - is this a common problem?

[bdgregory]

Has anyone else had a problem with reverb tank internal lead wires breaking?

I recently repaired 2 different reverb tanks that had broken lead wires inside the tank. These are the wires that connect the transformer to the RCA jack on the tank. One broke at the solder connection with the transformer. The other broke in the center of the wire. This latter one seems like a really strange place to break. Both of these happen to be out of Musicman amps, though different models and different tank types entirely.

A related question - is it possible that the op amp that drives the reverb could have caused this problem by literally blowing out the wires?

[RomanS]

Yup, seems to be common, had this happen on two amps (Carvin, Peavey), mine broke at the "clip" part, where the wire is connected to the transducer...

[Billm]

Yes. Happens all the time.

[bdgregory]

thanks guys!

[telex76]

When I got my SFDR the reverb wasn't working. Man those wires are little. When I was repairing one wire, I broke another. Finally got it working and have had no problems for 4 years.

[fretful]

I've just bought a Peavey USA Studio Pro 112 amp with the same issue. Bargain price but on finding patchy reverb I looked inside the tank and found one of the 4 wire connections has come off. Reverb still works if turned up high but is the loose wire dangerous?! Never done any soldering but it looks straightforward (famous last words...)

[bdgregory]

Originally Posted by fretful

I've just bought a Peavey USA Studio Pro 112 amp with the same issue. Bargain price but on finding patchy reverb I looked inside the tank and found one of the 4 wire connections has come off. Reverb still works if turned up high but is the loose wire dangerous?! Never done any soldering but it looks straightforward (famous last words...)

I just re-soldered them in the 2 that I mentioned. The one connected to the transformer was a concern because I was afraid I could damage that little transformer. You'll want to be careful with your soldering iron heat. The one that broke in the middle of the wire was a little tricky only because stripping the insulation is a delicate task. I fully expected to have to replace the whole wire - and may still do that at some point.

[charlie chitlin]

I've had 2 break coming from the pan.
Both times it was because one of the pins that keeps the pan from deflecting too much had come out and the pan was moving so much that the wires broke....probably during transit.

[fretful]

Is it dangerous or just inefficient!?

[bdgregory]

Originally Posted by fretful

Is it dangerous or just inefficient!?

I would say it's inevitable that it will break completely . . . whether you risk damaging the amp is the $64000 question. On one of mine, the op amp driver was damaged. I don't know if it was caused by the loose wire shorting out though. I would get it fixed.

[blue metalflake]

Quite common that they will break at the solder joint to the transducer. Never knew of one to break in the centre.

[feb52]

The one on my jc77 broke almost inside the trans. and coun't be soldered back on 79 buck tax and delivery for a new one.