Tube Amp Troubleshooting Question...

markophonic · March 23rd, 2003, 12:18 PM

I have an old Kalamazoo Bass 50 tube amp. I used it for a guitar amp for years. About 15 years ago i kicked it while playing and knocked it over..POOF! no more anything...no noise...nothing?

Any idea what may have given out...considering the jolt it took?

Where should I start?

I've had it packed away but have been considering trying to get it up a running again...perhaps build me a nice little custom cabinet for it.

Smokey · March 23rd, 2003, 01:51 PM

Totally dead? Does it light up? Maybe some wires came loose when it fell over. Do you have a DMM? If so you can test around when it's on to see if you are getting B+ voltage to the tubes, but be carefull, voltages in some amps can get up to 450v or so. First check the output transformer wiring to the jack though.

Maybe the best thing would be to take it to an amp tech for troubleshooting.

Dacious · March 23rd, 2003, 04:52 PM

The heater elements in tubes glow red hot. If you move an amp suddenly, you can cause them to break. Let alone kick it over. The amp would by now need the attention of a tech to replace the capacitors, as they would have dried out. Turn it on and you risk one shorting out and causing a fire or taking out a transformer. The good news is, it's probably a simple fix - caps and maybe tubes and a general service.

jazzguitar · March 23rd, 2003, 05:30 PM

At least he will tell you what's broken.

If you're brave and think you can open it yourself, do it, but you may or may not see the problem.

tom grossheider · March 24th, 2003, 03:24 PM

Tim Swartz hangs around here, he's in Michigan too. He can fix it up for you.

March 23rd, 2003, 12:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
markophonic Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Michigan Age: 47 Posts: 921 1 Photos	Tube Amp Troubleshooting Question... I have an old Kalamazoo Bass 50 tube amp. I used it for a guitar amp for years. About 15 years ago i kicked it while playing and knocked it over..POOF! no more anything...no noise...nothing? Any idea what may have given out...considering the jolt it took? Where should I start? I've had it packed away but have been considering trying to get it up a running again...perhaps build me a nice little custom cabinet for it. __________________ http://www.brianvanderark.com/

March 23rd, 2003, 04:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,603 35 Photos	Element in tubes The heater elements in tubes glow red hot. If you move an amp suddenly, you can cause them to break. Let alone kick it over. The amp would by now need the attention of a tech to replace the capacitors, as they would have dried out. Turn it on and you risk one shorting out and causing a fire or taking out a transformer. The good news is, it's probably a simple fix - caps and maybe tubes and a general service.

March 23rd, 2003, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
jazzguitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 280	If you have no idea at all, best take it to a tech. At least he will tell you what's broken. If you're brave and think you can open it yourself, do it, but you may or may not see the problem.

March 23rd, 2003, 01:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Smokey TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 78	Totally dead? Does it light up? Maybe some wires came loose when it fell over. Do you have a DMM? If so you can test around when it's on to see if you are getting B+ voltage to the tubes, but be carefull, voltages in some amps can get up to 450v or so. First check the output transformer wiring to the jack though. Maybe the best thing would be to take it to an amp tech for troubleshooting.

March 24th, 2003, 03:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 706	Tim Swartz hangs around here, he's in Michigan too. He can fix it up for you.