need advice

pottedmeat42 · August 16th, 2006, 10:21 AM

Due to space considerations, I need to store my 1985 Mesa/Boogie MkIIc for a couple of months (perhaps up to two years). I will be storing it (covered) in my closet.

Is there any downside to storing an amp this long? I seem to recall something about certain types of capacitors needing to be charged (ie amp turned on) occasionally else they develop problems. Any advice? thanks -jason

Wally · August 16th, 2006, 01:39 PM

The storage is not the concern, imo. However, some folks do advacate bringing the amp up on a Variac when you 'resuscitate' it after the storage. Depending on the humidity levels in your area, I might suggest using some dessicant under the cover.

JohnnyCrash · August 16th, 2006, 01:43 PM

The only reason I ever heard was on REALLY old amps with the electrolytic filter capacitors (filled with a liquid electrolytic solution that could dry over the years). Bringing voltage up slowly to keep them from popping.

I'd imagine, you'd have to store the thing for like a decade for something like that to happen though!

I say, don't worry about it. Just keep dust out of it - at the worst.

sixty4fairlane · August 16th, 2006, 05:03 PM

I dont think there is any chrome on a boogie to worry about rusting. Cosmetics is all I can think of. Boogies are built like high tech tanks. Ever look inside one of those things. Make a grown man cry.

Wally · August 16th, 2006, 05:23 PM

When I think of amps and moisture, I worry about the laminates in the transformers. The boards in the boogie are not susceptible to moisture as are the fiber boards in vintage Fenders, so that isn't a worry either. One of the first things I look at when looking at an amp purchase are the trannies....I don't like rusted laminates.

August 16th, 2006, 10:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
pottedmeat42 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Richardson, Texas Posts: 462	need advice Due to space considerations, I need to store my 1985 Mesa/Boogie MkIIc for a couple of months (perhaps up to two years). I will be storing it (covered) in my closet. Is there any downside to storing an amp this long? I seem to recall something about certain types of capacitors needing to be charged (ie amp turned on) occasionally else they develop problems. Any advice? thanks -jason

August 16th, 2006, 01:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Wally Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 4,212	The storage is not the concern, imo. However, some folks do advacate bringing the amp up on a Variac when you 'resuscitate' it after the storage. Depending on the humidity levels in your area, I might suggest using some dessicant under the cover.

August 16th, 2006, 01:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
JohnnyCrash Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lost Angeles and Orange County Posts: 7,128	The only reason I ever heard was on REALLY old amps with the electrolytic filter capacitors (filled with a liquid electrolytic solution that could dry over the years). Bringing voltage up slowly to keep them from popping. I'd imagine, you'd have to store the thing for like a decade for something like that to happen though! I say, don't worry about it. Just keep dust out of it - at the worst.

August 16th, 2006, 05:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
sixty4fairlane Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Posts: 293	I dont think there is any chrome on a boogie to worry about rusting. Cosmetics is all I can think of. Boogies are built like high tech tanks. Ever look inside one of those things. Make a grown man cry.

August 16th, 2006, 05:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wally Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 4,212	When I think of amps and moisture, I worry about the laminates in the transformers. The boards in the boogie are not susceptible to moisture as are the fiber boards in vintage Fenders, so that isn't a worry either. One of the first things I look at when looking at an amp purchase are the trannies....I don't like rusted laminates.