Amplifier shock absorbers

[hydro]

I am now in a band that is apparently Too Heavy and we keep blowing up amplifiers. Our amp guy suspects part of the problem is that our amp heads sit directly on top of our cabs and the tubes, and possibly other components, are getting out of sorts from too much vibration.

We play in C standard and we are loud A.F. And no, turning down is not an option.

Anyone dealt with this issue or have any suggestions as to how to address it? We could set the head cabs on the side but we have limited space plus it's a hassle.

[80's_Metal]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

Set the amps next to the cabs, or u can use sound foam between amp and can
or even short, wide, soft springs around your amp legs/nubs

[jeremy]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

what part of the amp is failing?

[ehdwuld]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

I gots the rubber feetz on my ampz

Youze can two

Amazon sells a set of eight 3/4 inch thick rubber feet for about $10-15

[LowBudgetViking]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

The place my band plays in has a layer of foam between the head and cabs on tube amps for that reason. Since the amps are prone to....well...being treated like a rented Buick they do all they can to minimize damage.

The Tech there claims it makes a difference.

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

Take the head off the cabinet, I promise you will sound exactly the same as you do when they are on top.

Perhaps even better since you won’t have all kinds of vibrations rattling your tubes, Etc...

[hydro]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

what part of the amp is failing?

A mix of things. Some of the amps had multiple issues, but mostly it seems to be tubes failing often.

[hydro]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

I'm going to try some washing machine casters, basically they are big rubber pads. Will see how it goes. May try some acoustic foam too.

[Adieu]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

Don't forget a 3/2 levelling kit and 35's

Or a cheap used bullbar and some chinese leds at least

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

I’ve got a hot-rodded 5E3 that puts the 6V6’s in through hell because the right tube sits directly behind my speaker with only about 1/2in of space between them. I know, not ideal, I have a V30 in it now but I’ll be swapping it out for a P-12Q the day after tomorrow which will offer much more clearance with the dust cap removed. Anyway I originally just had clamp clips for stability but they were useless with many of the tubes that I wanted to use because they had smaller bases. The way I resolved it was by using both spring retailers & high temp tube dampeners.

Granted it looks like a bit much but I’ve been running the same NOS Sylvania’s for about 6 months now whereas before I was lucky to get anything other than modern tubes to last more than a couple weeks before they’d start to rattle like crazy so I think it’s worked for the most part? Before even modern tubes that had being fat bases & fit inside the clamps would start to rattle after a month or so....

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

Maybe a dumb question, but is your bias set correctly? Nothing will eat up tubes faster then a too hot bias.

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

Sounds like you're using ****ty amps that break

Maybe get some good ones instead

[ehdwuld]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

I suspect a bias problem as well

[NegativeEase]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

i have lots of experience with these issues.

First I would suggest that the more likely culprit is amplifier transport -because bumps in the road that jolt the element in a tube is 1000x worse than your amp being on the head.

How often and how do your transport you amps?

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Amplifier shock absorbers

i have lots of experience with these issues.

First I would suggest that the more likely culprit is amplifier transport -because bumps in the road that jolt the element in a tube is 1000x worse than your amp being on the head.

How often and how do your transport you amps?

Good point.
I have also noticed that the vast majority of bumps and bruises my gear sustains is due to transport