Vox Concerns....

[Indie P Bass]

Ok, so, my AC-30 is starting to squeek, if you know what I mean.... Like, it sounds like something rubbing against something (maybe the shocks on the power tube) and is not getting amplified. It also only appears when I play the notes between C (on the A string) and D (on the G string) Any ideas?

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Vox Concerns....

Class A power really hits those EL-84's hard, and if they're older than a couple years, it's a good bet that they're worn, and some of the internal components are rattling. It also may be 12AX7's becoming microphonic. While strumming your guitar with some volume on the vox to create the bad sound, use your other hand to muffle each tube with a rag. You may find one that's creating that noise. Or, you may just have to retube it. Just order a full set of Tesla JJ's for power and pres. Those tubes sound great in that amp.

[rhmcfarland]

Re: Vox Concerns....

Retube is just about a given... Class A will eat up EL84s.

SOMETHING ELSE: The tube sockets could be contributing to the problem. Specifically, the metal sleeves where the pins insert. If the pins aren't fitting really snug and tight, then you can get some noise. SO, I pulled the chasis, got a thumb tack, and crimped the sleeves back in toward the center. The tubes fit tight again, and the noise went away.

The sockets for EL84s are all pretty weak like that. Its an industry problem, not the fault of the amp manufacturer. It would be nice if someone had a more sturdy design. But, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[Indie P Bass]

Re: Vox Concerns....

I took it in.... they didn't know what was wrong with it. So, I'm taking it back to where I bought it and they're going to work on it for free (considering I dropped 1400,000 pennies on her) and retube it. YAY!

[Scott_F]

Re: Vox Concerns....

Retube is just about a given... Class A will eat up EL84s.

SOMETHING ELSE: The tube sockets could be contributing to the problem. Specifically, the metal sleeves where the pins insert. If the pins aren't fitting really snug and tight, then you can get some noise. SO, I pulled the chasis, got a thumb tack, and crimped the sleeves back in toward the center. The tubes fit tight again, and the noise went away.

The sockets for EL84s are all pretty weak like that. Its an industry problem, not the fault of the amp manufacturer. It would be nice if someone had a more sturdy design. But, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

you should see the sockets that came in my Bad Cat for securing the EL84's. nothing but totally sturdy there buddy! They have really nice tube covers like you see on Fender preamp tubes, but they lock in really nicely. the sockets themselves are pretty top notch. If a person pulls their tubes straight out, you won't screw up the sockets. But if you wiggle them from side to side, you'll loosen them up. Not a manufacturer problem, more of a operator error if you ask me.

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Vox Concerns....

It's cool that the store is offering to take care of it for you. Was it new or used? It proves that they're smart enough to value your business, after throwing over $2500 in their lap last week.

[Indie P Bass]

Re: Vox Concerns....

they actually said it was either the recto or power tube clips vibrating on the tubes. They got it a little quieter, but, when I got it home, I took the chassis out and trial and errored it... it's something on the speaker output side.... sounds like it's coming from the big magnetic thing (I don't know what it is, so I didn't touch it)

Anyway, it sounds better now, but, not perfect like I want... could I somehow install the madcatz covers or something like that?

[Indie P Bass]

Re: Vox Concerns....

The sound gets worse and better for no apparent reason... it sounds like metal on glass or metal on metal, anyone got any advise? Please?

[mrid]

Re: Vox Concerns....

The sound gets worse and better for no apparent reason... it sounds like metal on glass or metal on metal, anyone got any advise? Please?

Is this at all volumes? Do you have the tube retainer clips on?

[Indie P Bass]

Re: Vox Concerns....

All the tube retainer clips are on, I've tried it with them off, as well. This is only at volumes that a little hihger and fuller sounding and tend to be on higher notes, especially if they are on a thicker string. (IE Gb on the G[9th fret]) it's a kind of oscilating buzz that sounds like metal on something.

[Indie P Bass]

Re: Vox Concerns....

Guys, got any help or advice for me? Suggestions? Ideas? Anything? I'm at the end of my rope, my warranty hasn't come through yet, so, I'm hopping that that gets back soon, so I can atleast get it fixed for free.... But, if you know what my problem is, that'd kick if you could help me.