Amp took a dump :(

[JB_From_Hell]

For about 5 years, I've been using a Line 6 amp for the same reasons most people do. Low volume, they don't sound bad, and they're cheap. Unfortunately, they're apparently made cheaply, as well. This amp has never left the house, never been dropped, no spills, no abuse of any type, aside from some occasional drunken sloppy playing.

When I try to turn it on, it kind of pops and fizzles a few times and then nothing.

The upside is now I can start the hunt for something new. Since I just blew my guitar budget for the foreseeable future on the Strat, I'm gonna be tucking away pennies for awhile. My initial thought is a used Blues Jr, or something else low wattage and tubey.

 

[telepgm]

Re: Amp took a dump

Amps with multi-effects of multi-amp modulator built in are never meant to last! Solid State Amps with built in reverb is really the way to go. They can take mike tyson's fist. my Crate GX-20M has been with me since 1998. Still rocking.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: Amp took a dump

Look at some of the Blackstar offerings especially the ID series.

 

[Kac]

Re: Amp took a dump

I've had multiple Blues Jr's. Great little amps.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Amp took a dump

I'll throw the idea of an Egnater Tweaker into the ring... until you can afford that, keep an eye out for a Tech 21 Trademark 30... solid state, reverb, and modelling...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TECH-21-TRADEMARK-30-TM30-COMBO-GUITAR-AMPLIFIER-/121607771566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c506355ae

I have a Trademark 10 (that, in full disclosure, does currently need some work) that I always happy with. Great reverb (real springs!!), and a wide palette of usable tones.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Amp took a dump

I just watched some videos for the Trademark 10. I think I'll track down one of those. I had the GT2 pedal way back when, and loved it. Sounds like the amp is everything good about the GT2 and more.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Amp took a dump

If you aren't playing metal, you can have a ton of fun with a Blues Jr and a couple of pedals.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Amp took a dump

At least it died doing what it loved to do.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Amp took a dump

The 10 isn't made anymore, but I can vouch for how well the headphone jack works...

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Amp took a dump

Hmm I think you got a Bad jack socket

A $2 repair

Is your amp a combo
Does it have an effects loop

If it has a loop put a patch cable btwen the send/return jacks

Really

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Amp took a dump

I think it may be the power switch. I messed with it a bit more, and it comes on 7/10 times. Maybe I'll take it apart and see if there's a dirty contact or something.

Regardless, I'm getting one of those Tech 21 amps.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Amp took a dump

My work here is done... :firedevil

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Amp took a dump

My work here is done... :firedevil

Muhahahahahahahaha!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Amp took a dump

First, reset the amp's computer by holding down the 4 channel buttons while you power it up.
You'll lose your settings, but it's a system reboot.

If that doesn't work, take the advise given and scrub out all the jacks....input, FX loop, speaker, etc.

9 times out of 10, modeling amp problems can be traced to oxidized jacks or the logic getting scrambled in it's computer, or the noise gate being accidentally turned all the way up.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Amp took a dump

Thanks for the advice. I'll try resetting it when I get home.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Amp took a dump

Yes, certainly give it some TLC before abandoning it. Computer glitches and creepin' crud cause a lot of easily fixed problems.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Amp took a dump

First, reset the amp's computer by holding down the 4 channel buttons while you power it up.
You'll lose your settings, but it's a system reboot.

If that doesn't work, take the advise given and scrub out all the jacks....input, FX loop, speaker, etc.

9 times out of 10, modeling amp problems can be traced to oxidized jacks or the logic getting scrambled in it's computer, or the noise gate being accidentally turned all the way up.

Resetting it seems to have taken care of it. Thanks!

I am going to open it up and clean everything anyway, though.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Amp took a dump

Curses! Foiled again!

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Amp took a dump

Curses! Foiled again!

I'm still keeping my eyes open for a used Trademark 10.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Amp took a dump

Solid State Amps with built in reverb is really the way to go. They can take mike tyson's fist. my Crate GX-20M has been with me since 1998. Still rocking.

I've buried enough amps like that to dissuade me from betting my life on them. Or any amp, for that matter.