Fender amp gurus

[PFDarkside]

I've got a Princeton Reverb from the 70's that just made a big move with me. Unfortunately its not working right now. At the tubes are glowing but I'm not hearing any humming at all. Are there a few simple things I can check before sending it to a repairman and look like an idiot if it's a loose tube?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender amp gurus

With the electricity off and capacitors drained, check that the loudspeaker is connected.

Check that the send and return cables for the spring reverb are connected (and in the right order).

EDIT - Get some popcorn ready.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender amp gurus

I verified both last night. :/ I'll try again tonight. Reverb is just in parallel, right? So even unplugging wouldn't matter if the reverb knob is at 0, correct?

Also, I'm aware of the cap issue, so I won't be electrocuting myself.

 

[LReese]

Re: Fender amp gurus

Fuse?

Is there dead silence or the slightest of hum?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Fender amp gurus

yeh. it wont matter if the reverb is unplugged.
1.Check your fuse.
2.check your tubes one at a time. Preamp tubes can die unexpectedly leading to a loss of signal.
3. Check your speaker with a multimeter (or plug in a different cab)
4. open up the amp and have a good look inside. those old fenders are easy to work on if you find that something has burned out/come loose.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender amp gurus

Awesome. So a blown fuse will allow the tubes to warm up?

I'll check the amp into a different cab and a different amp into the speaker.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Fender amp gurus

you might like this site too:
http://fenderguru.com/amps/princeton-reverb

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Fender amp gurus

Others have said.....but yes, check all connections, and try a tube substitution. The heaters can work, but the rest of the tube may have died...only one way to find out.
That is an old amp. Pins and sockets do oxidize. Worth a try to just remove and replace the existing tubes. Pay special attention to the rectifier.
good luck

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

Re: Fender amp gurus

Sounds like the amp is toast. Ship it to me and I'll dispose of it for you.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Fender amp gurus

Ho, hum. Still no word from the all-knowing chap.