Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

[TheProphet]

I've been looking at getting a Fuchs Blackjack 21 and I noticed that there is no Standby switch offered for the amp (same with the Lucky 7).

Does anyone know what the reason for this is? I've seen this done on occasion with tube amps, but as whole it's pretty rare IMHO. What would be the negatives to have an amp setup with out a standby switch?

Just curious before I lay down any real currency on a new amp.

Any info would be appreciated ... Thanks,


BTW I did a search and didn't come up with anything other than people stating that it shortens power tube life

 

[Smilemon]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Power Tubes last a long time, i wouldnt worry about it not having a standby switch.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Is it completely without standby, or is it included in the same switch?

Scott built Franklin with one 3-way switch: Off/standby/on.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Folks have postulated that since GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tubes have a slow ramp-up, they don't need a standby. For me, I prefer the added safety factor. It's not that big a deal to add one.

Also that Off-On-On switch I use is pretty unique. The only place I can find them is from Dave West.

 

[TheProphet]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Is it completely without standby, or is it included in the same switch?

Scott built Franklin with one 3-way switch: Off/standby/on.

The switch is just ON/OFF and the manual was pretty specific about that. The amp does not have a tube rectifier ... which is interesting as the Laney AOR 30 (another 6V6 amp/SSRectifier) doesn't have a standby switch as well.

Fuchs Amps have great a great reputation, the amp sounds great and it seems to fit the sound I'm going for on paper (from what I can tell over the internet), but I'm just curious to see what amp gurus think of this.

I have other frustrations, but those are small, remote town and gear choice issues and not necessarily amp related.

Folks have postulated that since GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tubes have a slow ramp-up, they don't need a standby. For me, I prefer the added safety factor. It's not that big a deal to add one.

This is what I'm trying to wrap my head around ... why not do it? Fuchs are supposed to have real great build quality and design, I would go so far as to say even boutique. I don't know enough about amp engineering by a long shot. Thanks for the ideas though

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Andy is pretty accessible. I'd just email him your question. Let us know what he says.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Have you asked Fuchs?

Andy is super quick with answerring emails & is a very nice guy to chat with....give him a yell :beerchug:

OOps, didn't see Scott's follow-up.

If he doesn't get back in a timely manner via e-mail, he hangs fairly regularly on The Gear Page.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

My Pro Juinor doesn't even have a rectifier tube and doesn't have a standby switch either..To date,never had any tube issues!

 

[jotrimble23]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

This is a n00b question, but how should i be using my standby switch? I usually turn it on standby for a minute before i start playing.. to get the tubes warmed up. Or if i'm taking a break i switch to standby. I know if i'm going to be moving my amp somewhere, to let it cool down after playing before i move it otherwise the tubes could go bad. this is all it's used for, correct?

 

[devastone]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

This is a n00b question, but how should i be using my standby switch? I usually turn it on standby for a minute before i start playing.. to get the tubes warmed up. Or if i'm taking a break i switch to standby. I know if i'm going to be moving my amp somewhere, to let it cool down after playing before i move it otherwise the tubes could go bad. this is all it's used for, correct?

You're using it exactly as it should be used, good job.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

I don't think its a concern. I don't really know why someone would build an amp with or withour one. I have a good friend that has a 1962 Tremolux and that does not have a standby either, just on/off. All the other amps I have owned always had them. To me the major advantage to them is at a gig you can turn the stanby on and keep the tubes warm other than that I don't really know what it is supposed to do!

 

[TheProphet]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Just did a quick surf and found plenty amps in that watt range that don't have Standby as an option either ...

Either way I'll shift off an email to Andy, the answer should be interesting to everyone I think.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

Here are two interesting threads from different forums on whether or not you need a standby switch:

http://76.162.4.197/Forum/yabb2/nph-YaBB.pl?num=1170785078/18#18

http://www.18watt.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=15727&highlight=standby

The consensus seems to be "No, but it's a nice mute switch and good for marketing." Personally, it seems like cheap insurance for an amp with solid state rectification. Even the AX-84 "P1" has a standby switch...

BTW Allen Amplification also sells those three-way "progressive" switches (off-one on-both on). Unfortunately, Allen has a $50 minimum order. I've been trying to find a 3 position rotary switch that would do the same thing but haven't found one with a high enough voltage rating that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Chip

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Question for the Amp gurus - Standby

I don't think West charges shipping or has a minimum order.

So, cheap insurance seems like a good route to take personally.