Traynor YBA-1 noise question

[toneseeker74]

I have an early 70's Traynor YBA-1. When I play through the amp I get a metallic ringing type noise on top of the normal guitar sound. At first I thought it was microphonic tubes. I tapped them all and still got the ringing sound. But when I tested them in other amps I didn't have the problem. I next noticed that even tapping the chassis or input jacks gives the same sound. Everything appears to be tightly secured, but I'll keep checking. No obvious changed components or bad solder joints. Do you have any ideas?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

Do you hear the ringing in response to the tapping (with no guitar playing) or just on top of the guitar sound?

If the latter, it's probably bad filter caps. When they start to go, the guitar signal starts to ride on top of the ripple in the power supply's B+ voltage, causing weird modulation noises. It's an old amp - has it been recapped?

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

All I have to do is tap on the amp when it is turned on in operate mode. Guitar doesn't even have to be plugged in.

All components look original. I'll recap it once I have this issue sorted out.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

. I'll recap it once I have this issue sorted out.

:butkick:

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

You could have parts that are vibrating, but you could also have tube sockets that are loose, or need to be Re-Tensioned. The tubes might be shaking in the socket retainers when you tap the chassis.
But back to the Elytics.....that amp is 40 years old, you should be changing the caps, checking/cleaning/replacing all pots...same with all the jacks, and making sure the transformers all still secure....all the basic "stuff" that should be considered with an amp of this age.
best

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

So I checked the amp out again before I replace the filter caps (still need a beefy soldering iron). I noticed that the most noise comes from plugging into the inputs of the amp. I adjusted the contacts in the input jacks, and the ringing went away...temporarily. Also, I get signal when I partially insert a guitar cable into the bottom left jack, but no sound if I insert it the whole way. I tried to readjust the contacts but had no luck. Not sure if I need to adjust more, or simply replace the jacks. Thoughts?

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

On an amp of that age, I would just replace the jacks.
Not sure I completely understand your jack scenario...when the cable first goes in, it lifts the ground, and then the tip makes contact to complete the signal chain from the guitar. Weird how yours would go dead.
But anyway...these things can be hard to diagnose over the internet. Those jacks are 40 years old, and are not expensive to replace...I would give replacement a shot.
good luck

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

Thanks!

 

[JohnJohn]

Re: Traynor YBA-1 noise question

Unfortunately the Traynor line was made to be inexpensive.
While I've been told that a lot of it is point to point wired and modelled very closely after classic and collectible amps they didn't always use the best parts and can be loaded with cold solder joints.
IIRC the guts of those amps correctly the jacks were mounted on plates that had a thin cardboard layer between the casing and the chassis and they weren't always secured the best.
Pop the chassis out and see if you can spot anything obvious, (damaged part, twisted or broken wire).
But odds are you're gonna have to take it to someone to have a go over with a meter.