Tube amp problem

[kyle2blue]

Hey guys,

I have a Blackheart BH100h hothead amp. I usually let it warm up on standby for like 10 minutes before playing. but the thing is, the loud channel works perfectly fine... but the f'n loud channel is super low volume and barely any distortion, eventually it "warms up" and theres loads of distortion and volume... but it can take up to an hour before this happens. I changed the power tubes, but that didnt do anything, still takes for...ev...er... for..ev..er. any ideas? they're outta business so cant email them...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tube amp problem

I don't know that particular amp, but usually the second or third preamp tube is the additional gain stage (f'n loud boost).

Start swapping out the pre tubes.

 

[kyle2blue]

Re: Tube amp problem

thanks, I'll try that. cant find a schematic for this amp anywhere

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tube amp problem

The fact that you're getting sound out of the amp tells me everything is fine with the power tubes and first pre. The fact that it warms up to normal eventually points to a failing other pre tube as the culprit.

If it were something else, it wouldn't warm up to normal or change at all.

 

[kyle2blue]

Re: Tube amp problem

Cool, I'm just starting out with learning about tube amps. This thing has 6 pre amp and 4 power tubes.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Tube amp problem

Yeah, start changing out the pre-amp tubes one at a time and see if you can narrow it down to the culprit.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tube amp problem

95% of all tube amp problems are the tubes. Other than that, cold solder joint perhaps.