Amp squeal

  • Thread starter Thread starter garey77
  • Start date Start date
garey77

garey77

Well-known member
Had practice last night, no problem... go to plug in tonight to lay down solo stuff, and boom, lots 'o' feedback. Mainly while on the bridge pickup. It's not the microphonic type where it rings while your not playing, just when the vol pot is wide open. Also, it's a lot more noticeable on the solo channel. I backed the gain off a bit, but still a bit of feedback. What might cause that?
 
Tube amps are driving pre-amp stages into overdrive and amplifying them at the power end. You're going to get feedback simply by how the amplifier is fundamentally designed t operate.

If you do not know how to properly mute strings using both hands then it will become overpowering. Many people use the volume knob to control it. Many blues players take advantage of this feedback and incorporate it into their playing. It is actually a benefit of tube amplifiers - sustain for days at band volumes. Digital systems are just now getting to the point of being able to replicate it.

Use noise gates if you need in front of the amp, but improving technique is the best answer.
 
Just a little bit of noise gating at the end of the signal chain will stop that. Or, try backing off the treble pot on the guitar (if you fiddle has one). Lots of things cause it - amount of gain, guitar electronics package, shielding, proximity, room dynamics, etc. Its easier to throw in the towel and a $100 for an MXR Noise Gate. At minimal settings, it will knock it out. Another thing, people always talk about an amp sounding better without preamp tube shields. Here's one of the trade-offs.

Steve
 
Is it new feedback that was not there before ?
 
Couple of my amps are squeeling when i have the volume at 10 on my guitar but without even playing and when i have the strings properly muted. Didnt do it till a month ago, could that be a pre tube issue???
 
Les Zombie":151ok6ri said:
Couple of my amps are squeeling when i have the volume at 10 on my guitar but without even playing and when i have the strings properly muted. Didnt do it till a month ago, could that be a pre tube issue???
Click to expand...


80% of tube amp problems are caused by the tubes, 15% of tube amp problems are caused by the player, and 5% are caused from bad components. Change the pre-amp tubes. If they are new it doesnt mean anything. Good luck man!!

-Alex
 
I was thinking preamp tubes also .... sometimes just switching the order will remove it. The first one was usually the problem I have seen.....
 
stephen sawall":363d8jpe said:
Is it new feedback that was not there before ?
Click to expand...
Key question.

Either crapped out preamp glass.
Maybe pup needs re-potting, this can happen too.

No biggy.
 
stephen sawall":nt8rfiok said:
Is it new feedback that was not there before ?
Click to expand...
Yes. It happened within a days' time. It's not a technique thing. I'm pretty sure it's a pre tube issue. If it's V1, the UL is supposed to have a Russian-made Sovtek 12ax7wb in it, but I've heard that the sovteks aren't nearly the same quality as they used to be. I have a gold pin JJ laying around. I think I'm going to try that out.
Also, a noise gate would be a great idea, just in general. Gotta sell something first. :lol: :LOL:
I have a gig on Wednesday, opening for Schenker, I don't need my rig having a bout of gremlin shenaniganitis.
 
:) Just use his rig on Wed or incorporate the feedback into your sound. Own it ....

All kidding aside .... at least you have a few days to figure it out. Make sure you bring a back up rig just in case the problem mysteriously reappears would be my advice....
 
Could be V! mainly. I also find there is a sweet spot with the bridge pickup height in relation to squealing. Try lowering the pickup a little and see if it stops. I set my amps,pickups to have zero squeal when I stop playing. I use both hands to quiet it. Side of right palm on strings shields bridge pickup and left hand touches strings wherever I am on the neck.
 
glip22":3d7qjbri said:
Could be V! mainly. I also find there is a sweet spot with the bridge pickup height in relation to squealing. Try lowering the pickup a little and see if it stops. I set my amps,pickups to have zero squeal when I stop playing. I use both hands to quiet it. Side of right palm on strings shields bridge pickup and left hand touches strings wherever I am on the neck.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and some just squeal a bit, depending on the proximity of the guitar and electronics package / gain settings relationship on the amp. Some, you will never get rid of. I've had a couple, especially when paired with HG pick ups.

If the problem wasn't always there, and just started, same guitar and settings where nothing else changed, then it may be a V1. Those WB's aren't the best on the market for a V1 tube.

Steve
 
my guess is the v1, or next in line, which could be v2, or v3 depending on the amp.

sometimes, what i've found works is trying to reseat the tube, or tapping on it. generally though, you'll need to swap it out for a good one.

short plated tubes work better in combo amps too IMHO, but, that limits your tonal options.....

thats why i mainly use rfts and chinese 12ax7b tubes....love the tone of both, and the reliability is pretty good.
 
I am pretty sure that my feedback issue is/was a volume thing, but I decided to pick up an ISP pedal that I found on CL... No more hiss=happy duder. The guy even threw in a brand spankin' new Boss DS-1 just because he got it for free. Now that's what I call paying it forward!
 
sounds like a microphonic preamp tube perhaps? Did you end up swapping out that v1?
 
garey77":12yyvu68 said:
I am pretty sure that my feedback issue is/was a volume thing, but I decided to pick up an ISP pedal that I found on CL... No more hiss=happy duder. The guy even threw in a brand spankin' new Boss DS-1 just because he got it for free. Now that's what I call paying it forward!
Click to expand...
Bet you its more a pickup thing. All amps under gain have this. My amps will squeal but if I turn my body at a different angle it does not. You just have to learn how to control it with your body and hands and find the sweet spots in your rig settings. :thumbsup:
 
glip22":3km9nh7f said:
garey77":3km9nh7f said:
I am pretty sure that my feedback issue is/was a volume thing, but I decided to pick up an ISP pedal that I found on CL... No more hiss=happy duder. The guy even threw in a brand spankin' new Boss DS-1 just because he got it for free. Now that's what I call paying it forward!
Click to expand...
Bet you its more a pickup thing. All amps under gain have this. My amps will squeal but if I turn my body at a different angle it does not. You just have to learn how to control it with your body and hands and find the sweet spots in your rig settings. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Totally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top