My amp is having problems constantly and it's bugging me

[Thunkful]

Took my amp to the builder last time in September IIRC and the problem then was the oscillation sound coming out of it. Now the damn thing let's out a pretty loud hum that keeps getting louder and louder all the time as the amp is turned on. I've tried to change all the tubes, biasing it etc. and it still doesn't go away so it is probably something that the tech has to take a look at.

Now, they'll fix it as it is part of the 10 year guarantee. However..

What if the company one day decides to call its quits? The owner is kinda old already and without him the company will certainly shut down. That would obviously end the guarantee and i would be left with an amp that seems to fail me all the time without any sort of an insurance, so the repair costs would probably mount up as the time goes by.

What i'm just wondering is all this normal with tube amps? That you have to have it serviced at least few times per year if you exclude tube related issues? Or has anyone been able to play their amps few years straight without any sort of problems?

I'm also planning to get a lunchbox sized amp as i have a 50 watter currently. Maybe i should just change the amp brand? I've been eyeing the Ceriatone's Son of Yeti lately..

 

[indespise]

The big benefit of a handwired amp like yours is that a good tech should be able to fix it regardless. Circuits in that type of amp are generally less complex, everything should be relatively simple to get to and replace.

 

[Thunkful]

The big benefit of a handwired amp like yours is that a good tech should be able to fix it regardless. Circuits in that type of amp are generally less complex, everything should be relatively simple to get to and replace.

That's true, but the constant need to have it checked and carry it to a tech is not cool tho, AFAIK Ceriatones are handwired too.

 

[311boogieman]

That is NOT normal.

Sounds like whatever it was the first time was not actually fixed. What amp is this exactly?

But no, it is not normal and all tube amps do not behave this way. Yes, I suppose you run the risk of not having warranty repair if the business shuts down. You came to the right place though - as there are a lot of smart, techy types on here that might be able to help.

My limited knowledge would suggest that I would be looking to the power section of the amp - power transformer, filtering, poor solder joint, etc. That or something a fowl in the loop?

Good luck.

 

[Thunkful]

.

 

[paulyc]

Call Heinric Hermanson or PM him here on RT, I’m sure he’ll straighten you out. You need to get that amp to a tech outside where you bought it and have someone else eyeball it.

 

[Racerxrated]

Sounds like whatever it was the first time was not actually fixed. What amp is this exactly?

It's a Finnish made amp called "Ocean". The company is Bluetone. It is pretty unknown outside of Finland.

I think i'll have to tell them that there might be bigger problems lurking in the amp and it probably needs to be checked thoroughly.

I'm seriously considering switching to Ceriatone.

Be careful with Ceriatone; don't get one with their transformers. PT in mine died. Thing was 6 months old. Buy one without transformers and order 2 that will last longer than 6 months.

 

[Thunkful]

Call Heinric Hermanson or PM him here on RT, I’m sure he’ll straighten you out. You need to get that amp to a tech outside where you bought it and have someone else eyeball it.

Otherwise sure, but the amp still has warranty left.

Be careful with Ceriatone; don't get one with their transformers. PT in mine died. Thing was 6 months old. Buy one without transformers and order 2 that will last longer than 6 months.

Well i was actually thinking of changing the stock transformer into a something more lightweight anyways, so that wouldn't be a problem.

 

[Jack Luminous]

Sell the thing, don't look back. Too many good used cheap things out there to be bugged with unreliable shit. Even if it sounds good.

 

[Thunkful]

Sell the thing, don't look back. Too many good used cheap things out there to be bugged with unreliable shit. Even if it sounds good.

My feelings exactly, might sell this one and just get that SoY.

 

[Fret-Shredder]

I would use the warranty to get it fixed and then sell it and find something else. Best of luck to you.

 

[skullfxr]

I would use the warranty to get it fixed and then sell it and find something else. Best of luck to you.

This.

 

[sleewell2]

Haven't had one issue w my 5153 after months of lugging it around and playing very loud. Got it for $400 used. Sounds your builder is a moron. Sell the amp and move on.

 

[Thunkful]

I would use the warranty to get it fixed and then sell it and find something else. Best of luck to you.

Haven't had one issue w my 5153 after months of lugging it around and playing very loud. Got it for $400 used. Sounds your builder is a moron. Sell the amp and move on.

Will most likely opt for this option, thanks guys for clearing it out to me.

 

[skullfxr]

I have only had two breakdowns in 15+ years of tube amps, and both were an easy fix except for the most recent, which I have not hot around to doing, but I know what it is and it's a common flaw with the amp.

Bottom line is no reason for repetitive failures of an amp. I have amps from the 1960's that still have the original tubes and little or no maintenance.

 

[skullfxr]

I have only had two breakdowns in 15+ years of tube amps, and both were an easy fix except for the most recent, which I have not hot around to doing, but I know what it is and it's a common flaw with the amp.

Bottom line is no reason for repetitive failures of an amp. I have amps from the 1960's that still have the original tubes and little or no maintenance.

 

[Thunkful]

I have only had two breakdowns in 15+ years of tube amps, and both were an easy fix except for the most recent, which I have not hot around to doing, but I know what it is and it's a common flaw with the amp.

Bottom line is no reason for repetitive failures of an amp. I have amps from the 1960's that still have the original tubes and little or no maintenance.

That's what i was thinking, i think it's time to just admit that i bought a shitty amp..