Soldano SLO maintenance

[Deleted member 8761]

Hey guys,

I recently picked up a SLO from 1991. The amp is not modded in anyway, it is still stock. It sounds great! When do you think it is time to do a cap job and replace the elco's? This may be a general question that goes for many brands, but I would like to know for the SLO in particular. Perhaps they use different parts with longer lifespan? As far as I can hear it does not lack anything in comparison to my newer Avenger. I just want to maintain this amp the best way possible.

 

[Racerxrated]

Call Soldano, chances are you'll talk to Mike himself. He'll suggest anything that might need to be done. I take the approach of 'if it aint broke don't fix it.' If it sounds good leave it. I have a 79 2204 that has original caps. Sounds killer.

 

[steve_k]

Hey guys,

I recently picked up a SLO from 1991. The amp is not modded in anyway, it is still stock. It sounds great! When do you think it is time to do a cap job and replace the elco's? This may be a general question that goes for many brands, but I would like to know for the SLO in particular. Perhaps they use different parts with longer lifespan? As far as I can hear it does not lack anything in comparison to my newer Avenger. I just want to maintain this amp the best way possible.

Sort of depends on how the previous owner treated it. They are built to last though. Maybe just look around the chassis and look for any signs of oil extruding from the caps or anything looking off color. Chances are it looks just like it did the day it left Soldano.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

Hey guys,

I recently picked up a SLO from 1991. The amp is not modded in anyway, it is still stock. It sounds great! When do you think it is time to do a cap job and replace the elco's? This may be a general question that goes for many brands, but I would like to know for the SLO in particular. Perhaps they use different parts with longer lifespan? As far as I can hear it does not lack anything in comparison to my newer Avenger. I just want to maintain this amp the best way possible.

Sort of depends on how the previous owner treated it. They are built to last though. Maybe just look around the chassis and look for any signs of oil extruding from the caps or anything looking off color. Chances are it looks just like it did the day it left Soldano.

Hi Steve,

It still looks pretty clean after all this years. No bulges or leakage. I can't see any stuff except a little coloration of a little blue cap in front of the blue elco's. Is that due for replacement or nothing to worry about.

 

[sahlomonic]

I'm no expert, but that looks like it's due for replacement. From my understanding, discoloration is a great indicator of a failed part or one that's about to go out.

 

[TrueTone500]

Unless you're experiencing issues, leave it alone. Capacitors are maintained by switching your gear on at least one time every 10 days.

 

[TrueTone500]

Note that Michael Soldano used Cinch and McMurdo composite sockets in his early builds - not ceramic.

Cherish every stock component in that amp, as it takes a long time for parts to settle-in. Beautiful amp!

 

[SLOgriff]

Looks clean inside there. If it sounds good then leave it alone and enjoy! Better to install some fresh tubes and bias around 28ma. Highly suggest Sovtek 5881/6L6WGC's and JJ 12AX7's. Have fun!!!


Bryan

 

[Deleted member 8761]

Truetone, thanks for the input. It all works good. I have no trouble turning it on within 10 days

SLOgriff, what are the Soldano factory recommendations for the bias? I can't find anything on their website.

Thanks!

 

[blackba]

That one mallory cap and resistor right in front have me a bit concerned. Might be worth measuring that resistor if you can (depends on where it is in the circuit) after you have discharged the caps.

I have also generally heard that as long as you flip an amp on at least once a month, that it helps maintain the caps....

 

[SLOgriff]

Truetone, thanks for the input. It all works good. I have no trouble turning it on within 10 days

SLOgriff, what are the Soldano factory recommendations for the bias? I can't find anything on their website.

Thanks!

They don't really post a recommended bias. They actually ship the SLO's biased rather cold. I've spent hours swapping tubes and biasing the SLO's. I've foound (and others on the Soldano forum) that around 28ma gets the best tones for the SLO. Everyone's ears are different but this 26-30 is a pretty cozy range. Any higher and the tone smooths out too much for my tastes. I prefer punchier tones with a little cut from Lynch to Andy Timmons. Hope that helps!

Bryan

 

[Racerxrated]

Soldano forum is a good source for info...28ma is recommended by others on there as well. Wafer bottom Sovteks are what I use also.