evets

I would start with just the caps in the power supply. If your amp has the original Astron tone caps keep those if at all possible. These are now fetching a lot of $$$$ at times and are hard to replace. The power supply caps (under the cover) are usually all that need replacement. The hiss is probably V1 and/or V2 that may be a bit tired (if original) and need to be cranked higher than necessary to get a given level. Maybe pull these for a minute and stick some generic fresh new 12AX7s in there and see if this does the trick. If it does, then find some good 12AX7s you like. Actually, try a spot check of each socket with a new tube one at a time. Clean and lube the pots with real tuner/cleaner/lube stuff not something like WD-40 or just cleaner. If you are close to L.A. I would be happy to do this for you at n/c and bias the puppy. I have a soft spot for Fender BF era amps. Myles, you're a gem! Actually, I'm on "the other coast" so I can't take you up on your generous offer, but thanks for your great suggestions. I'll be all about it as soon as I can get the power supply caps.

Myles, As always, thanks for your selfless input here. I just picked up a '67 blackface Bassman head. 'Haven't owned one since the seventies. It sounds as good as I remember! Still the power caps need to be replaced. (the telltale hum) I noticed that Torres offers a complete rebuild kit for the amp. ($98.00) Tonewise, my only gripe is I noticed an unusually healthy bit of hiss at higher gain levels. Is it premature to replace all the caps & resistors en masse?

Myles, Yesterday I became aware of a device made by Groove Tubes called the "Substitute" that does (apparently) the same thing as the THD Yellowjackets. Are you familiar with this device? (My apologies if this has been discussed before) Thanks for being accessible... Steve

Thank you for the reply, Myles. I have an old Power Soak (Tom Schloz) which I know is a resistive load, rather than inductive as in the Power Brake. (I'm not familiar with the Hot Plate) Do you discourage the use of a resistive load? (Maybe I just need to invest in a Hot PLate!) Thanks again for your time, and have a great weekend! Steve

Myles, thanks for offering your time. I have Marshall JCM2000 (DSL50) head which I intend to use to drive a stereo power amp. I'll be taking the output from the preamp out thus disconnecting the output stage. Since the output stage won't be driven, should I worry about loading it, should I remove the tubes, or should I use a dummy load? Thanks, Steve