JimK Posted March 21, 2002 Share Posted March 21, 2002 Maybe this is weird, maybe not, but here's my problem... I have a Fender Vibro Champ that's about 20 years old. For those not familiar with this amp, it's a 6 watt, all tube practice amp. It's a great amp. Turn the volume up past 5 and it's starts to break up beautifully. My problem is that the two power amp tubes constantly fall out of it! When I put them back in you can feel the socket sort of pushing back on them. Is this normal? It's always done this (I've had the amp for about 19 years, but haven't played in much the last 10 or so). If I turn the amp on its side, then the tubes tend to stay put. Will this damage the tubes in any way? Thanks. In an effort to improve the responsiveness of e-mail for everyone, the e-mail servers will be out of service. We are hopeful that this change will improve the performance of e-mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted March 22, 2002 Share Posted March 22, 2002 (Sings) EVERY TIME IT RAA-AINS IT RAINS...TUBES FROM HEAVEN... Sorry. Just another smartass remark. You can disregard. Sounds like a tube socket problem. But, this is a job for... CAPTA-AIN TU-UUUBE AMP!!! Yes, Captain Tubeamp, disguised by day as mild-mannered Myles Rose, forum moderator, when tubes fall, he dons his tights and becomes... CAPTA-AIN TU-UUUBE AMP!!! "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stanner Posted March 22, 2002 Share Posted March 22, 2002 Originally posted by JimK: Maybe this is weird, maybe not, but here's my problem... If I turn the amp on its side, then the tubes tend to stay put. Will this damage the tubes in any way? Thanks.i keep my tubeheads(dual showmans) on their sides forever(well for really long time and have ne'er had a problem (knock on vacuum!!) yer mileage may vary. s AMPSSOUNDBETTERLOUDER Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baronedo Posted March 22, 2002 Share Posted March 22, 2002 The tube sockets sound like they are loose or otherwise defective. I'm not sure how easy it is to replace them (i.e. are they screw mounted or riveted in place, and wired). I would first check with Myles Rose of our site for his advice. If not a big job, you can probably get new sockets and install them (if the old ones are riveted in place, you can carefully drill out the rivets and install screws or bolts in their place, and re-solder the wiring as originally done). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Binky_dup1 Posted March 23, 2002 Share Posted March 23, 2002 The old DELUXE tube sockets used to come with a wire clip, or an aluminum tube cover that held the tube in place. Don't know if they are still available. See spring retainers on this page: http://store.yahoo.com/triodeel/oc8pinsoc.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimK Posted March 23, 2002 Author Share Posted March 23, 2002 Thanks for the info guys. I guess I'll look into replacing the sockets. Binky: interestingly enough, the two 12AX7As do have covers, and they never fall out. Two bad the others don't. In an effort to improve the responsiveness of e-mail for everyone, the e-mail servers will be out of service. We are hopeful that this change will improve the performance of e-mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Binky_dup1 Posted March 25, 2002 Share Posted March 25, 2002 BTW, I can't imagine what you could possibly hurt by turning an amp on its side. I have a Fender & the tubes hang upside down. The only problem I'd anticipate from turning it upside down would be reaching the knobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myles_rose Posted March 25, 2002 Share Posted March 25, 2002 Some of the comments here were pretty funny in some cases, or expensive in others. Your tube sockets just need to be retensioned, as over time, the sockets metal inserts loose their spring tension. Any tech can do this in about 10 minutes. It is just a matter of making sure the amp is unplugged and the caps are discharged, and using a jewler's screwdriver, gently bending back the fingers in the sockets to get back their tension. An amp tech in your area should be able to do this for you for less than $20, although many have a minimum bench charge of more. If you are in my area (Los Angeles), I would be happy to do this for you for nothing as its pretty simple and on your amp, even more simple. Regards Myles S. Rose www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com www.la-economy.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/mylesr www.twitter.com/myles111us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollykin Posted March 25, 2002 Share Posted March 25, 2002 Isn't he just great? I'm so jealous of his knowledge (seriously. Im not mocking) "Money, Bitchez and Cheese!" http://www.playspoon.com/nollykin/files/voxline.gif "I never thought about it, and I never stopped to feel - But I didn't want you telling me just what to think was real. And as simple as it comes, I only wanted to express- ...But with expression comes regret - and I don't want you hating me." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimK Posted March 25, 2002 Author Share Posted March 25, 2002 Thanks Myles. Unfortunately, I'm in New Hampshire (and it's snowing, AGAIN! ). I'll look around here for a good amp tech. Thanks again. In an effort to improve the responsiveness of e-mail for everyone, the e-mail servers will be out of service. We are hopeful that this change will improve the performance of e-mail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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