Valve amp problems

Tauriq

I decided to move my Peavey Classic 30 from one side of the room to the other. I was very careful and put it down softly. As soon as i turned it on though there is hardly any sound coming from the lead channel. The clean channel comes through perfectly though.

Any ideas as to what could be the cause and solution to this problem?

Gearhead

Just push the gain channel preamp tube back into the socket 8) I've done this kind of 'repair' for people before...
Should teach you not to be too gentle with tube amps, you could have heard it drop out ?

FenderBender

I've experienced something similar, although it wasn't a badly seated valve, but a bad socket.
After assessing an amp, one of the first things I do is clean all valve sockets with contact cleaner (which also allows me to inspect them) and then reinsert and remove the valves a few times (so that their pins can also have a wash) before continuing with any repairs.
If you're going to try this, I suggest only handling valves with paper towelling. Try not get any switch cleaner or lubricant cleaner on the glass and clean the valves thouroughly with the paper towelling if you do ?

Gearhead

Graeme Parfett wrote If you're going to try this, I suggest only handling valves with paper towelling. Try not get any switch cleaner or lubricant cleaner on the glass and clean the valves thouroughly with the paper towelling if you do ?

This would be precautions when handling a halogen bulb, not a valve? It has been my understanding that since they don't get hot, you don't need to keep them clean. I've never had a problem with tube glass burning through, have you? ???

FenderBender

Never had a problem with glass burning through either. I have heard opinions from a friend who works for a national bottle maker and apparently slight changes in the glass surface temp, due to soiling, can cause some stress to the glass. Based on his opinion, I decided to take precautions.

Tamago

Tubes do get hot, but not anything close to the levels that can burn you. However, a power pentode that is working hard can get pretty hot when the anode glows red hot.

I have never had any problems with glass cracking or fatiguing due to handling, except one instance, where the glass cracked because the tube was shoved into the socket incorrectly.

Another common thing to look out for is dry joints if the amp is assembled in a more traditional manner i.e. no pc boards. I have never worked on Peavy amps but the techniques should be the same regardless.

EDIT: I got the schematic for this amp. Seems there could be a number of things that could cause this. Could you send me a photo of the amp insides so I can make sure I have the right schematic?

Tauriq

Thanks for the help guys ?
Gearhead's quick fix seemed to do the trick and its back to normal. :?

Tamago

Cool beans