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Post by Merks on Dec 13, 2010 18:24:14 GMT -7
Greeting Z-Brothers. I have simply been enjoying my new to me Rt 66 so much I want to see what this bad-boy looks like inside. I have never pulled an amp apart to take a look inside and I am somewhat apprehensive. I have heard that one can be killed doing this as there is still plenty of voltage flowing through the circuit even though the amp has been unplugged. Are there some simple steps that I should do to avoid making my wife a widow and my children fatherless? Perhaps maybe just not do it? Seriously, I am nervous but very curious! Any suggestions for a complete novice? Thanks, Merks.
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Post by jb on Dec 13, 2010 20:29:46 GMT -7
You need to be careful, make sure the amp is unplugged and watch what you touch. To re bias your power tubes there are alternatives. I bought the Weber Bias Rite which seems to me to be a safe way to re bias the amp. (but who knows, I may just be lucky to be alive)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 23:10:48 GMT -7
Mereks,
Before you open the amp you can take some per-cations.
1. Start the amp. Just like normal. Power switch "on" stand-by "off". 2. Turn Power switch "off". Leave stand-by switch in the playing position. This will drain the filter caps which store those deadly voltages. Leave the switches in this position. 3. Unplug amp. Wait for a few minutes before proceeding to step. 4 and 5. 4. Remove four mount bolts from bottom of amp. 5. Carefully slide chassis from head cab without reaching inside chassis.
There is still potential for the filter caps to recharge themselves. Tubes will be hot also.
Be safe.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2010 23:17:08 GMT -7
You could also go here to see what it will look like inside your Route 66. It'll be a lot safer, too. www.proguitar.de/ProGuitarPreisliste/Amps/AmpPreisliste.htmlIn the menu on the left of the page you will see an option for DRZ Amps. Click on it and scroll down to the Route 66. Click on that and wah-la. Gut shots.
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Post by zdogma on Dec 14, 2010 6:16:46 GMT -7
If you follow the safe discharge procedure above, and keep your hands out of the amp (except the bias pot, which you may need to adjust when you change your KT66's) you should be find. I use a small non conductive screwdriver to adjust the bias pot with a bias rite and I've never had a shock from my Route 66.
I have had bad two zaps over the years, one was working on a tweed deluxe when I touched a live wire with my hand rested on the edge of the chassis. The other was using an old tweed bassman (with the chassis closed) It had a two pronged cord, i switched it on while touching something on my pedalboard, arced right through me, burned my right hand and knocked me on my butt. Still not quite sure what was wrong with that one, but I had all my amps changed over to three pronged cords after.
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Post by Merks on Dec 14, 2010 12:58:35 GMT -7
Thanks for the feedback gentleman. I do not need to bias it as it was re-tubed and biased before I received it; and to my ears it sounds fine. I just have always wanted to have a look see inside. I am leaning toward looking at the pics in the above link and the next time I need to have it re-tubed I will ask the tech to let me take a good look. BUT, I may still give it a go. Thanks again, Merks
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2010 14:01:19 GMT -7
Merks, you are welcome
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Post by miroslav on Dec 18, 2010 19:49:31 GMT -7
Saftey being of prime importance when dealing with electronics... ...there's not a single piece of gear I haven't opened up when first getting it...usually before I even power it up for the first time! There's just something about all the electronic components...and wanting/needing to look under the hood! I think everyone should...because it really does provide a certain amount of added knowledge that can come in handy at times...not to mention...it's neat to just check out the craftsmanship. Z-amps are especially purrrrrrdy inside.
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Post by Merks on Dec 19, 2010 11:06:59 GMT -7
Yea, I know it is just a matter of time before I open it up but I am still having just to much fun playing it right now. I am seriously considering putting my single coil back in the bridge (a Duncan little 59 occupies the space now) because this thing has such a cool fat roundness to it. But I do love to switch from single coil to H.B. for extra push when playing lead. I am not a pedal guy but this thing just may cause me to rethink that because it really does absorb the pedal into the circuit. Very cool and satisfying sound. Got to get a head switcher to run with my Cornford MK50 head (a monster of an amp)! Merks
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