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Post by aaron285 on Sept 21, 2015 19:16:14 GMT -7
This is my first post so bear with me! Just this past April I bought a new Carmen Ghia 1x12 combo and had to replace the power tubes around mid June. Now for some reason the amp is acting up again very similar to when I replaced the EL84s the first time, except now when I turned the amp on I saw a sudden flash come from the back along with a nasty hum and popping noise. Originally the amp came with EHX EL84s, and Dr Z sent me JJ's to replace them. So I guess my question is, whats going on with this amp? It's not even a year old and I'm about to replace the tubes for a second time within 5 months? Also whats up with the flash? That didn't happen the first time...any advice helps!
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Post by jesslm02 on Sept 21, 2015 19:24:58 GMT -7
Just out of curiosity, how many hours have you put on the JJs and how hard do you push them? As for the flash... got me on that one.
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Post by aaron285 on Sept 21, 2015 19:59:28 GMT -7
I normally play 30 minutes a day and crank the Ghia to about 60-70% where it naturally breaks up. I realize that I'm pushing the amp pretty hard, but isn't that whats its made to do?!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2015 20:08:26 GMT -7
Was there a bad smell after the flash?
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Post by headshrinker (Marc) on Sept 21, 2015 20:10:23 GMT -7
The amp is made to take that, but with the state of today's tubes, the tubes themselves often aren't. You likely have tube failure. With 30 minutes a day for 5 months you have at least 75 hours on them. a little early to go, but not unheard of. I'd try a new set of the EL84s. The flash may have been the tube going. It also could have taken out something else when it went. I'd be sure and have some spare fuses on hand when I changed out the power tubes. I'd also turn the amp so I could see the tubes when I fired it up and played it for a bit once the new ones are in to make sure something wasn't brewing.
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Post by DRZ on Sept 22, 2015 3:41:49 GMT -7
The amp is made to take that, but with the state of today's tubes, the tubes themselves often aren't. You likely have tube failure. With 30 minutes a day for 5 months you have at least 75 hours on them. a little early to go, but not unheard of. I'd try a new set of the EL84s. The flash may have been the tube going. It also could have taken out something else when it went. I'd be sure and have some spare fuses on hand when I changed out the power tubes. I'd also turn the amp so I could see the tubes when I fired it up and played it for a bit once the new ones are in to make sure something wasn't brewing. I do concur with Marc. The Ghia is built for it but todays tubes are not. Try a new set of Matched, tested JJ EL-84's in a medium range and see what happens. If you still get the flash then possibly our amp has an issue, which you will need to send in for warranty repair. I fill a box each month with rejected tubes, and that doesn't include the failed tubes I replace in the field that I don't ask to be returned. BTW what is your S/N and were did you purchase the Ghia?
Z
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Post by aaron285 on Sept 22, 2015 5:44:07 GMT -7
Doc, I bought my Carmen Ghia at Guitar Riot in Cleveland and the Serial Number is Y-71951. I'm going to order a pair of JJ's today and hopefully see what happens this weekend.
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Post by digs57 on Sept 22, 2015 15:57:55 GMT -7
I would always include a new v1 with that...had as many issue w/that tube as well as bad power tubes...
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Post by jesslm02 on Sept 22, 2015 16:01:17 GMT -7
I would always include a new v1 with that...had as many issue w/that tube as bad power tubes... True. Any tube issues I have are preamp related most of the time. |
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Post by aaron285 on Sept 30, 2015 13:03:44 GMT -7
Just to put this post to a rest..I got a fresh pair of EL84s over the weekend...The Ghia is now in fine rocking condition. Thanks for the help fellas!!!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 30, 2015 13:27:54 GMT -7
Resolution post appreciated! Glad to hear you got it going.
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