Xcaliber
New member
About a year ago I bought a tube amp from a local music store. This is the first tube amp I've ever owned as I've always had solid state practice amps. The other day I put the amp on an amp stand (I play at very low volumes and it helps if I angle the amp towards me). I noticed that the amps volume was much lower than usual and the sound was somewhat "muffled". I took it off the stand and turned it back on, but then I bumped the amp and I noticed that the volume came back and it sounded normal. I tapped on the top of the amp and it cut out again. Tapping it again a few times made the sound come back. I've done some Google searches and some posts pointed to a bad tube, but others said it could be a loose or faulty wire as well. I don't want to take it in for "service" if I don't have to and I don't want to buy new tubes if I don't have to.
I should also point out that the amp was sold as new, but I think it's either gently used or was "borrowed" from the store. I didn't noticed or suspect that until recently, but it could explain why a 1 year old amp needs a tube replacement already.
Any help/insight you can give me into figuring out what's wrong before spending money would be greatly appreciated.
I should also point out that the amp was sold as new, but I think it's either gently used or was "borrowed" from the store. I didn't noticed or suspect that until recently, but it could explain why a 1 year old amp needs a tube replacement already.
Any help/insight you can give me into figuring out what's wrong before spending money would be greatly appreciated.