Recent content by ranjam

  1. ranjam

    Determining Fender Bassman Circuit

    I wouldn't worry. Just look at the bias potentiometer. If it looks like a bias 'balance' control, it's a terrible idea, and that's all you need to do. Your 'client' will thank you. Make it like any blackface bias circuit. You'll need one 220K resistor, and a small piece of wire. Well, sometimes...
  2. ranjam

    6BA6 compressor (this is totally a proof of concept only)

    I'm not that good, but it looks like a lot of gain, and some noise will come along for the ride. You go through a 1:2 transformer on to a triode gain stage with a gain of 100K/1K5 (depending on the mu of the tube). Now again, I'm only smart enough to be dangerous, but the 6BA6 is a remote...
  3. ranjam

    Are Amps With Printed Boards Harder To Fix?

    What I noticed the most is that his playing sped up. Maybe new caps make you play faster? ;) The sound was practically identical. I heard no objectionable hum, noise, or blocking distortion ('farting'). Maybe playing clean shows more of a difference? But from the before to the after, the tone...
  4. ranjam

    Are Amps With Printed Boards Harder To Fix?

    Not completely true. A capacitor that 'doesn't work' stops blocking DC (for coupling capacitors) or doesn't filter (for filter capacitors). For a coupling capacitor, if it's leaky you get a little DC passing through. This throws off the bias on preamp tubes, and you can get distortion or...
  5. ranjam

    Are Amps With Printed Boards Harder To Fix?

    Bad 6L6, or the bias is way off. A weird thing I've seen a few times; it can be hardware rattle. Tighten everything on the amp, and try again. Then it's the 6L6 problem. Russian 6L6's can be problematic, and inconsistent.
  6. ranjam

    Looking for some lead guitar for a bluesy/rockabilly track.

    I'm a huge fan of the kompoz site. You'll get more tracks uploaded than you'll know what to do with.
  7. ranjam

    Are Amps With Printed Boards Harder To Fix?

    It won't be capacitors. Wannabe toob technicians always get a massive erection at the thought of charging $$$ to do a cap job, and those caps rarely go. It'll be a plate load resistor; start with the phase inverter and work your way back to the input stage. If you had to test the capacitors...
  8. ranjam

    pedal questions

    The delay side of the equation I have no idea. I've been using a BBE Two Timer, and it works well, but a little limited, and no tap tempo. For overdrive, if money is no object, an Analog Man KOT might be the last overdrive you buy. Seriously. If you like TC, the Nova Drive is something to try...
  9. ranjam

    tuning telecaster

    Use the 9.5" gauge, and Bob's yer Uncle.
  10. ranjam

    1950s Harmony 8418 tube amp rebuild

    I'd Variac it up slowly, noting the current draw. A Champ fuse is what, 2A? If you see that at a 60VAC input or even an 80VAC input, you got problems. You can do it with the tubes out, and then again with the tubes in. If the amp makes a horrible 120Hz buzz, the filters are dried out. But you...
  11. ranjam

    1950s Harmony 8418 tube amp rebuild

    You could use a Champ schematic, or a Les Paul Junior schematic as a reference, and it won't be too different. You know the 20uF is the Plate filter, and the 10uF is the Screen grid filter. The 50uF is the 6V6 Cathode bypass capacitor.
  12. ranjam

    What is the reason for the detachable power cords on amps?

    You can buy IEC cords with a 90° angle; And I've always theorized it is something to do so you get away with a cheaper UL or CSA approval. Ditto for anything that does not have an internal power supply, and I've seen mixers, dbx compressors, and other gear do this. Cheaper to make, cheaper to...
  13. ranjam

    Repair Your Nuts

    I've used it, and it does last. I did it on a bass, and that nut is still going three years later. So wound strings work, too.
  14. ranjam

    Bill Lawrence, RIP

    Quickly, without looking it up, which Bill Lawrence passed away?
  15. ranjam

    Distortion/Overdrive pedals: That Mesa Boogie Sound

    Боже мой! :eek: :eek: :eek:
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