Amp needs some attention

[Chris Shaeffer]

Well, the old Peavy Classic Chorus 212 (which I bought when I was 14) is finally starting to die. As much as I'd like to just let it go... money for a better amp isn't in the budget at the moment.

Seems like it might be a simple fix but me-sa knows-a nuttin' butten da amps.

Here's what its doing.

Its got a very loud, squeaky noise- like air leaking - thats the same out of both speakers. Volume controls have no effect on it. Neither does changing the ground polarity switch.

To me it sounds like some electrical contacts that need cleaning. What else should I be thinking about?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[badgas]

I'm not very familiar with the Peavey line.
Don't know, it could be a tube, capacitor, something like that.
Amps need a bit of maintence just like guits, cars, puters.
Take it to a shop, they can make it just like new.
Be cheaper than a new or used one.

 

[Major Tom]

If the volume doesn't affect it, you can rule out a bad input jack. As far as switch contacts, have you tried toggling any switches such as gain or bright switches? If its a tube amp, you could try changing out the tubes; try tapping gently on each one to see if any are microphonic or if this has an effect on the symptom. If its solid state, or if replacing tubes does'nt fix, you more than likely have a bad component that will need a technician to troubleshoot. If you are "handy" with a soldering iron, take it apart and look for bad solder joints with a magnifying glass, especially on the larger, heavier components. The weight of the larger components tends to break solder joints over a period of time; each time the amp is set down or moved or rides in a car the inertia of the component puts stress on the solder joint. I have fixed a lot of electronic devices over the years (including a couple amps) that had this problem. Usually this condition will result in an intermittant problem, it may disappear or lessen if you shake the amp, or put it on its back or stand on your head with your tongue held a certain way, and will gradually worsen over time.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Quickest darn fix you ever saw!

Well, Major Tom, I ran with the idea of loose compenents (since its a solid state amp) and set it on its side.

A couple of brisk thumps later and she's all quiet. I doubt that'll last another 14 years, but long enough that I can start saving for the amp I wanted a year after I bought this one.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Major Tom]

Guess instead of that long post i should have said "give it a good swift kick"...