[keirweir]

I had my Twin fixed about 2-3 months ago. It needed to be re-tubed (along with other replacements (resistors). I played a couple gigs and played with bands at least 10 times with no issues at all.

The last couple times I have played (gig and band jam) the 4 amp fuse has blown. The first time I attributed it to the power strip or whatever... The second time on stage mid gig I realized I couldn’t' hear my guitar, looked down and sure enough... The light on my Twin was off and the fuse was blown. I grabbed another fuse mid jam, put it in and it worked fine.
There are no other issues with this amp at all (no crackling, squeaking or any other red flags).

I know I am going to bring it to a tech (seeking out the best amp tech in the area -I think there is one in Watertown Mass). The issue is I have two gigs within the next couple weeks. I imagine that normally you’re looking at a 2-3 week timeframe on amp service. I plan on chancing it and bringing a bag of fuses but this is a recipe for tonal failure...

Anyone have any input on the fuse blowout?

[playingdead]

Tom at Aztech in Watertown is among the best in town. But he's not cheap, and he's always busy. Maybe if you explain-bribe ... you might get it quicker. I assume you're using a power conditioner. That fuse is telling you something. I'd be inclined to not f--- around too much with electricity, as a cheap fuse problem could turn into something more expensive (or painful) if you keep changing out the fuse, you know?

If the other tech wasn't any good, there could be a loose wire or something shorting out inside there.

[keirweir]

Tom at Aztech in Watertown is among the best in town. But he's not cheap, and he's always busy. Maybe if you explain-bribe ... you might get it quicker. I assume you're using a power conditioner. That fuse is telling you something. I'd be inclined to not f--- around too much with electricity, as a cheap fuse problem could turn into something more expensive (or painful) if you keep changing out the fuse, you know?

If the other tech wasn't any good, there could be a loose wire or something shorting out inside there.

Thanks Vic

I agree that continually replacing the fuse is could be lead me into a much larger problem. I have mixed feelings about the previous tech. I have talked to Tom at Aztech before and plan on giving him a call today to get some sort of time and possible money estimate. I am past hoping it gets fixed and want it fixed.

[strumminsix]

Since it sounds like your amp is well maintained I'd say it's likely an issue with your poweramp tubes. I'd try popping in another set.

[keirweir]

Since it sounds like your amp is well maintained I'd say it's likely an issue with your poweramp tubes. I'd try popping in another set.

hmmmm.. the tubes are literally brand new.

[jonarobb]

A new tube can go bad in 10 seconds. Unless you are running a quad of NOS GE Cleartops, i'd suspect you have a bad power tube pulling down the power section. Remember, the fuse is doing its job. Check your PM.....

[strumminsix]

Since it sounds like your amp is well maintained I'd say it's likely an issue with your poweramp tubes. I'd try popping in another set.

hmmmm.. the tubes are literally brand new.

No, they are used. it was removed from it's box, installed, and used.

I've had tubes go bad in less than 2 months.

[keirweir]

All great points...

I am waiting on that PM.

I am going to call the tech who fixed it a couple months ago to see what he says as well as talk to the best and brightest amp tech in town (closed Mondays...Booooo.)

[JonnyBoy]

That sucks, I'm sure its a pain in the ass. You know at least one thing, Its either pushing or pulling too much current. If it is not the conditioner/power strip/building then It would most likely be the tubes or transformers. You don't want that to happen too many times, since for at least a small amount of time your amp is surging above the current it can handle which can damage the smaller parts. If it is happening in different buildings and different sources of electricity it probably inside the amp, pulling the current too hard. It cn be a few things from what I understand, Filter caps, rectifiers, tubes, transformers. I have heard of using a "light bulb" limiter to help with keeping the current stable.

[mijknahs]

I've heard when the filter caps start to go bad (after many years), you will blow fuses but it sounds like this is a newer amp so that's not likely the problem.

[keirweir]

I've heard when the filter caps start to go bad (after many years), you will blow fuses but it sounds like this is a newer amp so that's not likely the problem.

Pretty sure its 2004

[mijknahs]

I've heard when the filter caps start to go bad (after many years), you will blow fuses but it sounds like this is a newer amp so that's not likely the problem.

Pretty sure its 2004

I was thinking more like 15+ years.

[myoung6923]

Turn on your amp for a few minutes and check that all 4 tubes are glowing about the same amount. After they are cool - pull them out one at a time and check to see if anything is visually wrong with them or if something is rattling around in there. A tube could still be bad even if it's not obvious though...

[keirweir]

Turn on your amp for a few minutes and check that all 4 tubes are glowing about the same amount. After they are cool - pull them out one at a time and check to see if anything is visually wrong with them or if something is rattling around in there. A tube could still be bad even if it's not obvious though...

Thanks Mike!
Stay tuned...

[jonarobb]

All great points...

I am waiting on that PM.

Hmmm....I thought I sent a PM to you on Monday.

Anyway, if you are in a pinch to have it ready for upcoming gigs, etc, and you feel comfortable pulling the chassis on your own, you can wrap it up in bubble wrap and ship it to me for eval and repair. if you feel you can't get it done promptly near you I will bump it up the list and get it back to you rather quickly.

Take care,

J
347.781.9733