Bought a used Mesa Lonestar, speaker rattling?

[walshb]

Hello! I'm new to this forum and I'm the proud owner of a (like new) used Lonestar. I received it today, and immediately noticed a rattling sound when playing low notes, even on the clean channel and at relatively low volumes. It's more noticeable as the note fades away, and *seems* to be coming right from the speaker itself. Otherwise, everything works and sounds great!
It has a Black Shadow MC-90 speaker. Is it possible a speaker can sound this good, and still be bad? Or is it most likely something else?
Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: I already tightened the speaker mounting nuts, it didn't make a difference.

 

[daveythomas]

Does it happen with the reverb both on and off?

 

[walshb]

Does it happen with the reverb both on and off?

I guess I haven't really tried it with the reverb turned off, but I did pull the reverb unit all the way out, setting it next to the amp, and the rattle was still there. (At first, I thought it might be coming from the reverb unit.)

 

[daveythomas]

try with the reverb off and let us know.

 

[walshb]

Ok, I turned the reverb off, and the rattle is still there, unfortunately.

 

[ylo]

This is a symptom of a rubbing voice coil.

You need to have the speaker reconed or replaced.

Weber VST and a few other places can do a recone probably for less than a new speaker.

 

[cnumb44]

Check to make sure it is fastened down correctly. Make sure the four screws are tight enough but not overly tight. I usually tighten until I feel the speaker engage the baffle and then turn about 1/2 turn more.

It might also be a tube or something on the chasis. When you play the low note, squat down behind the amp and when youhear the rattle lightly touch each tube and see if it goes away. I have had a couple of mechnical rattles in rectifier tubes.

 

[strumminsix]

Is it possible that it is a tube rattle?

 

[walshb]

I don't think it's tube rattle, it really sounds like it's coming right from the speaker itself. I tried tightening the mounting screws but it didn't make any difference.
Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions, looks like I'm in for a speaker reconing.

 

[chedgeco]

Remember that the Mesa warranty is transferrable. I would give them a call and find out if they can do anything for you.

Chris... 8)

 

[diamondschwin]

it sounds to me like there could be a small rip around the edge of the speaker cone. the low notes are replicated from the edge of the speaker more and could cause it to "flutter" more when you hit some low chords. This is just my thought because this happened to me in a 4 by 12 cab

 

[strumminsix]

Before a recone, I'd try the following:
1. running a different cab with it
2. popping in another speaker to test it out

I've seen some aweful chasis rattles in the past. I'm sure you are right but I'd really hate to see you work so hard on a resolution only to have diagnosed the wrong problem.

 

[walshb]

Before a recone, I'd try the following:
1. running a different cab with it
2. popping in another speaker to test it out

I've seen some aweful chasis rattles in the past. I'm sure you are right but I'd really hate to see you work so hard on a resolution only to have diagnosed the wrong problem.

Thanks, I'm definitely going to try a different speaker in there, just to make sure! I won't be able to do this until Saturday though.
I have a 12" Celestian, a different type, in another amp. It should at least narrow down the problem area.

 

[Kyle]

Have you tried putting your foot against the front of the amp, right at Mesa logo? Does the sound stop? Some of the cabs have a problem with the screw heads coming loose on the inside.

 

[walshb]

Have you tried putting your foot against the front of the amp, right at Mesa logo? Does the sound stop? Some of the cabs have a problem with the screw heads coming loose on the inside.

Really! I'll have to give that one a try also! Thanks!
Man, ya learn something new every day.....

 

[brianf]

It could be the speaker. Take a look at my photo. This was from a brand new Recto 2 x 12 cab. The bottom half of the cone was just flapping around. I can't believe this got through both Celestion and Mesa Q.C. Depts.!!!!!


brianf

 

[Kyle]

Here's a link to the original issue I was having.If your issue, diagnosis is the same, maybe this will help. Let me know if any other questions.


http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=298

 

[dank]

I had the exact same problem with my Lonestar Special. I tried everything, including consulting with Mesa Boogie's Tech support. Nothing worked. I then took it to an amp tech who is an Mesa authorized repairman. He removed the speaker and out fell a screw that had had found its way in during the assembly of the amp. That's all it was-a little screw!

 

[walshb]

Thanks again, everyone. The more I think about it, it really does sound like a loose screw or something, definitely 'mechanical' sounding. Just didn't see anywhere that there could BE a loose screw other than the speaker mounting bolts. I sure hope it's something that simple!
I'll let everyone know what I find out, but it won't be until Saturday since I'm "on the road" this week.

 

[Bloozman]

I had the exact same problem with my Lonestar Special. I tried everything, including consulting with Mesa Boogie's Tech support. Nothing worked. I then took it to an amp tech who is an Mesa authorized repairman. He removed the speaker and out fell a screw that had had found its way in during the assembly of the amp. That's all it was-a little screw!

Figures...Mesa's customer support is only concerned with getting rid of the customer doing as little as possible....Ive been thru hell with their tech support :evil: