nomad 55 tube problems?

The Boogie Board

Help Support The Boogie Board:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

killtimdead

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
ok im new around here and just bought my first mesa nomad yesterday ...however i noticed only one 6L6 tube will glow blue the other one does not i tried switching them...its almost like the socket isnt working this amp is really loud though is this normal ..some please drop a line thanks
 
Pull out the tube that glows and try with just the other one. The amp can work with just one tube....won't hurt the amp to try this but then if there is no sound at all, the tube may be bad. Or possibly the socket has a problem...try that same tube in the other socket to be sure.

However, some tubes display more of a blue glow than others...it's just some remaining gas in the tube (there is never a 100% perfect vacuum).

If you have el34's, no harm trying them, but it's a different sound. If you notice the same symptons, could then be a problem with that socket.

Good luck! :D
 
thanks shred....ive wanted a mesa for about 10 years and i finally got one...i did what you said and both tubes glow blue in that one socket but none in the other socket.anyone else have this problem with a socket or how to diagnose......by the way im new whats up everyone......any links on this site that might help been searching for hours
 
OK now that you know it's the socket, It is likely something relatively simple and inexpensive.
A common problem with some model Mesa's (and other amps, too, for that matter) is a burnt or otherwise disconnected screen resistor. When there is no voltage on the screen, the tube will run at much lower current (power). This reduces the blue glow, but some sound still comes through. So.....next question.....

Is there no sound? :?:

If not, it's another problem related to that socket, but not too likely to be very expensive. Worst case is an Output Transformer issue, and that is really not likely at all so don't loose sleep over it....wires corrode and break....components fail that won't cost much to fix.
Get it to reputable tech and it can usually be fixed for minimal cost. (A resistor may be 50 cents!).
Labor is the main cost, and you may wish to call around to see what various shops charge for minimum labor. Some may want an hour minimum, but some will charge by 15 or 30 minute increments.

Either way it's a good amp (I have 2 friends that have Nomads and they are nice) so it's worth fixing and then you will have something to be proud of. :mrgreen:

As always, Good luck! :D
 
theres diff sound....not bad at a low volume...however if i pull the suspect tube out completely there is no difference in volume....but if i pull the blue one out and leave the suspect one in its dead.btw thank you for your posts
 
well i had a tech check it out and it was a plate resitstor and the muddy mod made it sound sweet
 
Back
Top