Problems after complete retube

[zeroeffect]

This is from another thread...but figured it may need it's own:

Alright...installed all new JJ (low gain V1 set) tubes in my DC-5 today. First thing that happened was my fuse blew (within about 5 min). I called Eurotubes...they were pretty helpful. They instructed me to inspect the tubes. Even though I did that before I installed them...I inspected them again anyway...seemed fine. Eurotubes also mentioned that it's possible that my fuse, over some time, may have gotten used to carrying a lighter load, and when I put all new tubes in, the fuse said "WOOOAHHHH!" This sounds feasible to me. Off to Radio Shack I went...new fuse installed, working good so far, but...my FX Loop has basically no power. What I mean is, all the effects running through it (Delay, Chorus, and Boss RC-2) are barely audible. That wasn't the case yesterday with the old tubes...what the Hell is going on?


AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[stokes]

Your fuse got "used to carrying a lighter load"???? I cant believe someone with their rep would tell you some crap like that.Fuses dont "change" over time,they work till they are overloaded.If a fuse is rated for 2 amps,the "load" has no affect till it goes over 2 amps ...period.They dont "get used" to anything.Get your amp looked at, a fuse doesnt blow for no reason,and if the amp isnt working like it was before the new tubes,it is very likely a bad tube is the culprit.

 

[fluff191]

Its a fickle power tube. I had one, also a JJ. It eventually blew.

 

[zeroeffect]

For my first set of JJ's, this is not good. I've heard that these tubes are really good in Boogies. Is it like a 0.5% chance of getting a bad tube on my first order? That would be my luck. I guess I'll be calling them again today.

 

[zeroeffect]

Okay. After trouble-shooting all tubes, the FX loop problem does not go away. I took a good pre-amp tube and swapped it with the new tubes one at a time. No changes. Then, I replaced all new tubes with the old tubes...problem still remains. :? Before the fuse blew, FX Loop worked fine, after the fuse blew, FX Loop is anything but fine. My guess is that whatever caused the fuse to blow...fried something first.

Am I missing anything here? I've about had it with this Boogie. Why are they so great again? I've had problems with this amp since the first week I bought it (new in 1990). I just lied to myself and said it's a Boogie...so it's cool. **** Boogies!


So frustrated.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Take a deep breath..... now take your amp to a GOOD tech and get it straightened out once and for all. It sounds like it needs some TLC.

The only time i've blown a fuse in an amp is when a power tube died. Replaced the tube and all was well. Sounds like you aren't as lucky.

 

[jeff5150]

Take all your power tubes out,then turn amp on,if the fuse dosn't blow then it,s a bad tube.

 

[thunda1216]

My heartbreaker uses a 12ax7 to power the effects loop. A bad tube here may be the cause of your low effects output if your amp also does this.

A bad rectifier tube can cause the fuse to blow (learned this one way back - the tube would light up like normal, but after a brief period of time, would short out inside and blow the fuse).

ty

 

[stokes]

Sounds more like the problem is with the effects loop circuit,which includes solid state circuitry in that amp.I believe that amp has a tube for the out side of the loop,but the input side is solid state.This is just a guess but it is possible whatever blew the fuse in the first place is now "open" and that is why your fuse isnt blowing but you've lost the effects loop.How is the amp with no effects connected?

 

[zeroeffect]

How is the amp with no effects connected?

It's hard to say. It's definitely different, but I don't know if it's just different because of the new tubes (probably the case), or something is up. This is the first time I've used tubes other than Mesa tubes...so the sound is brighter, more mid-range, and slightly less ballsy. But, I did buy the JJ "V1 Low Gain" set and they seem like their description. So things are probably fine other than the FX Loop. When I play low power chords (like F or F#), the power does seem to be a little weak...but again, I'm used to Mesa tubes and have been hearing them almost 20 years. There are things I like about this new sound, and things I don't like. Maybe I just don't like the low gain...but I do like the pronounced mids and highs, as this amp has tended to be a bit on the low muddy side.

 

[stokes]

I would have the amp looked at about the effects loop issue.You would definately benefit from a cap job as well,if they are still the originals.Would tighten up that bass a lot,and fix that "less ballsy" thing too.