shimmering

[Crikey]

I have noticed lately that when I strike a note or play a chord and let it sustain I get a type of shimmering or very fast tremolo type of sound happening on my roadster Clean channels, is probably happening as well on the heavier channels but less noticeable.. I swapped the 6L6 's over that I had spare, didn't change.
Is this a valve prob? if it is a valve on the way out would it be a power or pre amp valve?
The prob is not big enough to cause real concern but just wanted a bit of feedback about it.
Thanks.

 

[Charles Reeder]

Hello:

I may be way off base here because I don't know exactly what you are hearing or how intense it is. You did add that it was not a big concern so I'll hazard a guess.

The best tube amps; with good and properly biased tubes do often exhibit a 'shimmering swirl' to the sound. To me (in my amps) it almost sounds like the effect of a 'Leslie'; the rotating speaker used in Hammond organs. If this is what you are hearing it is not a matter of concern. It is a part of the sound that many seek tube amps for; and it is to be appreciated.

Regards: Charles

 

[sbalderrama]

you arn't playing in a room with a ceiling fan are you?

Seriously though, my ceiling fan causes a tremolol affect in my amps. Took me a while to figure out where that was coming from.

 

[Crikey]

you arn't playing in a room with a ceiling fan are you?

Seriously though, my ceiling fan causes a tremolol affect in my amps. Took me a while to figure out where that was coming from.

hahaha You created your own live in leslie room.
no mate, don't have a fan, it's funny because I didn't notice it early on (in my advanced years I find myself imagining things that may not be there), for eg it is really pronounced if I strike a top E hard.
You guys might be right on the money about it being a part of the valve thing but as I said it didn't seem to get to me earlier.
It's a bit annoying, making the sound too twangy.
Anyway i have emailed some valve dudes so will let you know the feed back.
They may say I need some time on a quiet farm somewhere.

 

[clutch71]

Tap your preamp tubes with your finger nail lighty. If any of them start to ring, this could be your problem. How old are your strings?

 

[Crikey]

Tap your preamp tubes with your finger nail lighty. If any of them start to ring, this could be your problem. How old are your strings?

The pre amp tubes are inside cans, should I take them off to tap the tubes?

It happens with all my guitars, all different aged strings.

 

[clutch71]

I tapped one in a Tremoverb through the can and it was bad. But it kind of makes sense to remove it since the spring is designed to take some of the vibration. At least that's my understanding.

Since it isn't that prominent, I'm sure its probably later in the chain. If it was V-1, I would assume it'd be more pronounced. If tapping doesn't identify the bad tube take a new 12AX7 and try it in each slot and see if it goes away.

 

[Crikey]

I tapped one in a Tremoverb through the can and it was bad. But it kind of makes sense to remove it since the spring is designed to take some of the vibration. At least that's my understanding.

Since it isn't that prominent, I'm sure its probably later in the chain. If it was V-1, I would assume it'd be more pronounced. If tapping doesn't identify the bad tube take a new 12AX7 and try it in each slot and see if it goes away.

Will do , thanks for the help.