5150 issues

Put

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May 9, 2007
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Hey guys,
My 5150 isn't working as it should.
When I turn up post gain the low end doesn't seem to come up compared to the high's.
I thought this might have to do something with the tubes.
But, all tubes seem to be glowing equally bright.

Here's a

Note that the preamp tube to the far left seems to be rather dim, or not lit at all.
This is due the contrast of the camera and the magnificant shooting work, it is glowing like the rest.

Can anybody shine a light on this .............. hehehe
 
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it´s definately the fx loop. i´m having the same problem with mine. even the 6505 from my second guitarrist has this problem. his amp is not even 2 years old!
it´s the worst thing peavey has ever created. a shame that they haven´t changed this in so many years.
 
I would think it could be due to old power tubes - with frequent use an amp like this can chew through a set of power tubes in 10-12 months.

I don't see how a bad FX loop connection could thin out the tone dependent on volume; it'd just cut out altogether - unless I'm missing something? Usually a loss of low end is an indicator of worn power tubes.
 
Plug something into the FX loop, I had this problem with one of my old 5150s! Just put a patch cable in there and BOOM .. fixed :)

after you plugged the cable in, you probably could have pulled it out and been fine.

these amps are well known to have issues if/when the effects loop jacks get a build up of dust and grime. Usually just taking a cable and moving it in and out of the jack a few times can knock of the dust/grime and get it functioning back to normal. Putting contact cleaner in the jack and doing the cable rape thing is even better.

static buildup attracts the dirt and grime and the arcs it over the jack to complete the circuit. Since nothing is in the jack, it cuts sound. This issue isn't as common among people who often use their effects loops, so if you are a loop user, the issue could be something else...And, I'd agree that I'd start with the power tubes.

Generally preamp tubes last a loooooong time, theoretically not ever needing replaced if the amp doesn't see a lot of road use or moving around.
 
wow thanks guys,
bit late but I couldnt get to UM for a while.

But it almost sounds too good to be true!
When I get home I'm gonna try the amp with something in de fxloop.

In case of powertubes, If I had to replace them what should I put in there?
We´re all on this board so taste in guitarsound shouldn´t be a guess.
I have no clue what is in now, can't look now either.

But tnx ppl :p
 
The problem here is that every amp reacts differently, even hearing this clip, it is hard to say. The other BIG thing I noticed was also a lack of volume. Anyway a tech is the best way to go. As a tech, here is what I would do before cracking open the amp.

1. Run a cable from FX send to FX return. These tend to fail in ALL amps. The jacks are switching, which means when you plug a cable in, it lifts the contacts from connections on the other side. Those tend to warp, or get corroded over time. Plugging a jack in and out only cleans the part that touches the jack, you may knock some crud off the internal connection, and make it work again temporarily. But I would replace them. They are cheap and easy to do.

Typically with serial FX loops, the sound is completely cut out when this happens. But some FX loops, even advertised serial ones, still let some sound through. Or maybe just enough is getting through. Hard to say. But running a cable clears this issue up fast, rules out the tubes or any other problem.

2. Run another preamp into the FX return/poweramp, or go from another heads FX send to this heads FX return. This will tell you if it is a poweramp or preamp problem.

If you still get nothing, then it could be the PI (Phase Inverter) Tube, which I have seen go bad. Preamp tubes tend to not wear out in a long time, it doesn't mean they don't fail though. Poweramp tubes or a leaking cap or cold soldering or blown transformer are also possibilities. Change the PI tube, you can swap ones from the other positions to test if you don't have spares, since we are only caring about the power amp.

If this doesn't fix it, take it to a tech BEFORE replacing power amp tubes. It could be an internal problem to the amp that is blowing tubes. So your new set could blow right away. I have learned this the hard way :(

3. If it is a pre-amp problem. To be extra sure, try running the pre into another power amp (FX send to FX return) Take a new or known good 12AX7, and swap in and out the different positions and see if that does it. If it doesn't, then take it to a Tech. From here it could be a leaky cap, cold solder joint, switching/relay problems, input jack problems. All I have seen lead to thin sound, no volume problems.

For Noobs:

Tube glow doesn't mean shit as far as functionality. Well for the most part...

There are high voltages in the amps that are stored in the caps which can KILL YOU even if the amp is unplugged. So don't poke around unless you know what you are doing.

If you are using heads to test the Pre/Poweramp stuff, make sure each head still has a speaker or load connected!

Don't swap tubes while the amp is on.

Tubes are hot! Typically won't cause serious burns. A rag or papertowel is recommended. For computer tubes, you don't even want to finger oil on there. Not so much with amps, but I will wipe them down anyway.