JJ 10 Easy Wishes Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 I recently aquired a Fender De Ville vintage amp and would like to keep it alive as long as possible. Any tips from all you musical geniuses in this big wide world on how to make sure I don't blow valves (I don't even know if that's possible)and all that jazz would be wonderful, much like a new born lamb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeid Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 take care of it and it'll be fine. they are solid amps. they just need pretty much the same amount of care as a solid state amp!just remember to leave your amp on standby for a couple of minutes before and after each use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeC Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 A few tips...Always transport the amp upright if possible...Try not to bump it about too much...Let the valves warm up for a few minutes before making them work...If you transport it to a gig in cold and/or wet weather let it stand in the venue for a at least 20 minutes before powering it up.Ensure that the fuses fitted are rated correctly and are slow or quick blow where required (this is very important)Use the standby switch correctly at all times...let it warm up before switching standby on....and let it cool down before switching mains off.If the amp starts to blow output fuses it's a fair bet it needs valves...remember to replace the fuse with the correct one.Treat it with respect and care and it wil give you good service.Thats all I can think of at the moment.G... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Rocker Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 Pretty much agree with what G says. Also, let the valves cool down before moving it after a gig or what ever.I have a vintage Fender valve bass amp, and it's not given me a moments trouble...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundian Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 It could be difficult leaving the mains power on and not moving the amp until the valves cool down if you're a support band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeC Posted January 5, 2004 Report Share Posted January 5, 2004 Originally posted by soundian:It could be difficult leaving the mains power on and not moving the amp until the valves cool down if you're a support band. Hey.....you stick to what you know best.....trannies!!!!:O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundian Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Originally posted by GraemeC:Hey.....you stick to what you know best.....trannies!!!!:O It's only through you that I know how heavy Trannies can be! Can you wear the blue dress next time, you know it's my fave.I only said that cos I know I'll have a plethora of spotty faced guitar geeks refusing to take their valve amps off-stage 'til they've cooled down.( The amps, not the spotty faced guitar geeks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeC Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Originally posted by soundian:It's only through you that I know how heavy Trannies can be! Can you wear the blue dress next time, you know it's my fave.I only said that cos I know I'll have a plethora of spotty faced guitar geeks refusing to take their valve amps off-stage 'til they've cooled down.( The amps, not the spotty faced guitar geeks) I no longer dress in womens cloths....I now find total nudity far more rewarding.spotty faced guitar geeks should be forced to leave their amps off stage with a long cab lead...this would eliminate any problems with moving amps and turning up during the set.....G... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 i asked this question ages ago on harmony-central (big guitar forums) and the general idea was to let it warm up for 5 or so minutes before use, and afterwards there is no real need to leave it on standy or anything, just switch it off properly, but try and let the valves cool before moving iton stage, i try and get one quickly as the band before finish to switch it on and let it warm up (just jump on stage, flick the switch, then hop off again to let them clear away their stuff), then afterwards, switch it off as soon as you are done, then let it cool for as long as possible, ie, leave it till everything else is cleared away before taking it offenjoy your new ampDavid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Rocker Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Originally posted by soundian:It could be difficult leaving the mains power on and not moving the amp until the valves cool down if you're a support band. True. But forward planning...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundian Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Forward planning for changeovers involves getting the last bands equipment off-stage as quickly as possible so you can set up and check the next bands equipment. I'm afraid you valvie types are just going to have to live with that. Maybe find a place where you can rest it for a while so it's only moved once while hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraemeC Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Originally posted by soundian:Forward planning for changeovers involves getting the last bands equipment off-stage as quickly as possible so you can set up and check the next bands equipment. I'm afraid you valvie types are just going to have to live with that. Maybe find a place where you can rest it for a while so it's only moved once while hot. To be perfectly honest valve filements are not that fragile...10 seconds after the amp is powered down its safe to shift it...its just when they are white hot that its a problem....and the abuse they get on stage is far worse than a wee bump... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundian Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 Originally posted by GraemeC:To be perfectly honest valve filements are not that fragile...10 seconds after the amp is powered down its safe to shift it...its just when they are white hot that its a problem....and the abuse they get on stage is far worse than a wee bump... It's all good then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VEYDEN Posted January 12, 2004 Report Share Posted January 12, 2004 Ive never had probs with moving my laney valve head after about 20 secs of being switched off. and the valves in mine are well old and are requiring a change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.