Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: LiamH on August 13, 2006, 08:19:57 PM

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: LiamH on August 13, 2006, 08:19:57 PM

I have a Laney LC15. I think it is a great little amp. However, I have one problem, the valves hang upside down and as such they have been fitted with a little retaining clip. A couple of the clips do not wrap snuggly around the valves and when I hit low notes they have started rattling like mad.  Laney's advice was to crimp them or buy new ones. My question is: do I need them at all. My amp does not move from my dining room and to me the valves are pretty snug and secure without the clips. Do you think it would be ok to remove all the clips?

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: 38thBeatle on August 13, 2006, 08:54:58 PM

I have a VC30 and I get the same rattle that you do. I have moved the retaining clips but it doesn't seem to make much difference.Other than that, great amps for the money.

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: Fourth Feline on August 13, 2006, 09:02:35 PM

Hi Liam,

I would remove the retaining clips. I have three amps where the valves hang upside down and do not have retainers on some or all of the valves and all have been fine.
As you said, the valve pins  are usually tightly held by the valve bases. The only minor exception I have is a little Peavey Classic 20 where I can sometimes knock the valves a bit when lifting the mains lead out of the back. Even there, it is simply a matter of checking all is well before switch on.

To re-assure you big time, I can confirm that my (mighty) Fender 'Twin' has always had the four power output valves hanging upside down AND has been gigged a lot. They never fell out or got loose.

Regards,

Derek.      :D

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: LiamH on August 13, 2006, 09:03:38 PM

they are great amps I agree. I am going to have a word with Watford Valves, seems to me those chaps know their onions.  Will report back if I get a solution.

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: LiamH on August 13, 2006, 09:04:49 PM

He he, Derek to the rescue. Thanks a lot. BEGONE DAMN RETAINING CLIPS !!!! :)

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: Fourth Feline on August 13, 2006, 09:06:37 PM

I agree on both points:

Laney make nice amps ( I have a LH50R head )

and

Derek at Watford valves knows his stuff.

 :D

Title: Valve Advice
Post by: WezV on August 14, 2006, 08:56:18 AM

I had a problem with a valve in my amp, it had a shoddy rectifier valve that buzzed with too much bass.  It didnt have clips so i knew it wasnt them doing it.  Quick change of the valve and all was sorted.