Author Topic: Reasonably priced JCM900-alikes? (Read 9673 times)

LazyNinja · « **Reply #30 on:** November 16, 2007, 10:52:49 PM »

Do you have a POD? Or a GT8 or similar multi effect unit with its own FX loop? You can make the GH50L into a 2ch amp by using the loops to use the multi's preamp for cleans and the GH50L's own sound for gain. I've never done this because there was no need with my VH100R but it seems like a very good idea.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #31 on:** November 18, 2007, 12:35:15 AM »

Nah, I'm a stompboxes guy myself - I figure I can use my volume pedal to create a 2 channel sort of. It's only gonna be backup.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #32 on:** December 13, 2007, 04:07:31 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Sounds like a dodgy valve base to me. Easy and cheap fix that the shop should do for.

Failing that, take it to Gee Electronics. They're in your neck of the woods and know valve amps.

Mate, you were SO right.

I dropped my amp in monday, they've rung me back tonight and told me one of the resistors (or something) that regulates the power delivery to the tube that keeps blowing is knackered and the amp needs to be stripped down, serviced, replace the part and the tube. Might have it back tomorrow, gonna be 65-80 quid.

Thanks so much for the recommendation, I have a gig on the 28th and I NEED my amp 100% by then, looking very realistic. 8)

JamesHealey · « **Reply #33 on:** December 14, 2007, 09:50:24 AM »

I've biased amps using many different methods, shunt, resistor and a bias probe.. I must admit I've had a shock a few times and they're most deffinatly not pleasant, im probably very lucky to be alive.

I've had 3 major shocks from valve amps and I've been blown across the room on one occasion, stuck to the amp unable to let go at one point recieving a whooping 500v.. luckily I was only holding it with one hand and I had some pretty nasty nerve damage, my hand was a shaking wreck for weeks still feels odd even now and this is a year later.

I would advise you know what your doing before modding or biasing an amp, I know what im doing and even i've screwed up a few times. Is it really worth the hassle?

Get a Pro to do it.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #34 on:** December 14, 2007, 10:37:29 AM »

Quote from: JamesHealey

I've biased amps using many different methods, shunt, resistor and a bias probe.. I must admit I've had a shock a few times and they're most deffinatly not pleasant, im probably very lucky to be alive.

I've had 3 major shocks from valve amps and I've been blown across the room on one occasion, stuck to the amp unable to let go at one point recieving a whooping 500v.. luckily I was only holding it with one hand and I had some pretty nasty nerve damage, my hand was a shaking wreck for weeks still feels odd even now and this is a year later.

I would advise you know what your doing before modding or biasing an amp, I know what im doing and even i've screwed up a few times. Is it really worth the hassle?

Get a Pro to do it.

All that shiz is the exact reason why I won't touch anything inside my amp. :D

LazyNinja · « **Reply #35 on:** December 14, 2007, 11:56:02 AM »

James, how did you get shocked and were you taking suitable precautions? When I bias I work with the principle of keeping one hand out of the amp at all times and also use insulated screwdrivers.

How do you get blown across the room by the way? Do your muscles just spasm and make you jump off or did it cause an explosion? Just out of interest.