Author Topic: Old amps - wear out and lose volume? (Read 2747 times)

Twinfan · « **on:** June 22, 2007, 09:08:47 AM »

I got the chance to crank one of my 100w Klipps at rehearsal last night - killer overdrive :twisted:

However, the volume wasn't really that loud even using Vintage 30s. I can get it much louder by using a booster pedal up front - not just more gain but significantly louder.

I'm guessing the amp's components have sagged/worn over the years of (ab)use and it's not as efficient as it used to be? And that boosting the front end with a pedal compensates for the signal loss as it goes through the amp?

sgmypod · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2007, 09:31:26 AM »

would get that serviced may be something small

Twinfan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2007, 09:56:18 AM »

My other Klipp head is exactly the same though - this is why I'm thinking it's an age thing...

sgmypod · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2007, 09:57:11 AM »

you have two..why doesn't that supprise me....still may be able to be fixed

Twinfan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2007, 10:00:06 AM »

I have three - two 100w heads and a 60w...

sgmypod · « **Reply #5 on:** June 22, 2007, 10:01:14 AM »

damn you must have a good job

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #6 on:** June 22, 2007, 10:10:55 AM »

I don't know about worn components, most caps/resistors in those old Laneys are perfectly ok - some amps just ain't that loud and it's natural for a booster to get them much louder (specially if it's the one I sent you, lmao) :lol:

Old/worn output valves will cause loss of volume/punch so it may be worth looking into that but I doubt all three amps are on the quiet side because of worn components.

:twisted:

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** June 22, 2007, 11:08:05 AM »

Cheers HTH - and yes, I was talking about your booster :twisted:

The 60w is very loud and is almost like a switch with the volume. The 100w are more progressive. I've had one of the heads checked when a valve seat went AWOL and they didn't say there was a problem with it.

Must just be a character thing I guess.

JamesHealey · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2007, 11:23:46 AM »

caps loose their balls after years of use it might be worth getting it all re-capped and serviced/tubed up...

It'll make a difference.

futuregun · « **Reply #9 on:** June 22, 2007, 11:44:24 AM »

ive got an original flextone form line6 ( yes boo and hiss all you want but im pooor :D ) and it used to be able to deliver decent(ish) crunch but now it is sevrely lackin.

i think a engl screamer is callin me as theres no point gettin that flextone fixed unless its you know "fixed" with a hammer and a gallon of deisel!!! :twisted:

dave_mc · « **Reply #10 on:** June 22, 2007, 12:03:52 PM »

^ :lol:

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #11 on:** June 22, 2007, 05:26:59 PM »

Quote from: JamesHealey

caps loose their balls after years of use it might be worth getting it all re-capped and serviced/tubed up...

It'll make a difference.

the electrolytic ones do - don't let some noob rip out all the caps in the main signal path and kill the amp's tone.

:twisted:

Twinfan · « **Reply #12 on:** June 22, 2007, 11:04:08 PM »

Don't worry matey - no-ones touching the amp until something breaks!