| Author | Message | ||
| glocke
Junior Username: glocke Post Number: 49 Registered: 9-2002 |
I recently won a late 60's/early 70's ampeg B25 off of ebay and it looks like it may need some work...here are the issues: 1) No sound output. May be as simple as a tube replacement (tube all the way to the left does not light up, all the other ones appear fine). 2) Getting shocked. While testing it out, I used my series I, plugged in via the 1/4 inch mono jack and recieved a little bit of a shock. Switched to my fender jazz and this did not happen. Interestingly enough, this happened once before with a different ampeg B2 and a fretless elan. I am in lower bucks PA (close to philly), and would like to tkae it somewhere other than my local guitar ceneter to get it worked on. | ||
| keith_h
Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 88 Registered: 2-2005 |
I can't help you with a recommended repair shop however some basic things you should be able to do yourself if you can locate the tools. The first thing to do is locate a tube (valve) tester and test all of the tubes (valves). I would check with a local TV repair shop. Radio Shacks used to have them also but I'm guessing they don't in todays world. If you were closer I could dig mine out. While I would highly suspect a tube (valve) that does not have the filament glow, without knowing the tube (valve) type I would not guarantee that not seeing the filament is a problem. On some tubes (valves) they can be hard to see. If you do test the tubes (valves) yourself be sure to note where each tube (valve) goes in the chasis. I would also verify all fuses are ok and that the speaker/s work. If none of this resolved the problem then you are into schematics and electrical diagnosis, and unless you have worked with electronics recommend finding a repair shop. Keith | ||
| kungfusheriff
Advanced Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 324 Registered: 8-2003 |
First, can we all stop saying we 'won' something on eBay? We were willing to pay more money for an item than anyone else, period. Second, you bought a broken amp. Unless the seller described the item as "as-is" you should seek a refund, because there are plenty of B-25s in working order to be had. That said, Jess Oliver's company had a reputation as the premier bass amp company back then, so I doubt he would have allowed poor designs to hit production. Check the solder joints carefully. As Keith said, the second thing you should do is try swapping out the tubes for units you are confident are in working order, but only if they are correctly biased and sold as a set. Mis-matched tubes can cause damage, I'm told. I would hunt for tubes at radio and electronics trade shows...a number of years ago, my Dad, a radio fiend, found a set of NOS tubes for an Ampeg M-15 I then owned at a computer show for a few bucks. That set included several highly obscure tubes, items that usually trade at high price. Good luck. | ||
| gare
Advanced Member Username: gare Post Number: 215 Registered: 11-2003 |
I agree with the Sheriff about a refund. You may also want to checkout Eurotubes.com. I recently retubed one of my Mesa's. They'll sell you a matched set of tubes set up the way you wanted them , hi-gain etc. They're also very easy to deal with, prices are reasonable, and quick. I ordered on Thursday and had them in my hands Saturday. Good luck Gary | ||
| glocke
Junior Username: glocke Post Number: 50 Registered: 9-2002 |
thanks for the input..it was sold as is..it seemed like a good price at $200.00, other B25's around here are in the $400.00 and up range... | ||
| ctjim
New Username: ctjim Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2005 |
Greg, I own an older ampeg, mid 70's amp. While perusing the web found a reference to a shop in Lemoyne, PA. Downtown Sound. Supposed to "know" ampeg's, and have a supply of parts. For what its worth. Good Luck! | ||
| glocke
Member Username: glocke Post Number: 51 Registered: 9-2002 |
Just thought I would post an update. Turns out all it needed was a new tube..found a matched set of tubes for these (extras a buddy had) and it worked great...Still plan on having a tech look at it though.... thanks again for all the replies/ | ||
| keith_h
Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 99 Registered: 2-2005 |
Glad to here it was a simple repair and everything is working well now. Keith | ||
| godoze
Member Username: godoze Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2004 |
should you ever need any tech repair you should get in touch with Rob Martyn at dtownguitars. In doylestown... | ||
| glocke
Member Username: glocke Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2002 |
hey, dtown is right down the road from me....I didnt know that store was there... | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 391 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey glocke, You can always email Bob at Ampeg for a list of authorized shops. His email is service@slme.com Tell him Dino sent you Peace, Dino |
