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Alembic Club » Owning an Alembic » Troubleshooting » Archive through February 17, 2014 » F-2B Preamp repair or tune up, Recommendations? « Previous Next »

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sonic1
New
Username: sonic1

Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 12:06 pm:   Edit Post

Hi everyone. I just joined the club here. I have had a beloved F-2B preamp since 1981. It needs some TLC. I am in the Huntington Beach CA area. Can anyone recommend a reputable repair shop in my area. The output seems to have decreased, i.e, volume, and the tone isn't what it used to be. Don't think I have the ability to do much tech work on my own, but might be willing to take a shot. In any event, any recommendations, hopefully based on personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all very much! Sonic1
jbybj
Advanced Member
Username: jbybj

Post Number: 343
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 9:02 pm:   Edit Post

Tube swap? No technical skills required. If the tubes are 30 years old, they might be the culprits. If you need someone to look it over, there is only one choice, box it up and send it to Santa Rosa. Alembic service is the BEST, not the fastest, but the best.
elwoodblue
Senior Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 1306
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 10:53 pm:   Edit Post

also... see this post if you haven't already,
http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/16306.html?1107540904

good luck !
sonic1
New
Username: sonic1

Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Monday, November 14, 2011 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you guys very much for your help. Do you have any recommendations regarding specific tube brands? Again your assistance Is greatly appreciated!
gtrguy
Senior Member
Username: gtrguy

Post Number: 406
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - 7:10 pm:   Edit Post

JJ from eurotubes!! Good price, great sound.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1711
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 4:13 am:   Edit Post

Look here for Mica's post on preamp tubes.

Keith
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum

Post Number: 1075
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 1:20 pm:   Edit Post

I'll second Eurotubes. I've always had great dealings with them.
sonic1
New
Username: sonic1

Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post

It's fixed!, and all I had to do was clean he M output jack per the instructions indicated in the post that elwoodblue suggested. I also cleaned the inside of the jack with a brass gun cleaning brush (delicately) that another member suggested. Mica emailed several times regarding this issue and I cannot be more thankful. My 22 year old F-2B sounds like it did the day I bought it. It is amazing what a difference such a relatively small fix can make. No need to replace the tubes, they still sound great! My deepest appreciation to Mica, Alembic, and all the members who offered their help. Merry Christmas!
elwoodblue
Senior Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 1312
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, December 11, 2011 - 9:40 pm:   Edit Post

sweet!!
...probably time I did that too.
cheers :-)

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