Question:
Well, as I was playing today my Traynor's volume suddenly started losing volume gradually until I could barely hear it even with volume at 10. I'm trying to figure out what could cause this. My strong suspicion is that the tubes need to be changed (as I haven't changed them since I got the amp 2-2.5 years ago). Could that be the cause? Or could it be something else?
Answer:
That would be my guess that a tube went out.
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First thing I would do is pull each tube and put it back in a couple times. With the power off of course. Sometimes a pin doesn't make good connection, re-seating often will take care of it.
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It could really be a number of things. Do what the Major says, first. Then check your guitar and cable through another amp real fast to rule that out. Then try tube replacement.
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When my amp does that, it's usually the phase inverter preamp tube. The first time my amp did this, I troubleshot it by taking a known to be good preamp tube and systematically swapped it out with each preamp tube, one at a time, until my amp's volume "magically" reappeared.
You say you haven't changed any tubes in 2.5 years? If you play a fair amount, this could also be your power tubes burning out. If you turn your amp on and one or more of your power tubes are glowing a very fiery red (not dull orange or blue), then your power section is hurting. Since power tubes are basically like light bulbs as far as life goes, I usually change mine (the entire set) with a new matched pair every 400 hours of playing or so, which for me works out to be about once a year or so.
Nate
Answer:
Well, I haven't had much time to play recently, but when I have the sound hasn't been too bad. I made sure the tubes were nice and snug in there, but I still had the volume fade out once again, though it returned after 30 seconds or so and stayed at full volume. Despite the fact that i'm pretty sure it is working, I still think i'll go ahead and order some new tubes, as it has been 2+ years and I have no doubt that I have clocked well over 400 hours on that thing. That brings me to the next question - what is a good (and preferably cheaper) online place to order tubes? Also, i've been very happy with the stock tubes (Sovteks) so i'll likely stick with those, but i'm open to recommendations as to other brands.
Answer:
If Sovteks do the trick for you, go with those. They tend to be on the less expensive side of tubes, but I've done well with them in the past. Right now, I've got JJ/Tesla tubes in most of my preamp slots and ElectroHarmonix in the power slots.
Nate
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Update: The amp went completely dead, and the tubes weren't even lighting up, so I assume that they burned out. I actually ended up e-mailing Bob at EuroTubes and after a few e-mails I ordered the High-Gain set of JJs. It's here, i'm just waiting for tomorrow when the mailroom is open. I'll let you all know how it sounds once I get them in and actually find some time to give them a good test. (Might not be until late this week unfortunately...darn papers and tests)
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will the amp still turn on?
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Oh yeah. All the lights are on. The tubes just don't glow and I don't get any sound.
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gotcha...just making sure you didnt' blow a fuse.
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Were you starting to experience a deterioration in your tone before this started? My first thought was that it would be your tubes and most folks say it is good to change the power tubes at least once a year - 2.5 years is a long time. I've recently change out the Sovteks in my Traynor after about a year and a half, but I was also splitting time with the Fender Bandmaster, so it probably had a year's worth of playing on them. Mine started to get real noisy and started getting real muddy and unpleasant sounding. The cleans were also not as nice. Once I changed them out, it was back to normal.
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Well, I can't say i've noticed any real tone deterioration, but I haven't been listening for it. There has been a decent bit of noise, but I figured that it was caused by the flourescent lights and computer screens that surround my setup. The main sign was the fact that the volume level was fading and that the tubes were dimming. We'll see tomorrow though.
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Originally Posted by PianoMan Well, I can't say i've noticed any real tone deterioration, but I haven't been listening for it. There has been a decent bit of noise, but I figured that it was caused by the flourescent lights and computer screens that surround my setup. The main sign was the fact that the volume level was fading and that the tubes were dimming. We'll see tomorrow though. because tube degradation can be gradual, sometimes you never notice it. your ears just adjust to it slowly getting worse and worse.
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Thats what I figured.