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Topic: Amp storage |
Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 4 Aug 2006 4:04 pm |
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| What effect if any does storing an amp have on it? If there is any,is it different between a tube amp or a solid state? |
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Blake Hawkins
From:
Florida
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Posted 4 Aug 2006 10:51 pm
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Harold, there are several things which affect
an amp in storage. If it is stored in an attic where the temperatures are high or if it is stored in a basement or shed where there is moisture.
Also the length of time in which it is stored.
Of course parts can rust.
Electrically, the tubular capacitors will age and develop leakage if they are the older paper and wax types. Newer mylar film
caps may not be affected at all.
Sockets and connectors can corrode, pots can become noisy.
The electrolytic capacitors used in the power supply and filter circuits can
"lose their form" and develop electrical leakage. If not brought up slowly to their rated voltage they may go completely bad after a short while of operation.
Transformers may go bad if there is moisture or extremes in temperature over a long period of time.
If not protected, the speaker can be damaged by insects or rodents. Heat and humidity may also damage it.
If you have to store an amp, pack it well
and keep it in an environment that would be comfortable to you.
Those are a few things, I'm sure others will chime in with whatever I've missed.
Blake |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2006 2:23 pm
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Everything Blake said.
If stored, they have to be DRY and not subject to extreme temperatures.
but...
"Storing" amps is a really bad idea. They need a few hour's playing evry 6 months or so to keep the electrolytic capacitors from premature failure. I have a lot of amps, not all studio or stage used, but I rotate through all of them to keep them "fresh". It's more critical with tube amps that have big filter caps, but SS amps should be played as well. Also, funny things happen to speakers that are not played for long periods of time. Voice coils can sag, and they can blow if not kept "loose".
Hope that helps - |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 5 Aug 2006 6:39 pm
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| Jim is right - storing an amp can lead to mechanical problems, and also cosmetic problems. I had a friend store a '59 Bassman tweeed reissue in a supposedly dry basement. The mildew turned the tweed black after about 2 months. It was a sin to behold. And it happened so gradually that he never really noticed until it was too late. I don't think anything short of vacuum-packing that amp would have prevented the mildew from eating away at the tolex. |
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Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2006 7:58 am
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| Blake, Jim, Chris, thanks for the replies. I don't own alot of amps , but I do have a couple and a rack amp as well as a PA head. I power each of them up every so often but it is easy stick with a favorite and leave the others for a time. I got to thinking I might clean out the music room and move some of this stuff,along with speakers to another room and leave it for awhile. Once it is out of sight, out of mind, and I don't want to damage it because of inactivity. |
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