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Fender Deluxe Reverb '68 reissue problems (howling noise)

workleg

New member
Joined
Aug 8, 2019
Messages
1
Hi all. I've had this problem with my Fender Reverb Deluxe 68 reissue, which
I'll try to describe to the best of my ability.
This happens intermittently once the amp warms up and also keeps getting louder
and quieter intermittently. It's a static kind of noise which does not depend on the volume knob
(sounds like when wind blows into a microphone) and sometimes
the sound of the guitar degrades noticeable. Note that if I hit the amp with
hand, the problem sometimes stops and all is good again.
The problem seems to have to do with the second/vintage channel. If I pull V2 tube
(and leave the V1 in), the problem never comes back (while I play on channel 1 obviously), which
makes me rule out the channel 1 circuit and the power stage (is the power stage shared among
the two channels?)
So far I've tried swapping all tubes, but the problem persists.
A reliable way to reproduce the problem is to pull the guitar cable in and out
of the amp slowly, this triggers pops in the input which likely aggravates the problem.


As the next step in my troubleshooting, I am considering taking apart the amp
and reflowing all solder joints to make sure I don't have a cold
solder joint.
Also, what may be some of the components that could be causing similar issues? I
can try replacing them preemptively.


The amp is still under warranty, so I'd like not to void it with anything that I
do as it can be my last resort to fix it. (but I'd rather fix it myself)


Thank you
 

sonar

New member
Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
3,589
The amp is still under warranty, so I'd like not to void it with anything that I
do as it can be my last resort to fix it.

There you go.

Take advantage of the warranty while you have it.
 

J T

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,501
Agreed. Leave it alone. Just bring it back. If they can't fix it, ask for another one.
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
If it's under warranty take it back. Most likely the amp has a bad cap in the signal path or an issue in the Reverb circuit. Try unplugging the Reverb cables and see if that fixes it.
Such a shame as all the parts and transformers are all Chinese made so it's a guess as to which actual part is the issue.. I could tell you if it was in my shop..
 

BurstWurst

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Messages
568
I concur on checking the reverb cables. I had a similar issue with my 65 RI. The ground "ears" on the RCA cable to the reverb tank were spread too wide and not making contact. All good after bending them inward slightly.
 
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