Tube Problem?? Bad Cat Hot Cat 30

sgdnfan2002

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this seems like a newbie question, but I'd figure I'd ask..

Recently I bought a Bad Cat Hot Cat 30 head + matching 2x12 cab (used).. Anyway, today I tried it out, and I notice that the speakers sound like they are making a 'rattling' noise.. (a buzzing/rattly noise)

The only way I can describe it is when I strike chords and let them sustain for a little while.. the speakers sound like they are rattling .. they never used to do this. It's hard to put this in words..

I'm wondering if my tubes are on their way to dying, or what?? .. I did buy this second hand, so it is possible that the tubes might be on their way out.. How can I verify that I might have a bad tube?? (And does this sound like a power tube, or preamp tube issue?) I did try tapping lightly on the power tubes with a pencil with the amp turned on.. and heard a 'clinking' noise (god, I suck at putting sounds into words! ) -- is this normal?

Thanks!

-sgdnfan

ps: I did wind up picking up that Tonebone Switchbone -- awesome recommendation guys! Love how it has the mid/gain boost function as well!

Pacomc79

http://trentino.best.vwh.net/ - one of the best sites I've seen on tube amp maintenence.

It could be a number of things. it's very likely the tubes though

All Those Yesterdays

Pacomc79 wrote:

http://trentino.best.vwh.net/ - one of the best sites I've seen on tube amp maintenence.

It could be a number of things. it's very likely the tubes though

I've emailed him a couple times, with some questions, and he responded quickly and was very friendly.

Pacomc79

oh, and go talk to this guy, he's local, he's a bad ass and he can probably help.

http://www.londonpower.com/amps.htm


this is long but fantastic.

http://www.londonpower.com/faq.htm - Kevin O'Conner is brilliant and he's local.