twin amp red light

[JohnV]

Hello,I am a new member to this forum.I have a fender twin amp I bought new about two years ago.When the amp is first turned on it has a bright red light on the front panel but by the end of the gig its out.As the amp warms up it fades.Doesn't affect performance.Thanks-John

[Enzo]

Does it actually fade, or is it just not on after a while?

ANyway, unscrew the jewel from over the light and diddle the bulb with your finger. Is it electrically loose?

And warranty is warranty, the thing has five years of coverage. I know there are Fender authorized warranty repair places in Seattle. After two years, the bulb itself wouldn't be covered, but if the bulb is OK and the socket is not, the socket is covered. As would be any failed solder connections.

[JohnV]

I will try that.Don't want to take it down there ,may not see it for a few weeks but good to know its under warrenty.Hoping its something simple like just loose as you suggested.Thanks alot and will post when I get a chance to mess with it-John

[JohnV]

Removed the jewel and pushed the bulb around.Its not loose in the socket but does get brighter and goes dim as I move it.

[Don Moose]

Most likely a bad socket or badly-soldered socket.

[Alex R]

- worth getting it fixed as it can sometimes lead to a short across the heater winding & some further damage.

[JohnV]

I'll take it down there and get it fixed.Went solid state years ago because of tube amp maintenance.Was hoping new generation tech would have fixed the gremlins.I'm back with the tubes,can't beat that sound no matter how hard they try to copy it with pedals and whatever.Thanks for the help,this forum is a great resource-John

[Enzo]

Pull the little bulb, scuff the little solder ball on the end on something - piece of wood, a light swipe with a file, something - to make a fresh surface. And buff up the barrel of the bulb base with a Scotch brite or something. With power off, you can get a small screwdriver in there and wedge the side of the socket inwards a hair.

Those things ought to improve the bulb contact.

Also, the socket is sort of riveted together, a stack of various metal parts. SOmetimes that loses contact. Grab the terminals and give them a slight twist. That restores contact most of the time.

[JohnV]

Pulled the bulb,not easy pushed it down with my finger and gently grabbed it with needle nose and turned wheew didn't break it.Cleaned bulb solder tip and barrell with scotch bright and a shot of WD 40.Back together and its been on for a couple hours and still burning-no-(not a good choice of words) illuminating bright.You saved me a trip and a wait-Thanks John

[Alex R]

Enzo knows best, it's a law of life.

[Enzo]

I can fix anything but a broken heart.

[52 Bill]

I can fix anything but a broken heart.

I dunno, I've seen quite a few broken hearted amp owners leave here happy after a few sessions with Dr Enzo!

[Rick Erickson]

Pulled the bulb,not easy pushed it down with my finger and gently grabbed it with needle nose and turned wheew didn't break it.

Next time, try a short piece of 3/8" ID PVC tubing. Push it onto the bulb and then twist. It will come right out. Works for putting them back in too.

RE
Aviator Audio
Edmonds, WA
www.aviatoraudio.com
http://www.myspace.com/rick_erickson