Help the newbie with an Encore 65, distorted

[Cutman]

Hey there gang. My name is Rob and I am a hobby guitarist. Self taught at 16 out of a John Denver song book (don't hold it against me... that's what had a chord chart in back). I am now more than twice 16.
About 10 years ago a guy offered to sell me an Encore 65 because he didn't like the way it sounded with his acoustic/electric. I paid $50. It has sat since. From the day I got it the sound was very distorted sounding. To this novice, it sounded like a blown speaker. I checked that and the speaker is in really good shape. No matter what adjustment I make on the controls it still sounds distorted. I am trying to get it into shape for playing around the house with my son (who recently decided he wanted to play). I am mechanical but know nothing about tube amps. Hoping you guys might give me some advise.
Thanks,
Rob

[52 Bill]

Welcome to the board.

Have you ever tried checking the tubes? If the amp distorts no matter where the controls are set, I'd suggest that you check the power amp tubes first, and then the preamp tubes.

I know that other than substitution, there is no easy way for you to check the tubes. If you have another tube amp around with the same tubes that are in your amp, you could try swapping them to see what happens.

If you email Peavey they will send you a pdf of the schematic for your amp. This will be helpful for future reference.

[Cutman]

As mentioned, I am new to this and dare I show my newness even more by asking for good source to buy tubes. I think I should buy all new ones and rule that out. I do have some spares that came with it but don't know how to determine if they are good or bad. I know the ones that are in it glow, slightly, when turned on.
Thanks for the reply.
Rob

[52 Bill]

Buying new ones will solve that problem, but you may not need new tubes. That's up to you.

There are a number of online sources for tubes, and you could try your local music dealer, as they often stock the basic tubes used in guitar amps.

What tube types (numbers) are in your amp?

Edit: I found a schematic for this amp. 2-6L6GC, 1-12AT7 and 3-12AX7

Try plugging in your guitar to the power amp in jack. The sound will be weak, but is the sound clean or distorted?

[Enzo]

Right, what Bill suggests is the first thing I'd do also - plug into the powr amp jack.

[Cutman]

I will try that and get back to you... thanks guys. Please check back to see what I come up with. I need your help on this.
Take care.