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Someone brought this in to see if we could fix it. The amp is squealing. Yes, a common problem. Who knows what the circuit is or how it's been modified. We don't do charity work so we told the customer to get in touch with the person who made the amp. Why would someone build something, sell it, and not put their name in it? Seriously, take the pride in it, advertise. The customer likes the amp a lot and wants to get it fixed by the builder. He knows the amp was made in West Michigan, does anyone know who might have made it?
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Looks like a recycled tube PA amp chassis to me, but it could be a kit of some sort. At any rate...its just a vibro champ clone. It squeals, ok....use a scope to find the origin of the oscillation. Could be as simple as changing the lead dress. Easy fix....you don't need a schematic for this....The farmer takes a wife, the barber takes a pole.... -
Considering that it says "Fender Champ" right on the panel and it has tremolo, I'd think it's probably a Vibro-Champ clone!
Has it always had the squeal? The inputs are directly under the OT so I wouldn't be surprised if it always had the squeal (at least at the upper end of the volume range).
Did you try replacement 12AX7's, or even doing the "fingernail flick" to see if the tubes are microphonic?
Nice looking build, too bad the layout is screwed.
EDIT: Oops, sorry for the cross post Gtr_TechComment
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Why anyone would place the output tube between the preamp and driver is a real puzzler. Nice components there too. Could be a kit or a very small shop build. The chassis graphics are too nice for the average home builder.Originally posted by Jag View PostComment
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I think that's the tube for the tremolo between the output tube and rectifier.
The graphics look like they are just standard Brother Labelmaker labels, doesn't really take much effort.
If I were guessing, I'd say the builder was fairly new and got caught up with using great components and a nice semi-pro look but didn't really understand the importance of layout. You can kind of get away with it on a low power amp if you don't crank it, I guess.Comment
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The idea is that the guy wants to take it to the original builder. We could fix the amp but we don't waste our time on one off pieces, doesn't pay the bills. Does anybody have any idea who made it? Apparently the builder "makes" amps and sells them. Not sure who would buy them after seeing the wiring and layout but that doesn't matter.Comment
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Where did the owner get it from? Maybe someone at the Vibro Champ fan site has seen one before. Maybe you can post something over there.Comment
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Thanks, I'll check into it. I think the owner wants to get another one as well. Said it sounded great.Originally posted by 52 Bill View PostComment
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In the time you've wasted posting about this, you could've already had it repaired. There is no job "too small" when customers talk. Word of mouth is the best advertizing....The farmer takes a wife, the barber takes a pole....Comment
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+1.., what will you really lose in the long run but your reputation if you don't fix it?Originally posted by Gtr_tech View PostComment
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Wow. I used to pay $108 a month for an ad in the Yellow Pages. I pay to print up business cards and leave them at stores, etc etc. All that expense trying to attract new customers. But nothing generates more loyal customers than helping them when they need it. I look at the odd repairs as darn cheap promotion. I fix their Whatzit now and when they get a real amp later, it will be me they bring it to rather than the guy down the road.We could fix the amp but we don't waste our time on one off pieces, doesn't pay the bills.
Just my opinion, others may diasagree.
No, I don;t know who made that, there is no shortage of guys building little amps here in Michigan.Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.Comment
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