Gretsch amp static heard during peaks

[cjlectronics]

Hi everyone,
I have a small Gretsch amp ( I think the model is Electromatic) that crackles only when I play hard. If I play softly it sounds OK, but when I strum with intensity the amp crackles and static is heard. It has two 6973 output tubes and all the others are 12AX7 except for the Rectifier tube which is 5Y3.
These are the things I have done so far.
1. Change the 6973 tube sockets
2. Change the 12AX7 tube sockets
3. Replace the main multi-tapped filter cap.

Someone mentioned the 6973 could be causing this but I am stumped.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated,
CJ

[Enzo]

Tap on the tubes to see if they have issues inside.

Look through the amp for leaky caps in bypass or coupling applications.

Got a scope?

Ball up your fist and whack the top of the amp while it is running. Does this make the crackle? We want to determine if it is from high signal levels or from vibration due to the volume.

How old are those 6973s and why not change them?

[SlidePicker]

Yeah, that's often exactly what you hear when power tubes are crapping out.

[cjlectronics]

That's exactly what the problem was...I replaced the 6973 output tubes and this little amp sounds sweet!

Thanks for all of the assistance,
CJL

[SlidePicker]

Glad you got it sorted.