Issues with my Fender Stage 160

[shaunman1979]

Hey guys, I found this site just randomly browsing the internet and I hope you can help. I have had my Stage 160 for 9-10 years. A few issues with it that I need help. First off the volume seems to be way out of wack. Could just be the design I know these amps are loud, but ever since the day I got this thing I cant take the volume nob past 2 with out it being just crazy loud and distorting. Is this normal? The new issue I am having, is that I will be playing and out of no where the amp will loose tone and the sound will be all distorted. Im not sure how to explain it exaclty but it is just not right. Any help will be very appreciated thanks,

Shaun.

[52 Bill]

Welcome to the board!

First off the volume seems to be way out of wack. Could just be the design I know these amps are loud, but ever since the day I got this thing I cant take the volume nob past 2 with out it being just crazy loud and distorting. Is this normal?

I don't think so, these amps are loud, but they usually play very clean. When you adjust the volume does it jump up at 2 and then not really increase much more or does it continue to increase in volume as you turn it up? The volume control on your amp is part of the feedback loop of an opamp gain stage, so if the pot has either broken the resistance trace or has come unsoldered from the board it could cause the symptoms that you describe.

The new issue I am having, is that I will be playing and out of no where the amp will loose tone and the sound will be all distorted. Im not sure how to explain it exaclty but it is just not right.

Does this symptom come and go? Try plugging in a guitar cable between the FX in and out jacks and see if it restores the signal. If you give the top of the amp a good whack can you cause it to either happen or clear up? (Be sure to turn down the reverb before doing this!)

Try these things and get back to us.

[shaunman1979]

Well when I turn up the vomume from about one-two it just jumps right up to loud. I mean loud enough to where I drown out everybody else. The volume will go up but it starts to squeal and isnt very pleasnt for anyone within a half mile radius. I have never tried hitting the amp when the other distorting problem occurs. Next time it does I will try that and see if it helps at all. Thanks for your input in all of this. I guess now its time to start looking for a good repair shop. Anyidea what this kind of repair can run?

[52 Bill]

I'd call your local Fender repair station and ask them what they charge for out-of warantee repairs. Also ask around and see if any of your friends have a place that they have their stuff worked on. I will venture a guess that this should take no more than an hour of bench time.